Should the driving hours for transport vehicles be relaxed?

The Automobile Transport Association has proposed increasing the maximum weekly driving time for drivers to 70 hours, compared to the current 48 hours stipulated in the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, which came into effect on January 1st.

However, according to experts, the regulation limiting drivers to working no more than 10 hours per day and a total working time of no more than 48 hours per week is necessary to ensure traffic safety.

Businesses are complaining about difficulties.

Two months after the regulation limiting working hours for commercial vehicle drivers to no more than 10 hours a day and no more than 48 hours a week officially came into effect, the work of driver Nguyen Van Huy ( Hai Duong ) has not been significantly affected.

According to the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, which came into effect on January 1st, drivers are only allowed to work no more than 10 hours per day and a total working time of no more than 48 hours per week. (Illustrative photo: Ta Hai)

"I drive long-distance trucks, so I have to comply with safety regulations. I proactively arrange my rest time and cargo, so I'm not too concerned," Huy shared.

While supporting stricter regulations on driving hours to ensure traffic safety, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung ( Hai Phong ), who has nearly 5 years of experience driving tractor-trailers, expressed his concern: "A rigid regulation of 48 hours a week is not easy to comply with. Traffic jams or accidents can cause congestion, leaving vehicles stuck on the road."

Meanwhile, some businesses involved in passenger transport and container trucking are concerned about the impact on their revenue and profits.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Khanh, Director of Vietnam Vehicle Company Limited, said that for more than two months, the company has continuously posted job advertisements for drivers to compensate for the shortage of drivers due to reduced working hours per week.

However, recruitment has been difficult, and the number of drivers quitting has increased significantly compared to the previous period. This is because the number of working hours per week has decreased, and their income has also been affected, falling by 20-25%.

Regarding freight transport, Mr. Khanh stated that previously, a shipment from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City took approximately 32 hours. With the new regulation limiting the working week to 48 hours, meaning each driver works 7 hours a day, it takes about 2.5 days to complete a shipment.

Proposal to increase driving time

Chairman of the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association, Nguyen Van Quyen, pointed out several issues affecting drivers' driving time, such as the inconsistent road system and frequent traffic congestion. Some expressways lack rest stops, forcing vehicles to drive continuously until they exit the expressway and can finally find a rest area.

According to a representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Logistics Association, many businesses are facing a shortage of drivers, especially those with FC licenses. The association suggests adjusting drivers' working hours to no more than 12 hours per day and no more than 70 hours per week.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Nguyen Van Quyen said that recently the Automobile Transport Association had proposed increasing the maximum driving time per week to 70 hours.

According to Mr. Quyen, most of these countries have better transportation infrastructure than Vietnam, and the permitted driving time is higher than 48 hours per week.

Based on the quality of Vietnam's transportation infrastructure, the association recommends increasing the driving time limit and only imposing penalties when the continuous driving time in a single day exceeds 10% of the regulated limit.

Ensuring driver health prevents accidents.

Mr. Do Van Bang, Chairman of the Hanoi Transport Association, said that while waiting for the competent authorities to study and consider the above proposal, transport businesses first need to closely manage and monitor the working hours and health of drivers, and strengthen traffic safety measures within their units.

Meanwhile, Mr. Khuong Kim Tao, former Deputy Chief of the Office of the National Traffic Safety Committee, stated: "Transportation businesses operate for profit. Business activities must ensure the safety of road users."

A driver works 8 hours a day and 48 hours a day in 6 working days, according to labor laws. Not to mention the stressful nature of driving, which requires mental, nervous, and physical exertion, necessitating supervision to ensure safety."

Sharing the same view, a traffic expert stated that numerous studies have shown that driving continuously for more than 4 hours or working more than 10 hours a day can cause drivers to become tired, stressed, and sleepy, potentially leading to traffic safety hazards.

"The new regulations, when implemented, may have a certain impact on a segment of the population and businesses."

However, in reality, there has been a situation in the past where businesses contracted out trips, leading to drivers working overtime, causing fatigue and lack of alertness while driving, and resulting in numerous accidents," the expert said, adding that the new regulation will help drivers have time to rest and regenerate their energy, avoiding exhaustion during peak holiday seasons, thereby improving safety for each trip.

Transport businesses also need to balance and allocate working hours for drivers appropriately, ensuring their income. Besides profit and tax obligations to the State, transport businesses and drivers also need to demonstrate their social responsibility and work together to reduce traffic accidents.

From January 1st, according to the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, drivers are only allowed to work no more than 10 hours per day and a total working time of no more than 48 hours per week. Failure to comply will result in penalties for both drivers and transport companies as stipulated in Decree 168/2024.

According to Decree 168/2024, drivers of commercial and internal transport vehicles who drive beyond the prescribed time limit or fail to comply with regulations regarding rest periods between two consecutive driving sessions will be fined 3-5 million VND. An additional penalty is the deduction of 2 points from their driver's license.

In addition, vehicle owners who allow their drivers to drive continuously for longer than the permitted time will also be fined 4-6 million VND (individuals) and 8-12 million VND (organizations).

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/co-nen-noi-thoi-gian-lai-xe-van-tai-192250304142115491.htm