Traffic police make a report on a violating driver in Hậu Giang Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Hằng

HÀ NỘI — Car drivers could be fined VNĐ30-40 million (US$1,200-1,600) and lose 12 points off their driving licence if they drive in the wrong direction or reverse on highways, according to a new proposal from the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

The proposal is under a draft decree regulating administrative sanctions for violations of traffic order and safety on the roads, which is being reviewed by the Ministry of Justice.

The draft decree is meant to guide provisions of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety and will likely take effect from the beginning of next year.

During a prior discussion on the draft decree in August, proposed fines for the same violation were VNĐ16-18 million ($640-720), with six points deducted from the driver's licence.

According to the law and draft decree compiled by the MPS, each driver's licence starts with 12 points.

Also in the new draft decree, the MPS has proposed a fine of VNĐ10-12 million ($400-480) for stopping or parking on the highway in an incorrect place, not signalling with emergency lights at least 150m behind the vehicle when stopping or parking in case of technical problems or other force majeure, or making a U-turn on the highway.

In addition to the fine, six points will also be deducted from the driver's licence. The fine proposed for this type of violation is the same as discussed in the draft in August, but the driving licence point deduction has doubled, from three to six points.

Other fines are also set to be increased under the proposal. These include fines of VNĐ6-8 million ($240-320) for not obeying traffic light signals or instructions of traffic controllers and going the wrong way on a one-way street or a road with a 'no entry' sign, up from the VNĐ4-6 million ($160-240) fines proposed in August.

The driving licence deduction for these violations is also three or four points higher than that under the last proposal.

Similarly, the draft has also suggested an increase in fines for motorcyclists who do not comply with traffic lights.

In the proposal from August, the MPS planned a fine of VNĐ800,000-1 million ($30-40) for this type of traffic violation, but in the latest draft, the fine is set at VNĐ2-3 million, with a four point driving licence deduction.

The new draft decree also recommends confiscating the vehicles of motorcyclists who commit violations like letting go of both hands while driving, using their feet to control the vehicle, sitting side saddle to control the vehicle, lying on the seat to control the vehicle, changing the driver while the vehicle is running, turning backwards to control the vehicle or driving while blindfolded.

The same punishment will also be applied for driving a two-wheeled vehicle on one wheel, or a three-wheeled vehicle on two wheels.

Aside from having the vehicle confiscated, these actions will also result in a deduction of 12 points from the driver's licence. — VNS