HCMC – The National Assembly (NA) today, June 27, passed a new road traffic order and safety law that imposes zero tolerance on driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. This follows a separate vote on the provision, with 73.46% of lawmakers in favor.
Set to come into force on January 1, 2025, the new law prohibits drivers from operating vehicles with any detectable level of blood or breath alcohol content.
The decision to enforce an absolute alcohol ban came after extensive debate, with some lawmakers advocating for a minimum threshold. However, the majority supported the zero-tolerance approach, citing concerns about road safety and the need for consistency with existing laws on alcohol consumption.
The NA Standing Committee argued that relaxing the ban could increase road violations and accidents. The committee said the zero-tolerance policy aligns with the 2008 Road Traffic Law and the 2019 Law on Prevention and Control of Harms of Alcohol and Beer Abuse.
Under the new law, the Ministry of Health will regulate the health conditions of drivers and determine blood alcohol levels. The ministry will also establish procedures for identifying endogenous alcohol levels, which can naturally occur in the body due to certain medical conditions.
