Will I be fined for encroaching on the road to dry rice or straw? According to Clause 3, Article 8 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law, "illegal use of the road, roadside, and sidewalk" is a prohibited act. Clause d, Section 2, Article 35 of this Law also prohibits drying rice, straw, agricultural products, or placing other objects on the road; According to the regulations cited above, the act of encroaching on sidewalks, road shoulders, and roadways to dry rice, straw, etc., violates traffic safety laws. Depending on the degree of danger and consequences caused, violators may be subject to administrative penalties or criminal prosecution. - Regarding administrative penalties: According to Clause 1, Article 11 of Decree 171/2013/ND-CP dated November 13, 2013, individuals and organizations who "dry rice, straw, agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products on roads" may be fined from 100,000 to 400,000 VND. - Regarding criminal prosecution: In cases of violations that cause loss of life or serious harm to the health or property of others, the offender may be prosecuted for "Obstructing road traffic" as stipulated in Article 203 of the 1999 Penal Code (amended and supplemented in 2009), with penalties ranging from a fine of 5 million to 30 million VND, non-custodial rehabilitation for up to 2 years, or imprisonment from 3 months to 3 years. If the consequences are very serious or exceptionally serious, the maximum penalty can be up to 10 years of imprisonment. In addition, those who occupy the road to dry agricultural products, causing accidents, are also liable for civil compensation for damages to the lives and health of the victims. |
