What are the penalties for drying rice on public roads?
Ms. Nguyen Thi H., residing in An Chau commune, asks: Currently, it is rice harvesting season, and I see people often drying rice on the roads, affecting traffic flow. Is this behavior a violation of the law, and what are the penalties?
Reply:
According to Clause 20, Article 9 of the 2024 Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, prohibited acts include illegally placing obstacles or other obstructions on the road, scattering sharp objects, pouring slippery substances on the road, spilling soil, rocks, goods, construction materials, waste, as well as dumping, discharging or spilling chemicals or waste that endanger road traffic safety.
Accordingly, drying rice, straw, agricultural products, or placing other objects on the road is considered illegal placement of obstacles or obstructions on the road. This is considered one of the prohibited acts and, depending on the severity, will be subject to penalties or criminal prosecution. Specifically:
According to Point g, Clause 2, Article 12 of Government Decree 168/2024/ND-CP dated December 26, 2024, individuals will be subject to an administrative fine ranging from VND 200,000 to VND 250,000 for the following violation: "Drying rice, straw, agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products on public roads; placing rice threshing machines on public roads."
In particular, if this act results in serious consequences such as death, severe injury, or significant property damage, the offender may be prosecuted under Article 261 of the Penal Code.
