A Proposal to Implement Severe Penalties for Reckless Drivers: The Case of Wrong-Way Drivers on Highways

The Ministry of Public Security is seeking feedback on a draft decree proposing administrative sanctions for violations of road traffic order and safety. Notably, this draft includes a discussion on a policy to deduct/restore points from driving licenses.

According to the new bill, there are 189 behaviors and groups of behaviors that will result in point deductions from driving licenses, with the lowest deduction being 2 points and the highest being 12 points.

Of these, 28 behaviors or groups of behaviors will result in a full 12-point deduction. Some of the behaviors in this category include driving with a blood alcohol content exceeding 80 mg/100 ml or a breath alcohol content exceeding 0.4 mg/l, driving under the influence of drugs, and overloading cargo by more than 150%.

Additionally, illegal street racing, reckless driving, refusing to submit to tests for stimulants, operating super-long and super-heavy vehicles without a permit, speeding (over 35 km/h above the limit), and other similar behaviors will also result in a complete 12-point deduction from one’s driving license.

Aside from point deductions, some of the aforementioned behaviors are also subject to fines, and in the case of illegal street racing with motorcycles or automobiles, confiscation of the vehicle.

The Ministry of Public Security’s new draft law on road safety has received widespread support from the public. However, some believe that the point deductions for certain violations are too lenient and may not serve as a strong enough deterrent.

Dr. Khương Kim Tạo, former Vice Chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee, expressed his full agreement with the driving license point deduction system proposed in the draft.

However, regarding drivers who operate vehicles the wrong way on highways, Dr. Tạo suggested that the maximum 12-point deduction should be imposed instead of the proposed 6-point deduction. He emphasized that this behavior is extremely dangerous and has led to numerous severe accidents, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the safety of oneself and others on the road.

According to the draft, a driving license will be restored to its full 12 points if it has not been fully deducted and no points have been deducted in the preceding 12 months. If a license is completely deducted, the driver is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle of that type until their license is restored.

After a minimum of 6 months from the date of full point deduction, the license holder must undergo a knowledge test on road traffic order and safety laws, administered by the traffic police. If they achieve a passing score, their license will be restored to 12 points.

The Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Thái Sơn (Tuoitrethudo)