The Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024 stipulates that drivers of domestic transport and transport business cars are not allowed to drive continuously for more than 4 hours, with a maximum working time per day of 10 hours. For a week, this group of drivers was also not allowed to drive for more than 48 hours.
Decree 168/2024/ND-CP of the Government stipulates that drivers of cars for internal transportation and transportation business, if they drive beyond the prescribed time limit, or do not comply with the regulations on the rest period between 2 consecutive drivers, will be fined 3-5 million VND. The additional penalty is a deduction of 2 driving license points.
In addition, vehicle owners who let their own drivers drive cars continuously beyond the prescribed time will also be fined 4-6 million VND (individually) and 8-12 million VND (organizationally).
Information about transport vehicle drivers who are not allowed to drive continuously for more than 4 hours still receives public attention.
Many people said that there were force majeure situations that caused them to drive for too long, typically traffic jams.
Regarding the above issue, according to the Traffic Police Department (CSGT), Ministry of Public Security, the authorities will review the situations and calculate additional related factors, not just focusing on punishment.
Although there are factors affecting the driver's driving time, immediately after leaving the force majeure area, it is necessary to take an immediate break, avoid abuse to try to drive more.
After 4 consecutive hours of driving, the driver can rest. After about 15 minutes, they were allowed to continue the journey. The highest goal is to help drivers stay alert and avoid fatigue that can easily lead to the risk of causing unsafety.
The Traffic Police Department added that when drivers focus too long with more than 4 consecutive hours, it will basically lead to fatigue. Rest helps the nervous system reduce stress and regenerate labor.
At the same time, regulating driving time and rest for drivers is also a measure to ensure the safety of drivers' health, contributing to reducing the risk of accidents when participating in traffic. Effective implementation of these regulations also requires a harmonious combination of personal awareness and responsibility of transport organizations.
The Traffic Police Department recommends that drivers should stay comfortable when driving, when feeling tired or sleepy need to rest immediately, even if it is less than 4 hours of driving continuously, absolutely should not try to drive more.
Regulating rest time also helps prevent the risk of transport business drivers trying to stay alert but using stimulants. No stimulant can replace rest, the body must recover.
