Traffic police in Hải Dương Province have launched inspections to strengthen traffic safety and check people suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol following new regulations that came into effect at the beginning of the year.

Last week, police in Cẩm Giàng District stopped the driver of a seven-seater car for a breath test, but the driver locked his door and stayed in the car for over three hours, drinking water.

The police had to use an ambulance to tow his car to the police station.

By the time the driver got out of his car, his blood alcohol level was zero.

At the time, the driver said that he was willing to pay a fine but refused to provide paperwork or personal information.

Police said he would be fined VNĐ2.5 million (US$107) for driving a car with an expired registration, while Cô Thơn Trade and Service Ltd Co would be fined VNĐ10 million for allowing him to use the vehicle.

Hà Nội police also stopped a young foreign man at the Cửa Nam-Điện Biên Phủ intersection for not wearing a helmet.

The man refused to go to the police station and even played a guitar and sang.

Police breathalysed him but he tested negative for alcohol.

He was identified Alesk Ivanov, who had been in Hà Nội for one week.

An hour later, he agreed to co-operate with police.

Major Đào Việt Long said he was fined for not wearing a helmet, failing to produce a driver's licence or vehicle registration documents. VNS