29,000 drivers fined for drunk driving during Tet

The number of DUI violations accounted for 41.2% of traffic safety violations this Tet, the Traffic Police Department said Wednesday.

The localities with most alcohol violations were HCMC with over 2,500 cases, Hanoi nearly 1,200, southern Dong Nai Province over 1,000, and the northern Bac Giang Province 975.

Traffic police nationwide handled 71,400 violations and imposed total fines of over VND182 billion (US$7.42 million) during the holiday, and confiscated over 1,800 cars and more than 34,000 motorcycles.

Compared to the 2023 Lunar New Year, the number of fines increased by 220%, and the fine amount increased by 260%.

Over 16,700 cases were processed for speeding, nearly seven times higher than last year.

Police also detected 114 cases of drug-positive drivers.

There were 541 traffic accidents nationwide, resulting in 214 fatalities and 504 injuries.

Compared to the previous Tet holiday, the number of accidents increased by 83 cases, but fatalities decreased by 69, while injuries rose by 177.

The government and traffic authorities have enforced the DUI checks more rigorously than ever over the past few months.

Vietnamese law dictates that any amount of alcohol found in a person's system while driving will result in his or her losing their license for a period of time.

DUI penalties include a fine of up to VND40 million (US$1,640) and up to two-year license suspension, while those who cause accidents while intoxicated can face criminal charges.