Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam proposes increasing penalties for bringing mobile phones into gas stations

Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam proposes increasing penalties for bringing mobile phones into gas stations​ (Image from the Internet)

Recently, the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam has announced the Draft Decree on penalties for administrative violations in the field of fire prevention, firefighting, rescue, and relief (second draft); which includes increasing the penalty for using mobile phones at gas stations.

Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam proposes increasing penalties for bringing mobile phones into gas stations

According to Article 11 of the Draft Decree, the Ministry of Public Security has proposed the following penalties for violations of fire prevention and firefighting regulations in the use of fire sources, heat sources, equipment, and devices that generate fire and heat:

(1) A fine ranging from 3,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND for the act of bringing matches, lighters, mobile phones, fire sources, heat sources, equipment, and devices that generate fire and heat into prohibited areas.

(2) A fine ranging from 5,000,000 VND to 7,000,000 VND for the act of using fire sources, heat sources, equipment, and devices that generate fire and heat without ensuring a safe distance for fire prevention as regulated.

(3) A fine ranging from 10,000,000 VND to 15,000,000 VND for one of the following acts:

- Using fire sources, heat sources, equipment, and devices that generate fire and heat in prohibited areas;

- Welding or cutting without fire prevention and firefighting measures as regulated.

(4) A fine double the amount of the penalties for the acts specified in (2) and (3) in case of causing a fire.

Currently, the penalties related to violations of fire prevention and firefighting regulations in the management and use of fire sources, heat sources, devices generating fire and heat, or electronic devices are specified in Article 35 of Decree 144/2021/ND-CP, as follows:

- Warning or a fine ranging from 100,000 VND to 300,000 VND for the act of bringing matches, lighters, mobile phones, fire sources, heat sources, equipment, and devices that generate fire and heat into prohibited areas.

- A fine ranging from 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND for the act of using fire sources, heat sources, equipment, and devices that generate fire and heat without ensuring a safe distance for fire prevention and firefighting according to the law.

- A fine ranging from 3,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND for the act of using fire sources, heat sources, devices generating fire and heat, or electronic devices in prohibited areas.

- A fine ranging from 10,000,000 VND to 15,000,000 VND for the act of welding or cutting metal without ensuring fire prevention and firefighting safety measures according to the law.

Thus, it can be seen that the fine for bringing mobile phones into prohibited areas (including gas stations) has increased significantly, from 100,000 VND - 300,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND - 5,000,000 VND.

In cases of usage, it will increase from 3,000,000 VND - 5,000,000 VND to 10,000,000 VND - 15,000,000 VND or from 20,000,000 VND to 30,000,000 VND if the usage causes a fire.

According to Circular 15/2020/TT-BCT, gas stations must publicly display fire prevention regulations, firefighting commands, no fire signs, and no mobile phone signs in visible and readable positions.

Therefore, using mobile phones at gas stations is prohibited; in cases of usage, penalties will be applied as outlined above.

Principles of fire prevention and firefighting in Vietnam

Fire prevention and firefighting must adhere to the following principles:

- Mobilize the collective strength of the entire populace in fire prevention and firefighting activities.

- Emphasize prevention as the primary focus in fire prevention and firefighting activities; actively and proactively prevent, minimize fires, and reduce damage caused by fires.

- Be ready with forces, equipment, plans, and other conditions to effectively and promptly combat fires when they occur.

- All fire prevention and firefighting activities must primarily be implemented and resolved by local forces and means.

(Article 4 of the Fire Prevention and Fighting Law 2001)

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