Drivers with blood alcohol levels exceeding the regulated limits will face harsher penalties starting next month, according to the newly issued Government Decree 71.
According to the new rules, penalties for severe offences (with blood alcohol levels exceeding 0.08g/dl) will increase by 2.5-fold.
Intoxicated drivers will be subject to fines ranging from VND10-15 million ($481-$721), approximately half the average annual per capita income.
The penalties for motorbike drivers committing the same offence will be from VND2-3 million ($96-$144).
In addition to the tougher fines, all drivers and riders will also immediately have their licenses revoked and their vehicles confiscated for between 10 and 60 days.
The decree also stipulated that any motorcyclist with a blood alcohol level of over 0.05g/dl will have their vehicle impounded for 10 days, compared to the previous threshold of 0.08g/dl.
The World Health Organisation said that alcohol is a major cause of road injuries in Vietnam, with surveys estimating that more than 30% of road traffic fatalities and up to 60% of those hospitalised involve a driver with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.
According to the organisation, Decree No 71 will help address important road safety issues.
The WHO and the National Traffic Safety Committee have launched an awareness campaign on the dangers of drink driving, which will be broadcast on national television through the end of the year.
