Traffic congestion remains one of the most pressing challenges for Vietnam’s logistics and transportation sectors, particularly as new regulations come to effect. According to the Logistics Association of Ho Chi Minh City, drivers are frequently pushing beyond their legal driving limits due to severe traffic jams and the inadequacy of rest stop facilities, leading to serious operational difficulties for transport companies.
The newly enacted Law on Road Traffic and Decree 168/2024 puts strict limits on drivers’ working hours. Under the law, commercial drivers are not permitted to operate vehicles for more than 10 hours per day or 48 hours per week and must stop for rest for at least 30 minutes after every four hours of driving. Yet, the Association argues this framework is unrealistic without adequate infrastructure to support it. The roads are often choked with traffic, particularly during periods leading up to the Tet holiday, causing excessive delays.
Recent reports indicate dire consequences from this congestion. For example, trucks transporting goods from Bình Dương and Đồng Nai to Cát Lái Port can take up to six hours to complete their journeys. The Logistics Association noted, "freight shipments are getting stuck, leading to export delays ranging from 25 to 30 percent due to lack of proper transport vehicles and mandatory rest breaks mandated by law." With instances of multi-hour drives compounding fatigue, and insufficient places to stop, the situation is dire for many within the transportation sector.
During peak travel periods, such as the weeks leading up to Tet, the situation becomes even more chaotic. Traffic jams are particularly prevalent around key ports, affecting the delivery and paralyzing the operations of logistics companies. The association lamented, "The shortage of drivers, particularly with the new regulations, is causing hiring challenges and affecting business operations, rendering the existing driving laws inefficient for our current reality.”
Given these challenges, the association has urged the government to modify its regulations to accommodate the realities of transportation logistics within Vietnam. Specifically, they recommend allowing drivers to exceed the four-hour continuous driving limit under certain circumstances, such as periods of significant congestion or the absence of proper rest stops on high-speed roadways. They also propose extending the maximum daily driving hours to 12 hours and weekly limits to 70 hours, aligning them with the more flexible frameworks seen in nations like the U.S. and Canada.
On February 2, live traffic updates for Hanoi showcased the stark reality of road conditions as they developed throughout the day; streaming footage from traffic cameras indicated heavy congestion, prompting citizens to opt for alternative routes. Drivers have faced significant hurdles, with stricter traffic penalties introduced under Decree 168, which changes how speed violations are penalized. Instead of losing their licenses for speed violations, drivers now face point deductions on their licenses, raising concerns about public safety and overall compliance with traffic regulations.
Many areas of the road infrastructure remain dilapidated, causing added hazards. For example, the surface on Nguyễn Cảnh Dị Street has deteriorated significantly, riddled with potholes and cracks, posing dangers to motorists. A state-controlled survey conducted by the Ministry of Transport releases figures illustrating the inadequacies prevalent within the existing infrastructure system.
Leaders from the city have noted improvements since the stricter laws took effect, such as enhanced compliance rates and reduced traffic fatalities. "Our efforts to implement traffic regulation have led to more responsible driving behavior, raising public awareness about the adherence to traffic rules," declared Colonel Nguyễn Văn Bình from the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police.
Despite this, there are growing pressures on authorities to expedite infrastructure improvements. The lack of comprehensive logistics solutions has precipitated calls for reform to address persistent challenges arising from traffic congestion, particularly around urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Developing effective strategies to cope with transportation and logistical difficulties remains imperative as the population grows and urban demands increase. The need for civilization driving improvements aligns with this expansion, helping to reinforce the policies aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing congestion. The latest proposals from industry stakeholders reflect the urgency of addressing these infrastructure and regulatory challenges comprehensively.
With the government anticipated to respond to these concerns, transport industry leaders remain hopeful for substantial progress and adjustments to help streamline operations and alleviate the frustrations faced by drivers across the country.