CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. These Regulations are formulated for the purpose of strengthening the administration of public security, maintaining social order and public safety, protecting the lawful rights of citizens and guaranteeing the smooth progress of the socialist modernization.

Article 2. Whoever disturbs social order, endangers public safety, infringes upon a citizen's rights of the person and encroaches upon public or private property, if such acts constitute a crime according to the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, shall be investigated for criminal responsibility; if such acts are not serious enough for criminal punishment but should be given administrative penalties for public security, penalties shall be given according to these Regulations.

Article 3. These Regulations shall apply to acts violating the administration of public security within the territory of the People's Republic of China, except when otherwise stipulated by law.

These Regulations shall also apply to acts violating the administration of public security aboard ships or airborne vehicles of the People's Republic of China.

Article 4. In dealing with those who violate the administration of public security, public security organs shall adhere to the principle of combining education with punishment.

Article 5. Acts caused by civil disputes which violate the administration of public security, such as brawling and damaging or destroying another person's property, if the adverse effects are minor, may be handled by public security organs through mediation.

Regulations of the PRC on Administrative Penalties for Public Security（Click to view the full version）