A recent proposal by the Ministry of Public Security to remove the regulation limiting drivers to a maximum of 48 working hours per week has attracted significant attention—especially from those directly affected: professional drivers.
Under the 2024 Road Traffic Order and Safety Law, effective from January 1, 2025, a new clause—Article 64, Clause 1—stipulates that drivers may not operate a vehicle for more than 48 hours per week.
This new limit adds to existing regulations, which already prohibit driving more than 10 hours per day or more than 4 consecutive hours. By placing a cap on total weekly hours, it has raised concerns about how this might negatively affect both drivers and transport businesses.
Since its announcement, the regulation has sparked confusion and controversy. Many long-haul drivers and contract vehicle operators have pointed out that the 48-hour weekly limit is impractical, especially given that drivers’ incomes often depend on their working hours and number of trips.
Mr. Trinh Cong Thanh, a North–South route driver, commented: “Long-distance drivers don’t have fixed schedules. If the workweek is capped at just 48 hours, it becomes very restrictive.” He emphasized the need for flexibility in the profession. As long as drivers take breaks between trips, stay within the 10-hour daily driving limit, and maintain safety, a rigid weekly limit may be counterproductive.
In Ho Chi Minh City, ride-hailing driver Dang Minh Hien expressed similar concerns: “I bought a car on loan to work in this service. I have monthly installments to pay, so I try to drive every hour I can. If I’m limited to 48 hours a week—just over six hours a day—that’s not enough to cover my expenses.”
Truck and container drivers share the same worries. Mr. Phan Hoang Anh from Dong Nai, who drives a delivery truck, explained: “Driving is not a 9-to-5 job. We work irregular hours—sometimes waking early or staying up late to deliver on time. A 48-hour limit would reduce our income and make it harder for businesses to schedule routes. I support the proposal to revise this rule.”
Currently, Vietnam’s 48-hour weekly driving limit is lower than in many developed countries. For example:
- The European Union allows up to 56 hours per week
- Japan and the United States allow between 60 to 70 hours per week
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Quyen, President of the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association, “This regulation could reduce drivers’ incomes by 20–30% due to fewer working hours, and decrease the transport market’s capacity by a similar margin. Transport costs could rise by 20–25%, and overall logistics costs might increase by 10–11%.”
In response to widespread feedback from the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association, Hanoi Logistics Association, and various transport companies nationwide, the Ministry of Public Security has reviewed the issue. It is now drafting amendments to ten administrative management laws related to the responsibilities of the People’s Public Security Forces.
One key proposal is to remove the 48-hour weekly limit, while retaining the current restrictions: No more than 10 hours of driving per day and no more than 4 hours of continuous driving.
This proposed change has been positively received by both drivers and businesses, as it reflects a willingness to listen and adapt during the policymaking process. If adopted, the revision could help ease cost burdens, support the recovery of the transport sector amid ongoing economic challenges, and still ensure driver safety through daily and continuous driving limits.
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