New Rules for Mobile Homes by Ministry of Transport

The Ministry of Transport is seeking feedback on the draft Circular on the issuance of the National Technical Regulations (QCVN) for technical safety and environmental protection of substitute cars replacing QCVN 09:2015 (draft). The draft provides detailed regulations on the equipment required for mobile homes.

According to the draft Standard, the maximum number of people allowed to be carried in mobile homes (including drivers) is equal to the number of sleeping places available in the vehicle.

Additionally, the living compartment of the vehicle can only be used when the vehicle is parked. The minimum equipment requirements for the living area include: sleeping area (which can be converted from a seat), dining table and chairs, cooking apparatus, sanitary equipment, and storage compartments.

All objects, accessories, and furniture must not have sharp edges or corners and must be securely fixed in position to minimize the risk of injury to occupants when the vehicle is stationary or in motion.

Furthermore, the draft regulation includes rules for the placement of seats in the vehicle. While in motion, the seats must be arranged towards the front of the vehicle (including the driver’s seat) and facing in the direction of the vehicle’s movement. These seats must also be equipped with safety belts.

Regarding sleeping space, it should be located in the living compartment of the vehicle. The sleeping area can be situated above the driver’s seating area or on an upper level, and it can be fixed, sliding, or removable (like bunk beds).

The minimum width requirement for each single bed is 480mm. The bed can be converted from a seat to a sleeping mat if it meets the minimum size requirements after conversion.

For dining and living chairs, the draft regulation states that the installation position of the table must be fixed, removable, or foldable. When in motion, the table must be firmly fastened with screws or attached/welded to the vehicle’s floor or side wall. The chairs must be securely attached directly to the vehicle’s floor and/or side wall and allow for proper use of the table.

In addition to the vehicle’s doors, there must be at least one separate door for access to the living area. This door can open or slide to the outside of the vehicle on the side or rear and should not be blocked by any objects such as tables, chairs, or seating areas.

Regarding safety measures for electricity and fire prevention, the draft regulation requires that the electrical system serving the living compartment of mobile homes be designed separately from the vehicle’s general electrical system. It must also have safety devices such as fuses/automatic switches before connecting to the power generator and/or independent power storage system.

The electrical system serving the living compartment must be calculated and designed to meet the general standards of the grid electrical system so that it can be connected to an external power grid when the vehicle is parked. Solar panels can be installed to provide energy for the living area.

All recording devices or display devices (TV screens) and related equipment must be securely installed in positions that do not obstruct the driver’s view, the driver’s or passenger’s movements, or increase the risk of injury to people inside the vehicle. They should not be located in the driver’s line of sight, except for driver assistance devices.

For sanitation systems, the installation of sanitation equipment and bathrooms (if any) must be fixed or mobile. Fixed sanitation equipment must ensure waste and wastewater are collected in a container.

The fresh water tank must be separate from the wastewater tank, and all wastewater tanks must have vent holes to the outside. Shut-off valves should be included, and the connection system from the tank must be easily accessible for clean water supply and outside discharge points.

As for cooking equipment, it can be installed inside or outside the vehicle depending on the vehicle’s design. Cooking equipment installed inside the vehicle must be securely attached with screw systems, welding, or adhesive to the vehicle’s floor and side walls.

The installation position must be well-ventilated and separated from other living spaces, such as sleeping areas and the driver’s cabin. A ventilation system to the outside should also be present. The fresh water pump and sink should be located near the cooking equipment.

The draft regulation explicitly states that compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are not allowed as fuel for cooking equipment installed on the vehicle.

Additionally, the draft regulation requires at least two fire extinguishers with a minimum capacity of 2kg each. One extinguisher should be located near the driver’s seat, and the remaining extinguishers must be securely attached in the living area of the vehicle, in a visible and accessible position.

TT (Tuoitrethudo)