Drivers who use mobile phones on the streets of Vietnam will be fined up to VND800,000 (US$36), according to regulations stated in a new fiat that will take effect on August 1.

Using cellphones whilst driving from August 1 will lead to fines between VND600,000 ($27) and VND800,000, in accordance with new regulations added to Vietnam’s traffic rules, as part of the country’s recent participation in the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

The severity of punishment for other forms of traffic violation will also be magnified in order to deter such offences.

Drivers of cars whose alcohol content exceeds 80 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood, or 0.4 milligrams per one liter of breath, will face fines between VND16 million ($714) and VND18 million ($803) and have their licenses suspended from four to six months.

The current fine for exceeding the maximum allowable alcohol content ranges from VND10 million ($446) to VND15 million ($669).

Riders of motorcycles who operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol will be penalized with fines of between VND1 million ($44) and VND2 million ($89), double the existing rate, and have their licenses suspended for one to three months.

This punishment is applicable to anyone whose blood-alcohol content surpasses 50 milligrams in every 100 liters of blood, or 0.25 milligrams per one liter of breath.

Bikers whose blood-alcohol content is over 80 milligrams for every 100 liters of blood, or 0.4 milligrams per one liter of breath, will be fined between VND3 million ($134) and VND4 million ($179), along with a one to three month suspension of their driving licenses.

In order to prevent motorcycles from illegally entering expressways, the new decree is expected to include a VND500,000 ($22) to VND1 million ($45) fine, instead of the current amount, which is between VND200,000 ($9) and VND400,000 ($18).

Violators will also have their licenses seized from one to three months.

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