Unlicensed Driver Fined After Breath Test Shows Alcohol Level 10 Times the Maximum Penalty Threshold

Police in Son La found a 48-year-old man riding a motorcycle with a breath-alcohol reading of 4.270 mg per liter, more than 10 times the level that triggers the highest alcohol-related penalty.

Traffic police stopped L.V.L. on Sept. 4 at kilometer 80 of National Highway 4G in Chieng Khoang commune, Son La province. The test showed an alcohol concentration above the regulatory threshold of 0.4 mg per liter of breath.

Police also determined that L.V.L. did not have a driving license. Under Decree 168, driving with more than 0.4 mg of alcohol per liter of breath carries a fine of 8 million to 10 million dong and a 23-month suspension of driving-license privileges. Because he did not hold a license, authorities could not apply the suspension.

For riding a motorcycle with an engine displacement of up to 125 cubic centimeters, or an electric motor rated up to 11 kilowatts, without a license, the applicable fine ranges from 2 million to 4 million dong. Authorities said they would continue handling the case under the regulations.