Proposed Decree to Increase Fines for Various Violations in the Road Sector
According to the draft Decree on administrative sanctions in the road sector, the drafting agency has proposed increasing fines for a range of violations related to taxis, including unauthorized fee collection.
Article 11 of the draft, concerning penalties for drivers of cars and four-wheeled vehicles with engines engaged in road transport business violating road transport regulations, states that a fine of VND 300,000–500,000 will be imposed for failing to wear uniforms or display driver identification cards as prescribed by the transport business unit.
A fine of VND 800,000–1,000,000 will be imposed for any of the following acts: Operating a taxi or cargo taxi without a meter (for vehicles registered to use meters) or using a meter that does not comply with regulations or failing to use the meter to calculate fares as prescribed;
Driving a taxi without using a fare calculation software (for vehicles registered to use fare calculation software) or using software that does not meet the requirements prescribed; or driving a fixed-route passenger transport vehicle and charging fares higher than those prescribed.
Thus, compared to the current regulations in Decree 100/2019, taxi drivers overcharging passengers will be fined up to VND 1,000,000 (an increase of VND 200,000).
In addition to the fines, those who commit the acts specified in point d, clause 2 of this Article shall also be subject to remedial measures and shall return the unlawfully obtained benefits resulting from the administrative violation.
Moreover, according to Clause 1, Article 45 of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024, passenger transportation by car must comply with the following regulations:
Pick up and drop off passengers at designated locations; provide instructions on the use of safety equipment in the vehicle; and maintain hygiene in the vehicle;
Transport passengers according to the registered schedule and route, unless otherwise prevented by force majeure; Do not carry passengers on the roof of the vehicle, in the luggage compartment, or allow passengers to hang or cling to the outside of the vehicle;
Do not transport hazardous goods, prohibited goods, contraband, wild animals, goods with foul odors, or other goods that may affect the health of passengers or the environment;
Do not carry more passengers, luggage, or cargo than permitted, or violate other regulations; Do not carry goods in the passenger compartment.
Ngoc Minh (ANTĐ)
