The Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety stipulates that drivers of automobiles engaged in internal transportation are not allowed to drive continuously for more than 4 hours, the maximum working time per day is 10 hours and the maximum driving time per week is 48 hours.
These regulations have just been implemented in Decree 168 with strict penalties, including a fine of 3-5 million VND and an additional penalty of 2 points being deducted from the driver's license if the driver violates.
Car owners who let their drivers violate the law will also be fined 4-6 million VND (individuals) and 8-12 million VND (organizations).
Safety for road users
Regarding the application of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, long-distance transport drivers said that, despite some initial obstacles, this decree is a necessary step to ensure traffic safety and health for drivers.
Mr. N.V.T, a long-time container truck driver, shared: "In the past, due to time and economic pressure, I often drove continuously for many hours. Now that this regulation is in place, I am forced to rest, feel more alert and focused while driving. This is really good for my own safety and that of other road users."
Having driven container trucks on the North-South route for many years, driver Dang Huu Cong (30 years old, living in Binh Thuan) said that he and his colleagues spent time carefully studying the new regulations of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, which will take effect from January 1, 2025. Initially, Cong was quite worried that if this regulation was applied, it would cause difficulties for long-distance drivers.
"I think this regulation is necessary to ensure the health and alertness of drivers. Drivers can rest for five or ten minutes to drink water, clean themselves, and then continue their journey," he said.
Traffic accidents reduced when Decree 168 was applied
According to the Traffic Police Department (Ministry of Public Security), the above regulations on driving time are inherited from the previous Road Traffic Law and ensure relevant regulations of the Labor Code. This regulation is also consistent with the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
The ultimate goal is to help drivers stay alert, relieve nervous system stress, and help restore labor. Effective implementation of these regulations also requires a harmonious combination of individual awareness and responsibility of transport organizations.
In unavoidable situations such as traffic jams in the city or unsafe rest stops, a representative of the Traffic Police Department said drivers can continue their journey to escape that area.
According to Ho Chi Minh City Police, after applying Decree 168, traffic accidents in the city decreased by 24% compared to the same period, and violations also decreased significantly.
