Decree No. 144/2021/NĐ-CP – Administrative Sanctions in the Fields of Security, Social Order, and Safety
To strengthen state management and ensure public security and social order, the Government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 144/2021/NĐ-CP, effective from January 1, 2022, replacing Decree No. 167/2013/NĐ-CP.
This Decree specifies in detail the administrative violations, forms, and levels of sanctions across key areas such as security and order, prevention of social evils, fire prevention and fighting, rescue and relief, and domestic violence prevention.
With its updated provisions and stricter penalties, the Decree serves as an important legal framework for enhancing law compliance and maintaining public order.
An Law Vietnam provides this article to help foreigners living and working in Vietnam better understand the legal regulations, avoid potential legal risks, and protect their legitimate rights.
Click Download the Decree No. 144/2021/NĐ-CP
Decree No. 144/2021/NĐ-CP was promulgated by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on December 31, 2021, and officially took effect on January 1, 2022, replacing Decree No. 167/2013/NĐ-CP.
This Decree provides comprehensive regulations on administrative violations and corresponding sanctions across the following areas:
- National security, public order, and social safety;
- Prevention and control of social evils;
- Fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue operations;
- Prevention and control of domestic violence.
The Decree consists of 4 Chapters and 79 Articles, detailing specific violations, penalties, and competent authorities:
- Chapter I – General Provisions (Articles 1–4)
- Chapter II – Violations, Forms, and Levels of Sanctions (Articles 5–69)
- Chapter III – Competence, Record-Making, and Procedures (Articles 70–76)
- Chapter IV – Implementation Provisions (Articles 77–79)
(1) Security, Public Order, and Social Safety
- Disrupting public order, obstructing traffic, or organizing illegal gatherings;
- Violations relating to residence management, ID cards/citizenship papers, and seals;
- Illicit possession, use, or trade of weapons, explosives, or supporting tools;
- Operating or organizing conditional business activities (e.g., karaoke, bars, hotels) without proper licenses.
(2) Prevention and Control of Social Evils
- Drugs: illegal use, harboring users, organizing drug use, or failure to report addicts;
- Gambling: organizing or participating in illegal gambling or betting;
- Prostitution: buying, selling, mediating, or harboring prostitution.
→ Fines: From VND 200,000 to VND 40,000,000, depending on the nature and severity of the act.
(3) Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue Operations
- Failure to establish fire safety plans or management records;
- Unsafe use of fire, heat sources, or electrical devices;
- Failure to ensure escape routes and emergency exits;
- Obstructing firefighting efforts or refusing to participate in rescue operations when required.
→ Fines: From VND 300,000 to VND 50,000,000.
(4) Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence
- Physical, psychological, or economic abuse; preventing family members from social contact;
- Humiliating, expelling, denying food, education, or essential needs.
→ Fines: From VND 5,000,000 to VND 30,000,000, accompanied by corrective measures such as public apology and prohibition from contacting the victim.
4. Forms and Levels of Sanctions
|
Form |
Description |
|
Warning / Monetary Fine |
Primary sanctions. Maximum fines: |
|
Supplementary Sanctions |
– Confiscation of exhibits or means used for violation |
|
Remedial Measures |
– Restoration to original condition |
-
Common Examples of Violations
|
Violation |
Fine (VND) |
|
Making noise or disturbing public order at night (22:00–06:00) |
500,000 – 1,000,000 |
|
Using loudspeakers, gongs, drums, or sirens in public without permission |
1,000,000 – 2,000,000 |
|
Failing to maintain silence in hospitals or schools |
500,000 – 1,000,000 |
|
Selling food or beverages beyond permitted hours |
1,000,000 – 3,000,000 |
|
Small-scale illegal gambling |
1,000,000 – 2,000,000 |
|
Smoking in prohibited areas |
200,000 – 500,000 |
|
Committing domestic violence causing injury |
10,000,000 – 30,000,000 |
|
Violating fire safety regulations in business premises |
15,000,000 – 50,000,000 |
-
Competent Authorities
- People’s Public Security Forces: Authorized to record and impose sanctions across most areas;
- Chairpersons of People’s Committees at all levels: Empowered to issue administrative sanctions, coercive measures, and remedial decisions;
- Fire and Rescue Forces: Handle sector-specific violations in firefighting and rescue operations;
- Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs: Responsible for sanctions relating to social evils and domestic violence.
- Strengthens deterrence, transparency, and consistency in administrative law enforcement;
- Reflects practical realities by adding new violations (noise, fire safety, drugs, domestic violence);
- Raises penalty levels to reduce recidivism and improve compliance;
- Serves as a crucial legal foundation for law enforcement, local authorities, organizations, and citizens in ensuring adherence to regulations.
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