Nghe An province is stepping up alcohol level checks before, during, and after Tet (Lunar New Year).
Recently, the handling of drunk driving violations has been carried out vigorously, receiving the approval and support of all levels, sectors, and the people. Before, during, and after the Lunar New Year, the Traffic Police force of Nghe An province continued to launch a high-intensity campaign to inspect and handle violations, with the goal of reducing traffic accidents, ensuring safety for people celebrating the Spring Festival and Tet, and gradually building a culture of "if you drink alcohol, don't drive."
Reporters from Nghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television had an interview with Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Manh Hung – Deputy Head of the Traffic Police Department, Nghe An Provincial Police, regarding this matter.
PV: Recently, inspections and enforcement of drunk driving violations have been carried out regularly, not just during peak periods. Could you explain the practical reasons behind this?
Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Manh Hung:Practical experience shows that strictly enforcing regulations regarding alcohol levels yields very clear results in ensuring traffic safety and maintaining social order.
Over the past year, traffic accidents in Nghe An province have decreased across all three criteria: number of incidents, number of deaths, and number of injuries. This result contributes to greater peace of mind for people participating in traffic, reducing risks and dangers caused by accidents. Notably, strict control of blood alcohol levels also helps prevent impulsive violations of the law due to alcohol consumption, such as intentional injury and disturbing public order.
Beyond simply reducing traffic accidents, enforcing regulations on drunk driving has long-term significance in building a civilized lifestyle and gradually fostering awareness and a culture of safe traffic within each family and community.
Stemming from that requirement, and in accordance with the directives of all levels and sectors, especially in the context of implementing the two-tier police organizational model and ensuring that there are no "empty areas" after the completion of district-level police operations, the Traffic Police force of Nghe An province has clearly defined its viewpoint: Focusing on resolutely and thoroughly handling violations that pose a high risk of causing traffic accidents, with drunk driving being one of the top priorities.
Regular inspections and enforcement are not only aimed at penalizing offenders, but more importantly, at contributing to the formation of a self-aware habit among the people, so that "if you drink alcohol, don't drive" becomes a common behavior when participating in traffic.
PV: Could you provide more specific information about the results of handling drunk driving violations in the province recently?
Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Manh Hung:It can be affirmed that the number of drunk driving violations has decreased significantly compared to the past, especially since the implementation of Government Decree 168 with its strict penalties. However, in reality, there is still a segment of the population that remains complacent and does not strictly comply with the law.
In response to this situation, in addition to maintaining regular patrols and inspections, the traffic police force has implemented a comprehensive range of solutions, focusing on coordinating efforts to educate and encourage businesses providing food and entertainment services such as restaurants, bars, and karaoke establishments to sign commitments to comply with regulations on preventing and combating the harmful effects of alcohol; reminding customers who have consumed alcohol not to drive, and providing assistance in safely transporting customers home.
According to statistics, from December 15, 2025 to January 31, 2026 alone, the traffic police force throughout the province detected and handled 2,653 cases of drunk driving, including 22 cases of non-compliance with inspections. As a result, 2,653 vehicles were temporarily seized, 192 driving licenses were revoked, and points were deducted from driving licenses in 1,373 cases. The total amount of fines collected and remitted to the State budget was 10.1 billion VND.
For cases involving officials, civil servants, and employees in state agencies and units who violate alcohol concentration limits, in addition to handling violations according to the law, the traffic police will send notifications to their respective agencies and units for review and disciplinary action in accordance with the spirit of Directive No. 23-CT/TW of the Party Central Committee, Directive No. 10/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister, and other guiding documents of the People's Committee of Nghe An province.
In particular, in cases involving resistance, refusal to comply with alcohol level checks, or insulting and offending officers on duty, the police will resolutely file a report and handle the matter strictly; in cases showing signs of criminal activity, they will consider proposing criminal prosecution in accordance with regulations.
PV: In the patrol and control plan before, during, and after the Lunar New Year, how will violations related to alcohol levels be handled, Comrade?
Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Manh Hung:The Lunar New Year holiday sees a surge in travel and numerous celebrations and gatherings, leading to an increased risk of traffic accidents, especially those involving alcohol. Therefore, controlling blood alcohol levels remains a top priority.
Following the plan of the Traffic Police Department (Ministry of Public Security), traffic police forces nationwide, including Nghe An, will simultaneously launch campaigns to check blood alcohol levels during peak periods in order to detect and strictly handle violations and improve the effectiveness of law enforcement.
During the peak period before, during, and after Tet (Lunar New Year), the traffic police force of Nghe An province maintained regular and continuous patrols and inspections on key routes and areas. Traffic police teams and stations coordinated with the police of wards and communes to organize patrols according to plan, focusing on areas around restaurants, eateries, entertainment venues, as well as on national highways, provincial roads, inter-commune roads, and locations where traffic accidents frequently occur.
The task forces will flexibly change the time and location of inspections to prevent violators from evading them. With the motto "No forbidden zones, no exceptions," all violations of alcohol concentration limits will be strictly dealt with according to regulations.
The traffic police force hopes that every citizen will raise their awareness of voluntarily complying with the law; absolutely refrain from driving after consuming alcohol; and proactively choose safe modes of transportation to ensure safety for themselves, their families, and the community.
PV: Recently, there have been reports suggesting that penalties for drunk driving will be increased. Could you clarify this matter?
Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Manh Hung:Some information circulating on social media about increased penalties for drunk driving is inaccurate. Currently, Government Decree 168 remains in effect and maintains the current penalty levels; there has been no adjustment to increase penalties as some sources have reported.
The current penalties are already sufficient to deter offenders. The important thing is that every citizen needs to be fully aware of the risks and consequences of using alcohol while driving, and thus voluntarily comply with the law for their own safety and the safety of society.
PV:Thank you very much, comrade!
