Tuoi Tre readers rally behind health ministry’s reconsideration of alcohol limit for drivers

The Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Administration, under the Ministry of Health, is seeking opinions from experts and medical units regarding the alcohol concentration in drivers’ breath or blood. The consultation stems from instances of alcohol concentration detected in the body despite no alcohol or beer consumption while Vietnam strictly prohibits driving with any level of breath or blood alcohol concentration. A recent survey by Tuoi Tre showed that many readers endorse the Ministry of Health’s approach, preferring an alcohol concentration limit over fines for driving after minor alcohol consumption. However, the health sector has acknowledged instances where alcohol is detected in the body without alcohol consumption.”“This calls for laws grounded in science to prevent unjust penalties for those with ‘autologous alcohol concentration’ due to metabolic processes or medication. For a minimum alcohol concentration level, drivers would face double the current fines and driver’s license suspension, with no vehicle impoundment.