China-wide Drunk Driving Crackdown Initiated

In response to media reports documenting several high profile cases of traffic fatalities and accidents over the past several months, China has recently initiated a nation-wide campaign against drunk driving.  The U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai has received reports of foreigners being arrested and having their residence permits revoked when found driving under the influence of alcohol. The Chinese Ministry of Public Safety (MPS) reports that if a driver's blood alcohol level exceeds .02% the penalty includes suspension of driver's license for up to 3 months and a RMB 500 fine. If a driver's blood alcohol level exceeds .08%, the driver can receive up to 15 days imprisonment, a RMB 2000 fine, and suspension of driver's license for up to 6 months.