Vietnam deputy PM says drunk drivers must be treated as criminals

Speaking at a national conference reviewing road safety in 2025 and setting priorities for 2026 on Jan. 6, the deputy PM said authorities should aim for 90% of road users, and ultimately 100%, to fully comply with alcohol bans while driving.

He acknowledged improvements in traffic safety but warned that accidents and congestion remain a major problem. While total crashes have fallen, the risk of deaths and property damage remains high. Vietnam continues to record one of the highest traffic accident rates in the region and globally.

He said the current inter-agency traffic safety framework remains largely advisory, with limited decision-making power and enforcement tools. Despite the mobilization of multiple forces, outcomes have yet to meet the public's basic expectation of being able to leave home and return safely.

Citing data showing traffic fatalities at "alarming levels," including some localities exceeding 14 to 15 deaths per 100,000 people, he described the figures as "heartbreaking" and called for immediate, concrete action rather than policy rhetoric.

Human behavior remains the decisive factor, he said, adding that driver training, testing and licensing must emphasize legal responsibility and safety awareness, not just technical driving skills. The Ministry of Public Security has been tasked with drafting reforms in this area.

The deputy prime minister also pointed to recent crashes linked to vehicle standards, inspections and modifications, calling on the Ministry of Construction to conduct a comprehensive review. He said existing standards and regulations remain insufficient and urged the development of clearer safety benchmarks for different types of roads, including defined speed limits.

According to the National Traffic Safety Committee, Vietnam currently has about 7.5 million cars and more than 79 million motorcycles. In 2025, the country recorded around 18,600 traffic accidents, killing over 10,490 people and injuring 12,300 others. Authorities handled 3.39 million traffic violations nationwide, collecting about VND6.85 trillion ($260.7 million) in fines.

Traffic police data shows road fatalities average more than 28 deaths per day, with most crashes occurring on national highways and local roads rather than expressways. Accidents peak during the late afternoon and nighttime hours.

Vietnam has enforced a zero-alcohol rule for all road users since 2020 under the Law on Prevention and Control of the Harmful Effects of Alcohol and Beer. The regulation bans anyone who has consumed alcohol from driving any vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, electric bikes, bicycles and pedicabs.

The rule reinforces the message "drink alcohol, do not drive." It replaced earlier regulations that allowed limited alcohol levels for some drivers. In mid-2024, lawmakers revisited the policy while debating the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety but ultimately voted to keep the absolute alcohol ban in place.

Drunk driving faces fines of up to VND40 million, and is only deemed a criminal offense when the driver causes accidents.