The Beijing traffic administration announced June 10 that drunk drivers will get the law's most severe penalty during the World Cup in South Africa. Anyone operating a motor vehicle while drunk shall be detained 15 days, be fined 2,000 yuan (US$292) and receive a 6-month driver's license suspension.

Fans were watching football games at bars during the past World Cup.[File photo]

Bars, clubs and restaurants are popular gathering places for many fans during the World Cup's matches. And during past tournaments, China has seen the number of drunk driving, speeding and driver fatigue cases rise.

In order to reduce traffic accidents and keep the roads safe, popular game-watching venues will see an increased police presence. The police will set up sobriety checkpoints while the games are being broadcast from 7 p.m. to early the next morning.

In addition to checkpoints, Beijing drivers can also expect heavier traffic. While the city usually has a "No-Car Day" restriction that prevents car owners from driving on certain days based on the last digit of their license plate, the car ban will be lifted June 12-16. Police advise Beijing drivers to leave early in order to avoid the rush hour.

The opening ceremony for the 2010 World Cup and the first games of the tournament are scheduled for June 11.

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