The trucking industry in Vietnam is about to undergo significant changes due to stringent new regulations aimed at improving driver safety and road order. The revised regulations dictate key operational hours for commercial truck drivers, including limitations of 48 hours of driving each week, not exceeding 10 hours daily, and maintaining breaks every four hours of continuous driving. While these rules are crafted for safety, they have raised serious concerns among drivers and transport companies alike.
According to the recently issued Decree 168/2024, violators of the prescribed driving hours may face fines between 3 to 5 million VND. Further punitive measures include the deduction of 2 points from driving licenses, which intensifies the pressure on drivers to comply. Vehicle owners who allow their drivers to exceed these limits will also find themselves subject to fines, and the repercussions extend to these logistics companies as well.
The regulations aim to reduce traffic accidents and protect the health of drivers, yet they inadvertently hamper operational efficiency. Directors of transport companies are expressing their frustration over the difficulties posed by these new rules. For example, the director of a prominent transport company noted, “Many drivers decide to change careers due to pressure and no longer want to stick with their jobs; this concerns us greatly.” This declaration underlines the chronic driver shortage exacerbated by the new law.
Drivers are similarly troubled. One driver from Ninh Binh, Nguyen Trung, reflected on the practical challenges posed by the regulations, stating, “If we limit driving hours to 48 hours per week, compliance is not easy.” He illustrated the obstacles they face during peak travel times or when caught up on congested roads—factors completely beyond their control.
Nguyen Van Quyen, the President of the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association, weighed in on the issue, asserting, “The reality is, our road system is not uniform, and there are frequent traffic jams... This lack of proper rest areas, especially on key highways, makes solid adherence to these new regulations challenging.” Essentially, transport companies are struggling to adapt since truckers frequently encounter long periods without the possibility of stopping to rest.
Currently, many transport companies find themselves operating at about half of their normal capacity due to the limited availability of drivers who are leaving the profession. Another issue raised is the financial impact on businesses, as the push to have more drivers onboard to comply with newly mandated breaks incurs additional transportation costs. The cost of running logistics operations is anticipated to rise, potentially impacting consumer prices down the line.
Driving under the new law may even compel companies to hire more drivers for the long-haul routes. Traditionally, companies like those operating routes between Hanoi and Lao Cai would have employed two drivers for such journeys. But as Quyen explains, “Now, with these new restrictions, companies need to enlist three drivers for extended trips.” The design of heavy trucks typically accommodates only two drivers which makes this scenario increasingly complicated.
One major leap of faith operators are taking involves addressing operational realities. The Vietnam Road-Safety Association has formally submitted consultative feedback to the government urging adjustments to the driving hour limits. Their recommendation advocates for extending the driving time limit to 55-60 hours weekly, with some even pushing for as high as 70 hours—akin to what is practiced in countries with more developed road networks.
Supporters of this adjustment suggest examining how these regulations could correspond more closely with international standards. For example, the recommended driving hours in the European Union stretch beyond 56 hours weekly, and the United States typically permits driving hours from 60 to 70 hours on long-haul routes. Given visibility and experience, many stakeholders believe the times should reflect local road conditions and realities.
Considering how rapidly Vietnam is modernizing, achieving regulatory synchronicity with global practices seems both prudent and timely. Proponents argue for lifting the driver limits, stating, “The regulations inadvertently create difficulties for drivers and companies since these challenges often result from external realities.”
While some authorities insist the strict rules are necessary for maintaining safety, figures from the logistics industry show the trend of drivers working scales upwards of 60-65 hours. The potential fallout from strict driving regulations could mean higher logistics costs, which would invariably be passed on to consumers.
The police will monitor compliance through mounted surveillance measures for drivers starting January 1, 2025, incorporating technological oversight such as dash cams and data logging systems to track driver behavior. These measures aim to solidify regulation enforcement, ensuring the transport sector abides by the new legal framework. Nevertheless, the responsibility will also fall to drivers and companies to remain compliant—driving home the necessity for balance between safety and flexibility.
Meanwhile, the government emphasizes they will evaluate the enforcement of these regulations with due regard for unavoidable disruptions, stating: “When considering such unavoidable situations as traffic snarls or limited rest stops, we may take those variables under consideration during enforcement.” The message here is clear: regulators are open to assessing the practical challenges encountered by drivers.
Overall, these regulatory updates stand to reshape not only the daily operations of commercial trucking but also the broader logistics ecosystem within Vietnam. Devising solutions such as revoking overly stringent limitations on working hours may go hand-in-hand with improving driver safety—enabling truckers to work efficiently within the framework of public welfare. The transition will not be plain sailing, but with collaboration between the government and industry leaders, adaptable solutions are possible.