The Government has allowed Hanoi and HCM City to raise traffic fines from 40-200 percent over general levels in Vietnam, announced Deputy Minister of Transportation Nguyen Hong Truong.

Truong noted that the fines will be applied over 36 months on a trial basis, starting in April 2010. After this period, the Ministries of Transportation and Public Security and the Hanoi and HCM City administrations will review and suggest follow-up policies.

According to the draft Decree on traffic violation fines, in Hanoi and HCM City, motorists who don’t obey traffic lights, enter banned roads and one-way roads, etc., will be fined from 300,000 to 500,000 dong and lose their driving licenses for 30 days (compared to the common levels of 100,000-400,000 dong).

Cars that stop, park or turn around at wrong places will be fined from 600,000-1 million dong (the common fines are from 300,000-500,000 dong). Car drivers who don’t obey traffic lights and drive under the influence of alcohol over permitted levels must pay 1-1.4 million dong (compared to 600,000-800,000 dong). Drivers who stop or turn their cars and cause traffic jams will be fined up to 2 million dong.

The draft decree is controversial in that some believe it will help curb gridlocks, but others claim that there are many low-income earners and it is unfair that they must pay higher fines.

PV