The deputy minister of Transport has proposed several amendments to the Decree 71 on road traffic violations and penalties.
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| The regulation about vehicle ownership will remain in the amended decree |
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| Substandard helmet wearers may not be subjected to punishments |
Deputy Minister Nguyen Hong Truong said drivers of passenger buses and lorries top the list in terms of the cause of serious accidents so they should be banned from driving if they cause accident.
Do Huy Trung, Deputy Head of Criminal Law Department of the NA's Office said, "We have to strictly deal with violators who cause traffic jams and harm lives and property. For example, we should punish to people who partake in illegal racing for the first time instead of just reprimanding them."
In addition, Trung showed his disagreement with the vehicle ownership regulation. "It's about civil rights, and those people won't be protected if they have to go to court or have their vehicle stolen."
However, Tran Son Ha, Vice Director of the Road and Railway Traffic Police Department maintained the opinion that regulation is necessary to limit some cases such as the trading of stolen goods or ignorance after causing deadly accidents. Ha said the Ministry of Public Security would outline detailed conditions for this regulation.
Strict punishment will also be introduced for people who use mobile phones while driving. Meanwhile, Trung said they should not punish customers for using substandard helmets but the producers and the market managers.
In regard to driving under the influence, representative from Vietnam Automobile Transportation Association said punishments should not vary based upon the levels of alcohol concentration so drivers would be more afraid.
Hoang The Lien, Deputy Minister of Justice and head of the appraisal council for Decree 71 agreed on the issue of substandard helmets and driving under influence.
Decree 71 will have effect from July 1 if it is approved by the government.