New Regulations for Truck Drivers in Vietnam
Beginning January 1, 2025, Vietnam plans to enforce stringent new rules for truck drivers aimed at improving road safety and maintaining compliance in the expanding trucking sector. These regulations are part of the amended Law on Traffic Order and Safety from 2024, which will restrict drivers to a maximum of 48 hours of driving per week, limit daily driving to no more than 10 hours, and ban continuous driving for periods exceeding 4 hours.
Fatigue Prevention Measures
The introduction of these measures is designed to guard against accidents stemming from driver fatigue, necessitating mandatory breaks after every four hours of driving. Each rest period must last a minimum of 15 minutes to allow drivers to recover before resuming their journeys. The overarching goal is to lower the chances of accidents and foster safer driving conditions for transport professionals on Vietnamese roads.
Real-Time Vehicle Monitoring Requirements
In addition to time regulations, the new laws require the installation of real-time monitoring systems in commercial vehicles, including passenger and freight options with eight or more seats, tow trucks, and ambulances. These monitoring devices will not only facilitate corporate efficiency but will also gather data for state supervision and compliance verification.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Drivers who breach the outlined working hours will face fines between 3 million VND and 5 million VND (approximately 130 to 225 USD), along with the risk of receiving a deduction of 2 points from their driving licenses. Vehicle owners permitting their drivers to surpass the designated hours could incur substantial fines ranging from 4 to 6 million VND for individuals and from 8 to 12 million VND for companies.
Alignment with International Standards
This initiative aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to meeting international road safety protocols, including those detailed in the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. It further corresponds with the Labour Code established in 2019, which stipulates that regular working hours must not exceed 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week.
Concerns from Stakeholders
Concerns have been expressed by drivers and transportation organizations regarding the feasibility and possible unfair penalties linked to these rules. Drivers transitioning frequently between driving and other necessary vehicle tasks (like refueling and loading) may inadvertently exceed the continuous driving limit, risking penalties under the new regulations. The Vietnam Automobile Transport Association (VATA) has also raised concerns over the reliability of the new monitoring systems, highlighting the risk of data inaccuracies due to factors such as equipment quality, weather, and road conditions, which might misrepresent truck drivers’ actual driving hours.
Implementing New Regulations and Collaboration
VATA has urged government authorities to postpone penalties based on the monitoring systems until they are fully tested and validated, emphasizing that preparation activities like vehicle startup, refueling, and logistical delays should be accounted for when assessing continuous driving limits. Road safety advocates assert that these updates are overdue, with improved management reflecting Vietnam’s economic development and the uptick in freight activity. Ensuring driver well-being through structured working hours is thought to enhance overall road conditions and reduce the high incidence of traffic accidents linked to commercial transportation.
Looking Ahead
Authorities will be responsible for ensuring that drivers and companies are fully informed of the new regulations, with the Ministry of Transport promising training sessions and informational campaigns prior to the January 2025 enforcement. While the goal remains focused on promoting safety and maintaining order on the roads, the successful implementation will largely depend on the cooperation among government regulators, transport companies, and the drivers who will be most affected by these new rules.
