BANGKOK, 26 January 2011 (NNT)-The Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation’s proposal to prohibit alcohol consumption among drivers has been officially approved and will come into force on 1 February this year.

According to the Ministry of Transport, drivers and passengers of all public transports except taxi, motorcycle and public van drivers will be penalized if the alcohol levels found in their blood exceed 50 milligrams. The new law expects those belonging to the group to stay completely sober while driving.

Punishments of 2,000-10,000 baht fine and/or a maximum of 3 months jail term will be enforced to those who have violated the law.

Meanwhile, public transport operators who fail to warn their employees will face the maximum fine of 40,000 baht. The Transport Ministry has already launched its mobile units on 4 major routes across the country to monitor drivers who might have been drinking to reduce road accidents.

The Foundation has also planned another proposal to the relevant law to lower the existing alcohol level from 50 to 30 milligrams but will consult with the public first.

NNT