Circular No. 12/2020/TT-BGTVT stipulates the organization and management of road passenger transport activities by motor vehicles and supporting transportation services.

CIRCULAR

when violating management and operation of concerning the organization and management of road passenger and cargo transportation by motor vehicles and supporting road transportation services

On the basis of Decree No. 86/2012/NĐ-CP dated October 19, 2012, issued by the Government detailing and guiding implementation of certain provisions of the Metrology Law;

Pursuant to Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP dated January 17, 2020 of the Government on business operations and conditions for operating road transportation by motor vehicles; dated February 10, 2017 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;

Pursuant to Decree No. 12/2017/NĐ-CPconcerning the organization and management of road transportation by motor vehicles and supporting road transportation services.

At the request of the Director of the Transport Department and the Director General of the Vietnam Highway Administration,

The Minister of Transport issues this Circular stipulating This Circular stipulates the organization and management of road transportation by motor vehicles and supporting road transportation services.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular applies to agencies, organizations, and individuals related to road transportation by motor vehicles and supporting road transportation services.

Article 2. Applicability

1. The following terms: Transportation business unit; Operating road transportation by motor vehicles; Fixed route; Operating fixed-route road passenger transportation; Operating fixed-route bus road passenger transportation; Operating road passenger transportation by taxi; Operating non-fixed-route road passenger transportation by contract; Operating road tourist transportation by motor vehicle; Passenger transfer transportation; Designated load capacity of motor vehicles; Permitted load capacity of motor vehicles; Bus station (passenger bus station); Cargo bus station (cargo station); Rest stop; Departure time of each trip; Driving route; Schedule; Route diagram; Application software supporting transportation connection; Directly managing the vehicle and driver in accordance with Article 3 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP dated January 17, 2020 of the Government on business operations and conditions for operating road transportation by motor vehicles (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP).

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

2. Passenger pick-up and drop-off points (including bus stops) are locations on roads where motor vehicles operating on fixed routes stop to allow passengers to board and disembark during their driving route.

3. Vehicle parking service is a supporting road transportation service wherein organizations or individuals provide parking services and charge fees for such services.

4. Road transportation rescue service is an activity providing assistance to vehicles and assets on vehicles when accidents or incidents occur.

5. Parking lot is a traffic infrastructure facility on roads used for parking road transport vehicles.

6. Parking location of a transportation business unit is a position owned by the unit or rented or cooperatively operated with organizations or individuals to park vehicles suitable to the scale of the unit, ensuring requirements for order, safety, fire prevention, and environmental hygiene.

7. Transportation agency is a supporting road transportation service wherein organizations or individuals are authorized by a transportation business unit to perform one or more stages in the transportation process (excluding the stage of directly managing the vehicle and driver transporting passengers or goods; determining freight rates).

8. Assigning tasks to drivers to operate vehicles through application software supporting transportation connection is the act of organizations or individuals using application software supporting transportation connection to receive customer transportation requests, select appropriate vehicles and drivers, and transmit information about the transportation request to the driver operating the vehicle to fulfill the transportation task.

9. Assigning tasks to drivers to operate vehicles through a Transportation Contract as prescribed is the act of organizations or individuals using a Transportation Contract to assign tasks to drivers operating vehicles to fulfill transportation tasks.

10. Assigning tasks to drivers to operate vehicles through a Transportation Order is the act of organizations or individuals using a Transportation Order to assign tasks to drivers operating vehicles to fulfill transportation tasks.

11. Assigning tasks to drivers to operate vehicles through a Waybill (Transportation Document) is the act of organizations or individuals using a Waybill (Transportation Document) to assign tasks to drivers operating vehicles to fulfill transportation tasks.

12. Determining freight rates is the act of a transportation business unit setting freight rates to inform customers or directly negotiating with customers to agree on rates before performing transportation.

13. A person with expertise in transportation is someone holding a certificate in basic transportation specialization or having a diploma in intermediate transportation specialization or higher.

PROVISIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROCEDURES TO ENSURE TRAFFIC SAFETY AND THE TASKS OF MANAGEMENT UNITS IN MONITORING TRAFFIC SAFETY CONDITIONS

Chapter II

PROVISIONS ON THE CONSTRUCTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROCEDURES FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY ASSURANCE AND THE TASKS OF MANAGEMENT UNITS AND MONITORING OF TRAFFIC SAFETY CONDITIONS

Article 4. Detailed provisions on traffic safety assurance procedures

The traffic safety assurance procedures must ensure the following minimum steps and contents in sequence:

1. Before assigning new transportation tasks to drivers, the Traffic Safety Management Unit at enterprises, cooperatives operating passenger transport services with fixed routes, buses, taxis, container trucks, or staff responsible for traffic safety monitoring at units engaged in contractual passenger transport, tour transport, cargo transport businesses (hereinafter referred to collectively as the Traffic Safety Management Unit (staff)) shall perform the following tasks:

a) Daily, compile and analyze data on the operation of each vehicle during the execution of transportation tasks through vehicle tracking devices and other management measures of the unit to correct, remind, and handle violations;

b) Receive and resolve proposals and feedback from drivers regarding traffic safety issues;

c) Coordinate with other departments of the unit to collect customer transportation requirements, understand and grasp conditions related to the route and other aspects affecting traffic safety;

d) Coordinate with other units' departments to arrange vehicles and drivers to execute transportation tasks ensuring continuous driver working hours, daily working hours, and rest periods according to the Road Traffic Law; do not use two-tiered sleeper buses on mountainous routes classified as Class V and Class VI.

2. Prior to executing transportation tasks, the person directly managing the transportation operations of enterprises, cooperatives (hereinafter abbreviated as the transportation manager) or unit transportation management staff and drivers must perform the following tasks (for taxi transportation operations, follow the production and business plan of the unit):

a) Check the driver's license; technical safety inspection certificate and environmental protection certificate; vehicle registration certificate; dispatch order for fixed-route passenger transport, bus transport; transportation contract for contractual passenger transport, tour transport; cargo transport document (transport document); other documents required by the unit's management;

b) Directly inform or notify via the software of the transportation business unit to the driver the customer's transportation requirements and necessary attention points to ensure traffic safety (if applicable);

c) Conduct alcohol and drug tests on drivers (if the unit is equipped with testing devices and tools).

3. After being assigned a task and before starting the vehicle, the driver assigned the transportation task must perform a safety technical check on the vehicle (for taxi transportation units, conduct checks according to the production and business plan of the unit) including at least the following main items: check the vehicle tracking device, camera installed on the vehicle (for those required to be installed according to regulations) to ensure good operational status; check the steering system; check the wheels; check the braking system; lighting and horn systems; information posted on the vehicle.

4. Before starting the vehicle to execute the transportation task, the driver receiving the task must use their driver identification card to log in through the vehicle tracking device reader.

5. When the vehicle is operating on the road

a) The Traffic Safety Management Unit (staff) or transportation manager or unit management staff designated by the unit must perform the following tasks: monitor the operation of the vehicle and driver throughout the transportation task through the vehicle tracking device; immediately remind the driver when detecting excessive speed, exceeding continuous driver working hours, exceeding daily working hours, deviating from the transportation route, no signal from the vehicle tracking device, and other traffic safety risks; receive and propose solutions when traffic safety incidents occur. Information about corrections and reminders when drivers violate must be recorded or updated into the unit's software for monitoring;

b) Drivers must strictly comply with traffic safety regulations while controlling the vehicle to transport passengers and goods, adhere to continuous driver working hours, daily working hours, speed limits, driving routes, vehicle tracking devices, cameras (for required types of vehicles) to ensure continuous operation; report the time, location, and cause of traffic safety incidents immediately so that the unit can take timely measures.

6. When the driver completes the assigned task or ends the work shift

a) The Traffic Safety Management Unit (staff) or transportation manager or unit management staff designated by the unit must perform the following tasks: compile the distance traveled by the vehicle as a basis for planning and implementing maintenance and repair schedules according to the regular maintenance cycle; compile and monitor the maintenance and repair results of each vehicle; compile violations related to speed, continuous driver working hours, daily working hours, deviation from the transportation route, interrupted data from the vehicle tracking device; report to unit leadership for handling according to regulations; summarize traffic safety incidents during the vehicle's commercial transportation operations on the road;

b) The driver must perform the following tasks: use their driver identification card to log out information through the vehicle's onboard monitoring device reader; after completing the trip or work shift, before leaving the vehicle, the driver must check the passenger compartment to ensure there are no remaining passengers on the vehicle (applicable to passenger transport vehicles).

7. On a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, the traffic safety management unit (staff) must perform the following tasks:

a) Compile statistics on the number of accidents, causes, and severity levels for each driver and the entire unit;

b) Develop and implement plans to handle incidents that cause traffic safety issues during transportation operations;

c) Organize evaluations and lessons learned for all drivers in the unit after a traffic accident of serious or higher severity occurs during transportation operations;

d) Coordinate with the unit’s business departments to organize training sessions on transportation operations and traffic safety for all drivers and service personnel on the vehicle (if any) according to regulations;

đ) Store records and ledgers in paper form or save them electronically in software as required by Clause 2, Clause 3, Clause 5, and point a of Clause 6 of this Article. The retention period shall be at least three years.

Article 5. Implementation of procedures to ensure traffic safety for motor vehicle transportation businesses

1. Transportation businesses (enterprises, cooperatives, individual households operating motor vehicle transportation) may choose to implement traffic safety assurance procedures as specified in point a or point b below:

a) Apply and strictly comply with the content of the Standard TCVN ISO 39001:2014 on Road Traffic Safety Management System - Requirements and Guidance for Use, and ensure compliance with the provisions of point a of Clause 2 of Article 11 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP and Article 4 of this Circular;

b) Develop and strictly comply with traffic safety assurance procedures as stipulated in Clause 1, point a of Clause 2 of Article 11 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP and Article 4 of this Circular.

2. In cases where the owner of a transportation business also serves as the driver operating the vehicle in transportation activities, they must perform the tasks specified in: point c, point d of Clause 1; point a of Clause 2; Clause 3; Clause 4; point b of Clause 5; Clause 6; and point đ of Clause 7 of Article 4 of this Circular.

Article 6. Detailed Provisions on the Development and Implementation of Traffic Safety Assurance Procedures for Passenger Bus Terminals and Freight Terminals

Passenger bus terminals and freight terminals must develop and fully implement traffic safety assurance procedures according to the following steps:

1. Tasks to be performed when vehicles enter the terminal

Terminal staff and drivers must perform the following tasks:

a) Inspect and confirm that the vehicle has been authorized by the competent authority to operate at the terminal and record the arrival of the vehicle (applicable to passenger bus terminals);

b) Guide the driver to park the vehicle in the designated passenger drop-off and cargo unloading area, and update the information into the terminal management software as prescribed;

c) Guide the driver to park the vehicle in the designated parking area according to the regulations at the terminal.

2. Tasks to be performed before the vehicle enters the passenger pick-up area (queue)

Before allowing the vehicle to enter the passenger pick-up area or queue, terminal staff must conduct inspections and record in the vehicle entry and exit logbook or update into the terminal management software the following contents:

a) Inspect the motor vehicle including: vehicle registration certificate; technical safety and environmental protection certification; valid compulsory civil liability insurance; valid stickers affixed to the vehicle window according to regulations; data on the vehicle's position at the terminal on the system processing and utilizing data from the vehicle's onboard monitoring device of the Vietnam Highway Administration, cameras (for vehicles required to be installed according to regulations); fire extinguisher; escape tools (if available);

b) Inspect the driver of the motor vehicle including: number of drivers with driving licenses; name badge, uniform (if applicable); transport order or transport ticket (transport document);

c) Inspect the registered quality of transportation services with the route management authority, check the posted fare (applicable to passenger bus terminals); check the posted information on the vehicle ensuring completeness and compliance with regulations;

d) Inspect the information on the vehicle registration plate (vehicle license plate), the driver must match the information recorded on the transport order, transportation contract, or transport ticket (transport document) as prescribed; inspect the driver to ensure they have not consumed alcohol or drugs (in cases where the unit has testing equipment). For freight terminals, it is also necessary to inspect the information on the permit for transporting dangerous goods according to regulations in cases where the vehicle is transporting dangerous goods;

When terminal staff discover that the authorities have seized the vehicle or driver's documents while the driver was performing the current trip and these documents were seized for violation handling, the driver is permitted to operate the vehicle until the end of the next consecutive return trip on the transport order.

3. Tasks to be performed when the vehicle enters the passenger pick-up area, queue

a) After terminal staff complete the inspection of the contents in Clause 2 of this Article:

If any inspection content does not meet requirements, then depending on the severity of each item, require the transportation business or driver to immediately rectify or arrange another vehicle or driver to replace;

If all inspection contents meet requirements, terminal staff guide the driver to park the vehicle in the designated passenger pick-up area or queue according to the scheduled time and proceed with subsequent tasks as specified in points b and c of this clause;

b) For bus stations: carry out the sale of tickets to passengers if the transport unit entrusts the station with selling tickets; supervise the process of loading passengers and luggage onto buses within the station area to promptly detect and prevent the transportation of prohibited goods, flammable and explosive items, and live animals on the bus; ensure that consigned goods are loaded onto the bus in accordance with regulations and not placed in the passenger compartment; ensure that the number of people carried does not exceed the permitted limit; all passengers must have a ticket and be seated according to the number indicated on the ticket;

c) For freight stations: supervise the process of loading cargo and luggage onto vehicles within the station area to promptly detect and prevent the transportation of prohibited goods; ensure that cargo is loaded onto vehicles in accordance with regulations. Encourage freight stations to equip technical devices to detect prohibited goods within the station area; load cargo onto vehicles ensuring it does not exceed the permissible weight for transportation as recorded in the Certificate of Technical Safety Inspection and Environmental Protection of the vehicle; require the loader to sign and confirm on the transport document (transportation document) after loading the cargo onto the vehicle;

d) Supervise the activities of motor vehicles and drivers within the station area.

4. Tasks to be resolved for vehicles departing from the station.

Before allowing vehicles to depart from the station, station staff and drivers shall perform the following tasks:

a) For bus stations: determine the total number of tickets sold (except in cases where the transport unit sells tickets itself), the driver shall settle service fees (except for other payments under the service contract between the transport business unit and the station management unit) and jointly with station staff sign and confirm the transfer of relevant documents as prescribed. Check and sign to confirm the information on the dispatch order;

b) For freight stations: determine the quantity and type of cargo loaded onto the vehicle, the driver shall settle service fees (except for other payments under the service contract between the transport business unit and the station management unit) and jointly with station staff sign and confirm the transfer of relevant documents as prescribed. Check and sign to confirm the information on the transport document (transportation document);

c) Station staff are responsible for recording and confirming that the driver has completed all procedures required for the vehicle's departure as prescribed. Update the information into the station management software when the vehicle departs as prescribed; compile cases where vehicles are not allowed to depart as prescribed and traffic safety conditions at the station.

5. Implementation timeline for traffic safety procedures at bus stations

a) For bus stations from Class 1 to Class 4, apply from the date this Circular takes effect;

b) For remaining types of bus stations and freight stations, apply from January 1, 2021.

Article 7. Responsibilities of The department managing and monitoring traffic safety conditions

1. Organize the implementation of tasks assigned as stipulated in Article 4 of this Circular.

2. Inspect and monitor technical safety and environmental protection conditions of vehicles; urge and monitor the implementation of technical inspection and maintenance schedules for vehicles; closely inspect and supervise the technical condition of vehicles.

3. Manage and monitor mandatory information from vehicle tracking devices and images from cameras installed on vehicles to promptly warn and prevent violations; use information from vehicle tracking devices and images from cameras installed on vehicles to serve management activities of the unit and provide mandatory information of each vehicle to competent state agencies upon request; monitor and propose timely repairs and replacements for faulty vehicle tracking devices and cameras; periodically prepare reports on violations by the unit's drivers monthly, quarterly, and annually.

Chapter III

REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES ON THE MANAGEMENT AND USE OF IMAGE DATA FROM CAMERAS INSTALLED ON PASSENGER CARRIER MOTOR VEHICLES

Article 8. YTechnical requirements and guidelines for installing cameras on vehicles

1. Transport businesses must install cameras on passenger carrier motor vehicles in accordance with Clause 2, Article 13, and Clause 2, Article 14 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP. Cameras installed on vehicles must meet the following minimum technical requirements:

a) Must have a product label as prescribed by law when circulating in the market and subject to inspection by quality control authorities;

b) Must have the function of recording and storing video data at the camera and ensuring data security when power is lost, ensuring that data is not lost, deleted, or altered during the storage period; the function of transmitting image data to the server for monitoring, management, and storage as prescribed; the function of reporting the operational status of the camera and the status of data transmission to the server. In case of signal loss, the camera must have the ability to store and send complete data to the server immediately after the transmission resumes;

c) Video format at the camera installed on the vehicle must comply with standards (MP4 or H.264 or H.265) and include minimum information such as: license plate number (vehicle registration plate), location (coordinates), time; video stored on the memory card or hard drive of the camera with a minimum frame rate of 10 frames/second and a minimum resolution of 720p. Images captured by the camera must be clear under all lighting conditions (including at night);

d) Image data extracted from all cameras installed on the vehicle must be transmitted at a frequency of 12 to 20 times/hour when the vehicle is running (equivalent to every 3 to 5 minutes of data transmission) to the transport business. The image format transmitted to the server must comply with the .JPG standard and must have a minimum resolution of 640x480 pixels;

đ) Data recorded and retained at the camera installed on the vehicle and at the server of the transport business must ensure that they are not deleted or altered during the storage period as prescribed.

2. The transportation business unit decides the position and number of cameras installed on its own buses to ensure full observation of the driver's work area, passenger compartments, and vehicle entry and exit doors; the installation of cameras on buses must ensure that there is no illegal interference or alteration of the true image recording process on the vehicle. The transportation business unit shall post usage instructions in easily visible locations for the drivers to follow; the posted information includes:

a) Telephone number and contact address of the camera installation unit;

b) Status of device operation through signals and alerts;

c) Procedures for connecting the camera to a computer or data reading device.

3. The transportation business unit and the commercial transport drivers may not use technical measures, peripheral equipment, or other methods to interfere with the operation, jam (or disrupt) GPS, GSM signals, or distort the data recorded by the cameras installed on the buses.

Article 9. Provisions on Data Provision from Cameras Installed on Buses

1. Image data from cameras installed on buses must be transmitted to the Vietnam Highway Administration's server within two minutes from the time the transportation business unit's server receives the data. In case of network interruption, simultaneous transmission of both old and current data is allowed when the network resumes normal operation.

2. The provided data is divided into two types, including identification data and image data from cameras installed on buses.

a) Identification data includes: name of the transportation business unit; name of the Department of Transport (where the commercial transport license was issued); vehicle registration number (license plate); vehicle load capacity (number of seats or cargo volume allowed to participate in traffic); type of business; driver's full name and driver's license number. This identification data must be linked to the image data from cameras installed on buses;

b) Image data from cameras installed on buses must be continuously updated in chronological order and accompanied by minimum information including: driver's license number, vehicle registration number (license plate), vehicle location (GPS coordinates), and time.

3. The accompanying information structure with image data from cameras is as follows:

a) Driver's license number is the number recorded on the driver's license of the person currently operating the vehicle;

b) Vehicle registration number (license plate): written consecutively, without distinction between uppercase and lowercase letters, without special characters. Example: 30E00555;

c) Vehicle location (Coordinates): Decimal Degree, WGS84 (longitude, latitude);

d) Time: Unix-time according to Vietnam Standard Time.

4. The data transmission protocol is published by the Vietnam Highway Administration.

5. The servers of the data transmitting units and the Vietnam Highway Administration must be synchronized with the national standard time according to the NTP (Network Time Protocol) standard.

Article 10. Provisions on the Exploitation and Use of Image Data from Cameras Installed on Buses

1. The exploitation of data from cameras installed on buses shall be carried out in accordance with laws on information technology and related laws.

2. Information and data from cameras installed on buses are used to serve state management tasks in transportation, management of drivers' activities and vehicles of transportation business units, and provided to public security agencies (Traffic Police Corps, Traffic Police Departments, Road Traffic Police Departments - Railways, Provincial Public Security Traffic Police Departments, Central City Public Security Traffic Police Departments), transportation sectors (Ministry of Transport, Vietnam Highway Administration, Departments of Transport) to serve state management, inspection, and handling of violations according to the law and other tasks to ensure public security and traffic safety.

3. Information and data in the database from cameras on the network environment are ensured to be secure according to laws on information security and related laws.

4. Agencies and units granted access accounts to the Vietnam Highway Administration's camera image data software must implement account and information security according to regulations and exploit and use data to serve management tasks in accordance with their functions and responsibilities.

Article 11. Responsibilities of the General Department of Roads of VietnamMale

1. Equip, manage, upgrade and maintain hardware, software, data transmission lines to receive, store and utilize image data from cameras installed on vehicles in accordance with regulations, completed before July 1, 2021.

2. Provide data transmission accounts for transport business units or service providers hired or authorized by transport business units.

3. Develop protocols for units to transmit data to the General Department of Roads of Vietnam.

4. Utilize image data from cameras on the General Department of Roads of Vietnam's software to serve state management, inspection, supervision, and handling of violations in transportation activities nationwide.

5. Provide access accounts to the General Department of Roads of Vietnam's image data software for the Ministry of Transport, Traffic Police Corps, Traffic Police Room, Road and Rail Traffic Police Room, Provincial Public Security Traffic Police Room, and Provincial Department of Transport to serve state management, inspection, supervision, and handling of violations according to the law and other tasks to ensure public security and traffic safety.

6. Arrange staff to monitor and operate the software, ensuring continuous system operation during utilization.

7. Store three years of aggregated data on vehicle violations and driver offenses on the General Department of Roads of Vietnam's software; secure and ensure data safety on the software.

8. Require Provincial Departments of Transport to handle violations by drivers and transport business units within their jurisdiction.

Article 12. Responsibilities of the Department of Transport

1. Arrange staff to monitor, utilize and use image data from cameras on the General Department of Roads of Vietnam's software or local transport business units' software to serve state management, inspection, supervision, and handling of violations in transport business activities for transport business units within their jurisdiction.

2. Check, update, and verify information to ensure the accuracy of data transmitted by transport business units to the General Department of Roads of Vietnam, including: name of the Department of Transport; name of the transport business unit; vehicle registration number (license plate); vehicle load capacity (number of seats or cargo volume allowed to participate in traffic); type of business and number of vehicles required to install cameras according to regulations.

3. Require transport business units under local management to address violations committed by drivers.

Article 13. Responsibilities of Transport Business Units

1. Implement the provisions stipulated in Clause 5, Article 34 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

2. Equip, manage and maintain hardware, software for data processing, and data transmission lines to ensure connection, data transmission, and compatibility with the General Department of Roads of Vietnam's data receiving software.

3. Accurately, fully, and promptly transmit data as prescribed in Point b, Clause 2, Article 9 of this Circular to the General Department of Roads of Vietnam's server.

4. Arrange staff to monitor and utilize data on the company's software for image data processing from cameras to serve management, operation, reminders, corrections, and handling of violations; check the accuracy of information about vehicle registration numbers (license plates), vehicle load capacities (capacity) (number of seats or cargo volume allowed to participate in traffic), driver licenses, and types of business of vehicles under the company's management.

5. Handle responsibilities for managing, monitoring, utilizing, and using data for related individuals and departments according to regulations; promptly handle driver violations according to the internal rules and regulations of the unit.

6. The transport business unit directly implements or hires a service provider through a legally effective contract to implement the provisions of Clause 1, Clause 2, and Clause 3 of this Article.

Chapter IV
ROAD PASSENGER TRANSPORT BY MOTOR VEHICLES

Section 1

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Article 14. Provisions for passenger transport business units passengers

1. Implement the provisions set forth in Article 34 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

2. Management and use of commercial motor vehicles

a) Develop and implement plans for technical maintenance (hereinafter referred to as maintenance) and repair of means of transport to ensure that all means of transport are maintained and repaired in accordance with Circular No. 53/2014/TT-BGTVT dated October 20, 2014, issued by the Minister of Transport on technical maintenance and repair of road motor vehicles;

b) Establish and update fully the operational history of the means of transport in the vehicle record or management software of the unit with minimum information according to the model prescribed in Appendix 1 attached to this Circular;

c) Connect and update vehicle records data through the Ministry of Transport's (Vietnam Highway Administration) management software for commercial passenger transport operations in accordance with the schedule specified in point d, Clause 3, Article 11 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP;

d) Use motor vehicles participating in commercial transport operations in compliance with the provisions of points a and b, Clause 3, Article 11 and Article 13 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

3. Management of drivers engaged in commercial transport operations

a) Use drivers to operate two-tier sleeper buses in compliance with the experience requirements stipulated in point c, Clause 3, Article 11 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP;

b) Establish and update fully the operational history of drivers in the driver's professional record or management software with minimum information according to the model prescribed in Appendix 2 attached to this Circular;

c) Connect and update professional records of drivers through the Ministry of Transport's (Vietnam Highway Administration) management software for commercial passenger transport operations in accordance with the schedule specified in point d, Clause 3, Article 11 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP;

d) Ensure that drivers comply with regulations on working hours in a day, continuous driving time, and rest periods as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 11 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

4. Directly manage the means of transport and drivers of their own unit to carry out passenger transportation in one of the following forms:

a) Through application software supporting transportation connection;

b) Through Transportation Orders;

c) Through Transportation Contracts.

5. Determine freight rates for the commercial transport operations of the unit.

6. Develop or apply service quality standards

a) Enterprises and cooperatives engaged in fixed-route passenger transport, bus transport, and taxi transport must develop or apply basic standards for passenger transport service quality issued by the Vietnam Highway Administration. In cases where the service quality standards are developed by the unit, they must clearly indicate which category they correspond to in the basic standards for passenger transport service quality issued by the Vietnam Highway Administration;

b) Enterprises and cooperatives engaged in fixed-route passenger transport must notify the level of service quality on the route to both terminal stations before commencing operation or when there is a change in service quality.

7. Store relevant files and documents during the management and operation of transport activities of the unit for inspection and supervision purposes; the retention period shall be at least three years.

Article 15. Installation, management, and exploitation of information from vehicle telematics devices

1. Vehicle telematics devices for automobiles must comply with regulations, ensuring full and continuous recording and transmission to the business unit's server or data processing service provider all mandatory information including: route, speed, and continuous driving time.

2. Responsibilities of transportation business units

a) Install telematics devices on vehicles according to regulations;

b) Maintain good technical condition, ensuring full, accurate, and continuous transmission of mandatory information from telematics devices throughout the vehicle's operation period;

c) Provide usernames and passwords for accessing the software that processes data from telematics devices of vehicles under their unit to the Department of Transport where the license plates were issued;

d) Arrange staff to monitor and supervise vehicle activities through telematics devices during the entire transportation business operation; implement warnings and handle drivers who violate according to the unit's internal rules and regulations;

đ) Update and systematically store mandatory information for at least one year.

3. Transportation business units and drivers shall comply with the provisions set out in Clause 6, Article 12 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

Article 16. Training in transportation operations and traffic safety for drivers and onboard personnel

1. Training targets: drivers and onboard personnel.

2. Training content: according to the framework program of the Ministry of Transport.

3. Timing of training

a) Before engaging in transportation business operations;

b) Regularly, not exceeding three years from the previous training session.

4. Training staff include:

a) Professional instructors in transportation from secondary vocational schools and above with specialized transportation training; individuals with a minimum of a secondary vocational degree in transportation;

b) Individuals with a minimum of a college or university degree in other fields and at least three years of experience in managing and operating road transportation.

5. Transportation business units are responsible for organizing training in transportation operations and traffic safety for drivers and onboard personnel and must meet the following requirements:

a) Ensure compliance with the contents stipulated in Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this Article;

b) During the organization of training, the transportation business unit may cooperate with other transportation units, the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association, local automobile transport associations, driver training institutions, training schools for cadre and civil servants of ministries and equivalent agencies, and secondary vocational schools and above (schools with transportation majors) to organize training for drivers and onboard personnel;

c) Prior to organizing training, the training unit must notify the local Department of Transport about the training plan, location, list of training staff, and list of participants for inspection and supervision;

d) Issue Certificates of Completion to those who have successfully completed the training according to the model specified in Appendix 3 attached to this Circular; retain training program files and training results for at least three years.

6. Departments of Transport

a) Dispatch staff to directly supervise or monitor training sessions conducted by the organizing unit via online cameras;

b) Not recognize the results of training and require the organizing unit to retrain according to regulations for cases where the organizing unit fails to notify the Department of Transport as required in Point c, Clause 5 of this Article or does not meet the requirements in Point a, Clause 5 of this Article.

Section 2
ROAD PASSENGER TRANSPORT BY MOTOR VEHICLES

BY FIXED ROUTE

Article 17. Criteria for establishing routes

1. There must be a system of roads that have been announced for exploitation throughout the entire route.

2. There must be departure bus stations and arrival bus stations that have been announced by competent authorities for exploitation.

3. Route code for fixed passenger transport services

a) The route code for inter-provincial fixed passenger transport services is determined by the province or city codes of the departure and arrival points; the bus station codes of the departure and arrival points. The route code is arranged in order: the province or city with the smaller code comes before the one with the larger code; the bus station of the province or city with the smaller code comes before the bus station of the province or city with the larger code. In cases where the route has multiple different itineraries, additional characters from the Vietnamese alphabet (A, B, C) are added to the end of the number sequence;

b) The route code for intra-provincial fixed passenger transport services is determined by the province or city code; the bus station codes of the departure and arrival points. The route code is arranged in order: the province or city code; the bus station with the smaller code; the bus station with the larger code. In cases where the route has multiple different itineraries, additional characters from the Vietnamese alphabet (A, B, C) are added to the end of the number sequence.

Article 18. HGuidance on organization, management, and criteria for passenger pick-up and drop-off points on fixed routes

1. Criteria for passenger pick-up and drop-off points

a) Passenger pick-up and drop-off points can only be located at positions ensuring traffic safety and convenience for passengers boarding and alighting from vehicles;

b) There must be sufficient area for vehicles to stop for pick-up and drop-off without affecting other vehicles circulating on the road;

c) Passenger pick-up and drop-off points shall use Directional Signs (Sign I.434a) applicable to fixed routes according to the National Technical Regulation on Road Traffic Signs QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT issued together with Circular No. 54/2019/TT-BGTVT dated December 31, 2019 of the Minister of Transport;

d) The minimum distance between two adjacent passenger pick-up and drop-off points or between a passenger pick-up and drop-off point and a rest stop or terminal at either end of the route shall be determined by the Department of Transport based on actual conditions and traffic organization of the locality;

2. Organization and management of passenger pick-up and drop-off points

a) Passenger pick-up and drop-off points shall serve only fixed-route passenger transport buses for pick-up and drop-off; they shall not be used for other activities;

b) At passenger pick-up and drop-off points, each fixed-route passenger transport bus may stop for a maximum of three minutes;

c) The local Department of Transport determines the location of fixed-route passenger pick-up and drop-off points (for national highways, this must be coordinated with the competent highway management authority; for roads managed by the People's Committee of the district (city), coordination with the People's Committee of the district (city) is required). These locations are then submitted to the Provincial People's Committee for approval;

d) The Department of Transport advises the Provincial People's Committee on organizing, managing, ensuring traffic safety, public security, and environmental sanitation in the areas of passenger pick-up and drop-off points within the locality;

e) Passenger pick-up and drop-off points shall be invested in and constructed according to the following principles: for newly built or upgraded roads, the project investor is responsible for incorporating them as a component of the construction project; for currently operational roads, organizations and individuals invest in construction through socialization or from state budget sources;

f) The Department of Transport issues a notice regarding the commencement or cessation of operation of passenger pick-up and drop-off points on fixed routes.

Article 19. Posting Information

1. Post on the Department of Transport's electronic information website the following information: list of routes within the local area (after the competent authority has announced); list of operating routes; maximum number of trips allowed to operate on each route during a time unit and the number of registered trips; list of transport units currently operating on the route; schedule of trips along the route; mobile hotline phone number of the Department of Transport.

2. Post at bus stations the following information: list of routes, departure schedules of trips currently operating at the station; list of transport business units operating on each route; mobile hotline phone number of the transport business unit, local Department of Transport.

3. Post at ticket counters the following information: name of the transport business unit, route name, fare, departure schedule for each trip, passenger services during the journey, free baggage allowance.

4. Post on vehicles

a) Post at the top of the front windshield: name of the departure bus station, name of the destination bus station; minimum character height of 06 cm.

b) Post on both sides of the vehicle body or both sides of the vehicle doors: name and mobile phone number of the transport business unit. Minimum size: length of 20 cm, width of 20 cm;

c) Post inside the vehicle: vehicle registration plate (inspection plate), fare, route schedule, passenger services during the journey, free baggage allowance, mobile hotline phone number of the transport business unit, of the local Department of Transport that issues the emblem.

5. Responsibilities for posting and providing posted information:

a) The Department of Transport shall post according to the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Bus stations shall post at the station and post at ticket counters of routes entrusted by the station to sell tickets according to the provisions of Clauses 2 and 3 of this Article;

c) Transport business units shall post on vehicles and post at ticket counters where the unit sells tickets itself according to the provisions of Clauses 3 and 4 of this Article;

d) Passenger transport enterprises and cooperatives must provide related bus stations with the information required to be posted at bus stations.

Article 20. Provisions for Fixed Route Passenger Transport Vehicles

1. Must comply with the provisions set out in Clause 4 of Article 4 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

2. Shall post information according to the provisions of Clause 4 of Article 19 of this Circular.

3. The quantity, quality, arrangement of seats, beds in the vehicle must be consistent with the vehicle design and numbered sequentially from front to back.

4. The vehicle must be equipped with emergency escape tools, fire extinguishers that are still usable and within their validity period as prescribed.

5. Must have a "FIXED ROUTE VEHICLE" emblem according to the model prescribed in Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular. The emblem must be affixed permanently at the upper right corner immediately below the Inspection Sticker position on the inside of the front windshield.

6. Behind the seat or beside the bed must have a Traffic Safety and Escape Guide Board, including main contents such as: regulations requiring seat belts to be fastened before the vehicle starts and instructions on how to fasten seat belts (if applicable); luggage arrangement instructions; no smoking sign on the vehicle; instructions on using the vehicle's electrical system (if applicable); instructions on using fire extinguishers, escape hammers, and escape routes in case of emergencies.

7. At the same time, each vehicle may only register and operate a maximum of two fixed passenger transport routes, these routes can be consecutive (the end station of the previous route serves as the starting station for the next route).

Article 21. Provisions on the use of passenger shuttle buses

1. Shuttle buses must comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 9, Article 3, Clause 5, Article 4, Clause 1, Article 12, and Point a, Clause 2, Article 22 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP; the service life shall be calculated according to the regulations on the service life of passenger-carrying motor vehicles stipulated in Decree No. 95/NĐ-CP dated October 30, 2009 of the Government.

2. The name and telephone number of the enterprise or cooperative must be posted on both sides of the body or doors of the vehicle, with a minimum size of 20 cm in length and 20 cm in width.

3. The license plate issued for shuttle buses shall follow the model prescribed in Appendix 5 attached to this Circular.

Article 22. Provisions on route management

1. For intra-provincial routes: The Department of Transport shall implement route management contents as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 4 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

2. For inter-provincial routes: The Department of Transport where the license plate is issued shall take the lead and coordinate with the Department of Transport at the other end of the route to implement route management contents as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 4 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and coordinate with the Department of Transport where transport management issues arise to handle them.

3. Annually before March 31, the Department of Transport shall develop, adjust, and supplement fixed-route passenger transport lines within the province; coordinate with the Department of Transport at the other end of the route to develop, adjust, and supplement inter-provincial fixed-route passenger transport lines, and report in writing to the Vietnam Highway Corporation for consolidation and submission to the Ministry of Transport for publication.

Annually before April 30, the Vietnam Highway Corporation shall take the lead and coordinate with the Departments of Transport of provinces and centrally-administered cities to consolidate, review, adjust, and advise the Ministry of Transport to publish the list of inter-provincial fixed-route passenger transport networks; the Departments of Transport of provinces and centrally-administered cities shall advise and submit the list of intra-provincial fixed-route passenger transport networks to the provincial People's Committees for publication.

4. Based on the list of fixed-route passenger transport networks published by the competent authority, the local Department of Transport (for intra-provincial routes) and the Departments of Transport at both ends of the route (for inter-provincial routes) shall unify and publicly announce detailed information about each route on their websites, including: departure bus station, arrival bus station, route; total number of trips and departure times of each trip operated by participating units and the minimum interval time between consecutive trips; capacity of bus stations at both ends of the route.

a) Announced periodically before May 15 each year;

b) Announced outside the regular announcement period when adjusting or supplementing fixed-route passenger transport lines or traffic volume on already announced routes;

c) Within seven working days from the date of announcement by the competent authority, the Vietnam Highway Corporation shall update the list of inter-provincial fixed routes, and the Department of Transport shall update the schedule of inter-provincial fixed routes, as well as the list and schedule of intra-provincial fixed routes into the online public service system of the Ministry of Transport.

5. During the implementation process, if there are changes such as new roads being put into operation, newly announced bus stations being put into operation, bus stations ceasing operations, or other issues leading to updates, adjustments, or supplements to the list of fixed-route passenger transport networks, the following actions shall be taken:

a) For intra-provincial fixed-route passenger transport lines, the Department of Transport shall compile and report to the provincial People's Committee for decision;

b) For inter-provincial fixed-route passenger transport lines, the Departments of Transport at both ends of the route shall report to the Vietnam Highway Corporation for consolidation and reporting to the Ministry of Transport for decision.

6. In case of dangerous epidemics, natural disasters, typhoons, or floods affecting the operation of fixed routes, the Departments of Transport at both ends of the route shall temporarily adjust the actual number of trips or suspend operations during the occurrence of dangerous epidemics, natural disasters, typhoons, or floods based on the proposal of enterprises or cooperatives or the decision of the competent authority. The results of the adjustment shall be reported to the Vietnam Highway Corporation for consolidation and reporting to the Ministry of Transport.

Article 23. Supplementing and Replacing Vehicles Operating on Routes

1. Supplementing and Replacing Vehicles Operating on Routes

Enterprises and cooperatives may replace vehicles currently operating on routes or supplement vehicles if such supplementation does not increase the number of trips. Vehicles supplemented or replaced on a route must be issued with a "FIXED ROUTE VEHICLE" emblem bearing the name of that route and must meet the requirements for types of vehicles participating in the operation of the registered route.

2. Emergency Replacement of Vehicles

a) Enterprises and cooperatives may use any vehicle of their own that has been issued with a "FIXED ROUTE VEHICLE" emblem to replace when the vehicle currently operating on the route encounters technical issues, traffic accidents, or other force majeure reasons. In cases where the unit cannot arrange a replacement vehicle, the Department of Transport shall decide on the dispatch of vehicles from other units on the route to replace;

b) Emergency replacement vehicles must have a Transport Order of the enterprise or cooperative according to the model prescribed in Appendix 6 attached to this Circular.

Article 24. Provisions on Strengthening Vehicles to Discharge Passengers

1. The activity of strengthening vehicles to discharge passengers on fixed routes shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Clause 6, Article 4 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

2. Vehicles operating on fixed routes, passenger transport vehicles under contracts, tourist passenger transport vehicles, and buses may be used to strengthen passenger discharge during holidays, festivals, and national high school exams, university entrance exams; the issuance of emblems shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Point b, Clause 2, Article 22 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

3. The Department of Transport shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant units to develop plans for strengthening vehicles to discharge passengers (including lists of vehicles and drivers to be mobilized) and organize implementation. The time of issuing plans for strengthening passenger discharge must ensure at least seven days before holidays, festivals, and university entrance exam periods.

4. Enterprises and cooperatives currently operating fixed routes shall base on travel demand, coordinate with bus stations to develop plans for strengthening vehicles on the routes operated by enterprises and cooperatives on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) with sudden increases in passenger volume (including the total number of additional trips and the date of implementation). Notify the plan for strengthening vehicles on weekend days to the Departments of Transport at both ends of the route before January 15 each year for implementation.

5. During the period when vehicles are arranged for strengthening, the Department of Transport at the starting end of the route shall take the lead and coordinate with the Department of Transport at the opposite end of the route, related bus stations, and units with strengthened vehicles to monitor and manage the activities of vehicles and drivers in accordance with regulations on managing passenger transport operations on fixed routes.

6. When strengthening vehicles, the bus station at the starting end (outbound trip) shall primarily record the running time and confirm it on the Transport Order as prescribed, notify the strengthened outbound trip to the bus station at the opposite end to arrange the execution time of the inbound trip. The bus station at the opposite end records the time and confirms the inbound trip on the Transport Order as prescribed; in cases where the transport enterprise or cooperative requests not to implement the inbound trip, the bus station only confirms the arrival of the vehicle at the station on the Transport Order as prescribed.

Article 25. Provisions on Transport Orders

1. Transport Orders shall be printed by enterprises and cooperatives according to the model prescribed in Appendix 6 attached hereto. In addition to the mandatory contents specified in Appendix 6, enterprises and cooperatives may supplement other contents to serve their management needs.

2. Enterprises and cooperatives shall be responsible for managing, issuing, and inspecting the use of Transport Orders; storing executed Transport Orders for a minimum period of three years.

3. Passenger bus terminals shall be responsible for updating information on stamped and confirmed Transport Orders into the national terminal management software.

Article 26. Rights and Responsibilities of Enterprises and Cooperatives Engaged in Fixed Route Passenger Transportation

1. Implement measures to organize and properly execute the registered route exploitation plan for passenger transportation by motor vehicles; establish and strictly follow traffic safety procedures as stipulated in Articles 4 and 5 of this Circular; have a department to manage and monitor traffic safety conditions as prescribed in Article 7 of this Circular.

2. Comply with the provisions of Articles 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 54 of this Circular.

3. Monitor and manage the use of vehicle identification plates and Transport Orders by the unit; record information on Transport Orders and issue them to drivers in accordance with transport management regulations; store executed Transport Orders as prescribed in Clause 2 of Article 25 of this Circular.

4. Shall be responsible for refunding at least 90% of ticket prices to passengers who have purchased tickets but refuse to travel at least two hours before departure for fixed routes up to 300 kilometers in length and at least four hours for fixed routes over 300 kilometers in length; refund at least 70% of ticket prices to passengers who have purchased tickets but refuse to travel at least one hour before departure for fixed routes up to 300 kilometers in length and at least two hours for fixed routes over 300 kilometers in length.

5. When receiving consigned goods from fixed route motor vehicles (the sender does not travel on the vehicle), enterprises and cooperatives must require the sender to provide complete and accurate information about the goods and the name, address, identity card number/citizen identification card number, contact phone number of both the sender and the recipient; they shall not accept prohibited goods, flammable and explosive items, live animals, or unclean food products. Compensation for damaged, lost, or missing consigned goods shall be carried out according to the transportation contract or the agreement between the enterprise, cooperative, and the sender.

6. Establish internal regulations regarding uniforms and name tags for drivers and service staff on board (if any), driver identification cards; name tags must include a photograph, clearly stating the full name and managing unit, and can be combined with driver identification cards.

7. Have the right to refuse transportation to passengers who disrupt public order, obstruct the work of drivers and service staff on board; passengers who engage in fare evasion or are suffering from dangerous diseases; passengers carrying prohibited items, flammable and explosive items, or live animals.

8. May use electronic devices to post information as prescribed in Clauses 2, 3, and 4 of Article 19 of this Circular.

9. Shall not carry more passengers than permitted, nor exceed the total weight allowed for participation in traffic as recorded in the Vehicle Safety Technical Inspection and Environmental Protection Certificate.

10. Shall not use vehicles with "TRANSFER VEHICLE" identification plates for commercial transportation activities.

11. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed in the Road Traffic Law, Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, provincial People's Committee regulations, and other relevant laws.

Article 27. Rights and responsibilities of drivers and service staff on fixed-route vehicles

1. Wear name badges and uniforms according to the models prescribed by the enterprise or cooperative; carry the Transport Order for the current trip.

2. Strictly comply with all requirements for drivers as stipulated in the traffic safety procedures set forth in Articles 4 and 6 of this Circular; follow the Transport Order issued by the enterprise or cooperative; ensure security and order on the vehicle; pick up and drop off passengers at departure and arrival bus stations, designated stops, and adhere to the prescribed route.

3. Shall not exceed the permitted number of passengers or the total weight limit for participation in traffic as recorded in the Vehicle Safety Technical Inspection Certificate; luggage and consigned goods must be evenly distributed in the baggage compartment, ensuring they do not shift during transportation; shall not transport prohibited items, flammable or explosive materials, live animals, or unhygienic food products. When receiving consigned goods from fixed-route buses (where the sender does not travel on the vehicle), the driver must request the sender to provide complete and accurate information about the goods and their full name, address, national identity card number or citizen identification card number, and contact phone number of both the sender and recipient.

4. Ensure that all passengers on board have valid tickets; guide and arrange seating according to ticketed seats; inform passengers of rules while traveling; assist passengers; prioritize seating for persons with disabilities, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and children; maintain a civilized and courteous service attitude; take responsibility for providing first aid to passengers showing signs of illness or childbirth.

5. Request the passenger station to confirm the information specified in the Transport Order before the vehicle departs from the station and upon its return.

6. Adhere to legal regulations concerning the maintenance of order and safety in traffic.

7. Have the right to refuse transportation to passengers who disrupt public order, obstruct the work of drivers and service staff on board; passengers who engage in fare evasion or are suffering from dangerous diseases; passengers carrying prohibited items, flammable and explosive items, or live animals.

8. Refuse to operate the vehicle if it is found to be unsafe, lacks a vehicle tracking device or camera, or has such devices installed but not functioning as required.

9. Maintain cleanliness of the vehicle; refrain from using technical measures, peripheral equipment, or other methods to interfere with the operation, disrupt (or interfere with) GPS or GSM signals, or alter data from the vehicle tracking device or camera installed on the vehicle.

10. Ensure the vehicle arrives at the passenger station at least ten minutes before departure time to undergo technical safety checks and other operations as prescribed by the traffic safety procedures.

11. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed by the Road Traffic Law, Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and other relevant laws.

Article 28. Rights and responsibilities of passengers traveling by vehicle

1. Request the enterprise or cooperative to provide services according to the quality standards registered and publicly displayed.

2. Receive the correct type of ticket after payment and retain it throughout the journey, presenting it when inspected by authorized personnel.

3. Be entitled to a refund of the ticket price as stipulated in Clause 4 of Article 26 of this Circular.

4. Lodge complaints, make suggestions, report violations of transport management regulations by transport businesses, drivers, or service staff, and demand compensation for damages (if applicable).

5. Comply with regulations while traveling to ensure safety and order on the vehicle; board and disembark at bus stations or designated stops as prescribed.

6. Exercise other rights and fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed by relevant laws.

Section 3

BUS PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS

BY FIXED ROUTE

Article 29. Provisions for buses

1. Must fully comply with the provisions set out in Clause 2, Article 5 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

2. On the bus, there must be emergency equipment, fire extinguishers that are still usable and within their validity period as prescribed.

3. The bus must display the "BUS" emblem according to the model specified in Appendix 7 attached to this Circular. The emblem must be affixed permanently at the top right corner immediately below the position of the Inspection Seal on the inside windshield of the vehicle.

4. Display information:

a) Displayed outside the vehicle:

Above the front and rear windows: route number or route code, starting point, and endpoint of the route;

Along both sides of the vehicle: route number or route code; fare and telephone number of the enterprise or cooperative;

b) Displayed inside the vehicle: registration number (license plate), route number or route code; diagram showing the starting point, endpoint, and intermediate stops along the route; fare; hotline mobile phone number of the transport business unit and local Department of Transport; responsibilities of the driver, service staff, and passengers;

c) Inside the vehicle, there must be a traffic safety and emergency evacuation guide board placed where passengers can easily observe it. The main contents include: instructions on fastening seat belts (if available); instructions on arranging luggage; no smoking signs; instructions on using the vehicle's electrical system (if available); instructions on using fire extinguishers, emergency hammers, and evacuation routes in case of emergencies.

Article 30. Starting Point, End Point, Stops, Bus Shelters, and Dispatch Orders

1. Starting Point and End Point of the Bus Route

a) Must have sufficient area for buses to turn around safely and park without compromising traffic safety;

b) Must have a signboard displaying the following information: route name; route number; itinerary; frequency of operation; daily operating hours of the route; telephone number of the route management authority and enterprises or cooperatives participating in the exploitation of the route; responsibilities of passengers, drivers, and service staff on the bus;

c) Must have a shelter for passengers.

2. Bus Stops

a) The area where buses stop to pick up and drop off passengers must be marked with signs and road markings as prescribed; the sign must indicate the route number or route code, route name (starting point - endpoint), and a simplified route itinerary behind the sign;

b) In urban areas, if the sidewalk width is five meters or more, and in rural areas, if the shoulder width is two and a half meters or more, bus shelters must be constructed at bus stops;

c) The Department of Transport must announce the model of bus stop signboards applicable within its jurisdiction.

3. At passenger bus terminals, railway stations, airports, ports, inland waterway ports, and seaports, bus stops must be arranged to connect with other modes of transportation.

4. Bus Shelters

a) The Department of Transport must announce the model of bus stop signboards applicable within its jurisdiction;

b) At bus shelters, the following information must be displayed: route number, route name, itinerary, frequency of operation, daily operating hours of the route, hotline mobile phone number of the transport business unit and local Department of Transport, map or diagram of the route network.

5. Starting points, end points, stops, and bus shelters must be constructed to ensure convenience for people with disabilities to access and use them.

6. Dispatch Orders

a) Dispatch orders must be printed by enterprises or cooperatives according to the model specified in Appendix 6 attached to this Circular. In addition to the mandatory contents stipulated in Appendix 6, enterprises or cooperatives may supplement other contents to serve the management work of the unit;

b) Enterprises or cooperatives are responsible for managing, issuing, and checking the use of dispatch orders; storing executed dispatch orders for a minimum of five years.

Article 31. Investment in Infrastructure for Public Transport by Bus

1. The infrastructure system for public transport by bus includes: dedicated or priority lanes for buses, starting points, end points, stops, signs, waiting shelters, transfer points, bus parking lots, bus stations.

2. The infrastructure system for public transport by bus shall be invested in and constructed from state budget funds and other sources or through socialization.

3. The Department of Transportation has the responsibility to manage, invest in and construct or socialize investment and construction, and maintain the infrastructure system for public transport by bus at the local level according to the division of tasks assigned by the Provincial People's Committee.

Article 32. Announcement of Opening Bus Passenger Transport Routes

1. The Department of Transportation announces the opening of bus passenger transport routes in the locality according to the network route list approved by the Provincial People's Committee. For bus routes passing through multiple provinces or cities, based on the approved network route list, the announcement of opening the route is carried out by the Department of Transportation where the enterprise or cooperative has its main office or branch office, after obtaining a unified document from the Department of Transportation at the opposite end of the route and the Department of Transportation along the route. In cases where the bus route has a starting point or endpoint within an airport area, the Provincial People's Committee must reach an agreement with the Ministry of Transport before announcing the opening of the route.

2. Contents of the announcement of opening bus routes

a) Enterprise or cooperative operating the route;

b) Route number or code; distance; itinerary (starting point, endpoint, stop points);

c) Schedule, operating hours of the route;

d) Brand, capacity, distinctive color of vehicles operating on the route;

e) Fare.

3. The Department of Transportation must publish on the Department's electronic information website all contents stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article at least 15 days prior to implementing passenger transportation activities on the route by bus.

Article 33. Management of Public Transport by Bus

1. The Department of Transportation organizes the implementation of bidding or ordering the operation of bus passenger transport routes according to the laws on production and supply of public goods and services.

2. Enterprises or cooperatives holding a Business License for Passenger Transport by Road with the bus transport service type may register to participate in bidding or be ordered to operate bus passenger transport routes.

3. The local Department of Transportation enters into a route operation contract with the enterprise or cooperative that wins the bid or is ordered. The contract must clearly specify the route operation plan including: route name, route number, vehicle brand, vehicle capacity, fare, schedule on the route, contract duration.

4. The Department of Transportation decides to adjust part or all of the schedule and route of intra-provincial bus routes when there is a change in traffic organization leading to a need to alter the route or in case of natural disasters, typhoons, floods, or other force majeure situations, or upon the request of the enterprise or cooperative currently operating the route, in accordance with actual needs and conditions at each time point; the enterprise or cooperative adjusts the route operation plan accordingly with the new adjusted schedule; the Department of Transportation and the enterprise or cooperative sign and stamp to confirm the new route operation plan as part of the route operation contract.

5. For bus routes passing through multiple provinces or cities, the adjustment of schedules and routes, cessation of operations, or closure of routes is carried out by the Department of Transportation where the enterprise or cooperative has its main office or branch office, after reaching a unified document with the local Department of Transportation at the opposite end of the route; notify the Departments of Transportation along the route before implementation.

6. The decision to adjust the schedule is published in mass media at least 10 days before implementation.

Article 34. Provisions on stopping operations on routes, closing bus routes; supplementing buses, replacing buses operating on routes

1. Stopping operations on routes, closing bus routes

a) At least thirty days before stopping operations, enterprises and cooperatives shall issue a written notice to stop operations on the route and send it to the Department of Transport that issued the business license for road passenger transport using motor vehicles.

In cases where stopping operations leads to changes in the frequency of runs on the route or requires closing the route, within ten working days from the date of receipt of the enterprise's or cooperative's notification, the Department of Transport that issued the business license for road passenger transport using motor vehicles (or coordinate with the Department of Transport at the other end of the route for inter-provincial bus routes) shall announce the new frequency of runs or close the route based on the enterprise's or cooperative's proposal.

b) The Department of Transport shall be responsible for publishing information through mass media not later than fifteen working days from the date of receipt of the notification.

c) Within a maximum of five working days after the cessation of operations, enterprises and cooperatives must return the route signs of the stopped buses to the Department of Transport that issued the license.

2. Supplementing buses, replacing buses

a) Enterprises and cooperatives may replace buses currently operating on the route or supplement buses if the supplementation does not increase the number of trips. Supplemented and replaced buses must have the "BUS" sign and must meet the requirements for types of vehicles participating in route exploitation as stipulated in the signed contract.

b) Enterprises and cooperatives may use any means of their own that have been issued the "BUS" sign to replace buses when technical problems or traffic accidents occur or due to other unforeseeable reasons.

Article 35. Rights and responsibilities of enterprises and cooperatives engaged in road passenger transport using buses

1. Implement measures to organize and execute the timetable according to the operational plan signed in the contract; establish and strictly follow procedures to ensure traffic safety as prescribed in Articles 4 and 5 of this Circular; set up a management unit to monitor traffic safety conditions as prescribed in Article 7 of this Circular.

2. Comply with the provisions of Articles 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 54 of this Circular.

3. Establish internal regulations regarding uniforms and name tags for drivers and service staff on buses; name tags must include photos, full names, managing units, and may be combined with driver identification cards.

4. Use electronic devices to post information as prescribed in Clause 4, Article 29 of this Circular.

5. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed in the Road Traffic Law, Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and other relevant laws.

Article 36. Rights and responsibilities of bus drivers and service staff

1. Strictly follow the traffic safety procedures prescribed in Article 4 of this Circular.

2. Wear name tags and uniforms as specified by the enterprise or cooperative.

3. Adhere to the approved schedule and route.

4. Provide information about the route journey and stops when requested by passengers; guide and assist passengers (especially people with disabilities, elderly people, pregnant women, and children) when boarding and alighting; maintain a courteous and civilized attitude towards service.

5. Have the right to refuse transportation to passengers causing security disturbances, disorder, or danger on the bus or who are suffering from dangerous infectious diseases; have the right to refuse and not carry prohibited goods, flammable and explosive items, live animals, unhygienic food products, or luggage exceeding the weight and size limits as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 37 of this Circular.

6. Refuse to operate the vehicle if it is found to be unsafe, lacks a mandatory tracking device or camera, or has such equipment but is not functioning.

7. Maintain cleanliness of the vehicle, and refrain from using technical measures, peripheral equipment, or other methods to interfere with the operation, disrupt (or interfere with) GPS, GSM signals, or tamper with data from tracking devices or cameras installed on the vehicle.

8. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed in the Road Traffic Law, Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and other relevant laws.

Article 37. Rights and Responsibilities of Bus Passengers

1. May carry luggage with a weight not exceeding 10 kilograms and dimensions not exceeding 30x40x60 centimeters.

2. Shall comply with regulations when riding the bus and follow the instructions of the driver and service staff on board.

3. Request service staff to issue the correct ticket type after payment; keep the ticket throughout the journey and present it upon request for inspection by authorized personnel.

4. Lodge complaints, make suggestions, report violations of transport management regulations by transport businesses, drivers, or service staff, and demand compensation for damages (if applicable).

5. Perform other rights and responsibilities as prescribed by relevant laws.

Section 4
PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION BY TAXI

Article 38. Provisions for Taxi Vehicles

1. Taxi vehicles must meet the provisions set forth in Clause 1, Clause 2, and Clause 3 of Article 6 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

2. Must display the following information:

a) On both sides of the car doors: the name, phone number, and emblem (logo) of the enterprise or cooperative. Minimum size: length of 20 cm, width of 20 cm;

b) Inside the vehicle: fare chart based on kilometers (km), fare for waiting time according to passenger requests, and other charges (if any) that passengers must pay.

3. The vehicle must be equipped with a functional fire extinguisher within its validity period as stipulated.

4. Taxi license plate

a) The "TAXI" license plate according to the model prescribed in Appendix 8 issued together with this Circular;

b) The taxi license plate specified separately by the People's Committee of the province for units under local management or according to the model prescribed in Appendix 8 issued together with this Circular.

Special license plates must have a QR code and uniform size according to the model prescribed in Appendix 8 issued together with this Circular. In cases where localities print and issue them themselves, they must notify the special license plate model to the Vietnam Highway Administration before implementation;

c) The license plate must be affixed firmly at the upper right corner immediately below the position of the Inspection Seal, on the inside of the front windshield of the vehicle.

5. The phrase "TAXI" made of reflective material must be affixed (stuck firmly) on the front and rear windows of the vehicle according to the model prescribed in Appendix 9 issued together with this Circular (except in cases where the vehicle is fitted with a roof light).

6. Inside the vehicle, there must be a Traffic Safety and Passenger Evacuation Guide Board, including main contents such as: instructions on wearing seat belts (if available); a no-smoking sign on the vehicle; instructions on safely opening and closing the doors.

Article 39. Points for Picking up and dropping off public passengers, taxi parking points

1. Public pick-up and drop-off points for taxis must ensure traffic safety and be marked with signs and road markings as prescribed.

2. Taxi parking points

a) Taxi parking points include two types: taxi parking points organized and managed by enterprises or cooperatives; public taxi parking points organized and managed by local state management agencies;

b) Requirements for taxi parking points: ensuring order, safety, and not causing traffic congestion; meeting requirements for fire prevention and environmental sanitation.

Article 40. Rights and Responsibilities of Enterprises and Cooperatives Engaged in Passenger Transportation by Taxi

1. Establish and strictly implement traffic safety procedures as prescribed in Articles 4 and 5 of this Circular; have a department to manage and monitor traffic safety conditions as prescribed in Article 7 of this Circular.

2. Implement the provisions of Articles 14, 15, and 16 of this Circular.

3. Develop uniform regulations and name badges for drivers, identification cards for drivers; name badges must contain photos, clearly stating full names and managing units, and can be combined with driver identification cards.

4. May use electronic devices to display information as prescribed in Clause 2 of Article 38 of this Circular.

5. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed in the Road Traffic Law, Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and other relevant laws.

Article 41. Powers and Responsibilities of Taxi Drivers

1. Strictly comply with all traffic safety procedures stipulated in Article 4 of this Circular.

2. Wear name badges and uniforms as prescribed by the enterprise or cooperative.

3. Collect fares based on the meter or as announced through software; issue invoices or receipts (or send electronic invoices) to passengers upon full payment.

4. Maintain cleanliness of the vehicle; refrain from using technical measures, peripheral equipment, or other methods to interfere with the operation, disrupt (or interfere with) GPS, GSM signals, or distort data from the vehicle's onboard monitoring device.

5. Provide route information when requested by passengers; guide and assist passengers (especially persons with disabilities, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and children) when boarding or disembarking.

6. Have the right to refuse transportation for passengers whose behavior endangers security, order, or safety on the vehicle, or who are suffering from dangerous infectious diseases; may not transport prohibited goods, flammable or explosive materials, live animals, goods of unknown origin, or unhygienic food products.

7. Shall refuse to operate the vehicle if it does not meet safety conditions, lacks an onboard monitoring device, or has such a device that is not functioning.

8. When operating vehicles that charge fares via software during passenger transport, drivers must have access to a display interface showing minimum contents as specified in point c, Clause 3, Article 6 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP and provide it to enforcement agencies upon request.

9. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed by the Road Traffic Law, Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and other relevant laws.

Article 42. Powers and Responsibilities of Taxi Passengers

1. Request the driver to provide information about the driving route.

2. Pay the fare according to the meter or software and receive an invoice or receipt for the exact amount paid.

3. Adhere to regulations while riding and follow the driver's instructions.

4. Have the right to lodge complaints, make suggestions, and report violations of transport management regulations by transport service providers or drivers, and demand compensation for damages (if applicable).

5. Perform other rights and responsibilities as prescribed by relevant laws.

Section 5

BUSINESS OF PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION BY CONTRACT AND TOURIST TRANSPORTATION BY MOTOR VEHICLES

Article 43. Regulations for Motor Vehicles Business of passenger transportation by contract and tourism; determination of overlapping starting points and ending points of motor vehicles

1. Motor vehicles engaged in passenger transportation by contract must comply with the provisions of Clause 1, Article 7 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

2. Motor vehicles engaged in tourist passenger transportation must comply with the provisions of Clause 1, Article 8 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

3. Must display the following information: name and phone number of the transport service provider.

a) Minimum size: length of 20 cm, width of 20 cm;

b) Display location: front part of both sides of the vehicle body or both sides of the car doors.

4. The phrase "CONTRACT VEHICLE" made of reflective material must be affixed (fixed) on the front and rear windows of motor vehicles engaged in passenger transportation by contract according to the model specified in Appendix 10 issued together with this Circular.

5. The phrase "TOURIST VEHICLE" made of reflective material must be affixed (fixed) on the front and rear windows of motor vehicles engaged in tourist passenger transportation according to the model specified in Appendix 11 issued together with this Circular.

6. The number, quality, and arrangement of seats in the vehicle must comply with the design specifications of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle must be equipped with emergency tools, fire extinguishers that are still usable and within their validity period.

8. Motor vehicles engaged in passenger transportation by contract must have the "CONTRACT VEHICLE" emblem according to the model specified in Appendix 12 issued together with this Circular.

9. Motor vehicles engaged in tourist passenger transportation must have the "TOURIST PASSENGER CARRIER VEHICLE" sign as prescribed.

10. Emblems and signs must be fixed at the upper right corner immediately below the inspection sticker on the inside of the windshield.

11. Behind the seat or next to the bed must have a Safety and Emergency Evacuation Guide Board (in Vietnamese and English), including main contents: instructions on how to fasten seat belts (if available); instructions on luggage arrangement; no smoking sign; instructions on using the vehicle's electrical system (if available); instructions on using fire extinguishers, escape hammers, and evacuation routes in case of emergencies.

12. Overlapping starting points (first pick-up location recorded in the transport contract) and ending points (last drop-off location recorded in the transport contract) in business operations of passenger transportation by contract and tourism shall be determined as locations on the road surface or at addresses associated with street names (road names), alley names (lanes) in urban areas.

Article 44. Powers and responsibilities of passenger transport business units under contract and for tourism and 1. Establish and strictly comply with traffic safety procedures as stipulated in Articles 4 and 5 of this Circular; implement the provisions of Articles 14, 15, 16, and 54 of this Circular. 2. Passenger transport business units using automobiles with a seating capacity of nine seats or more (including the driver) must comply with the provisions of Articles 8, 9, and 13 of this Circular.

3. Contract-based passenger transport business units must comply with the provisions of Clause 3, Clause 5, and Clause 6, Article 7 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP. Tourism passenger transport business units must comply with the provisions of Clause 3 and Clause 5, Article 8 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

4. Develop internal regulations regarding uniforms and name badges for drivers and service staff on board (if any), and driver identification cards; name badges must include a photograph, full name, managing unit, and may be combined with driver identification cards.

5. May use electronic devices to display information as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 43 of this Circular.

6. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed in the Road Traffic Law, Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and other relevant laws.

Article 45. Powers and responsibilities of drivers engaged in passenger transport business under contract and for tourism

2. Transport passengers according to the reported route and schedule with the competent Department of Transportation; wear name badges and uniforms as prescribed by the passenger transport business unit.

3. Drivers engaged in contract-based passenger transport must comply with the provisions of Clause 3, Clause 4, Clause 6, and Clause 7, Article 7 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP. Drivers engaged in tourism passenger transport must comply with the provisions of Clause 3, Clause 4, and Clause 7, Article 8 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP. and 4. Drivers operating vehicles that use application software to connect transportation services during passenger transport must have access to an interface displaying the electronic transport contract and passenger list in the format prescribed in Appendix 13 attached to this Circular.

1. Strictly comply with all traffic safety procedures stipulated in Article 4 of this Circular.

5. Maintain vehicle cleanliness and not use technical measures, peripheral equipment, or other methods to interfere with the operation, disrupt (or jam) GPS, GSM signals, or distort data from the vehicle's onboard monitoring device or cameras installed on the vehicle (for vehicles required to install such devices).

6. Refuse to transport passengers who engage in activities that disrupt security, order, and safety on the vehicle; have the right to refuse to transport prohibited goods, flammable and explosive materials, or live animals.

7. Have the right to refuse to operate a vehicle when it is found to be unsafe, lacks an onboard monitoring device or camera (for vehicles required to install such devices) or has them but they are not functioning.

8. Do not exceed the permitted number of passengers or the total weight allowed for participation in traffic as recorded in the Vehicle Safety Technical Inspection and Environmental Protection Certificate; luggage must be evenly distributed in the luggage compartment and secured so as not to shift during transport; do not carry prohibited goods, flammable and explosive materials, live animals, or unhygienic food products.

PASSENGER CARRIER BUSINESS BY MOTOR VEHICLE

7. Has the right to refuse to operate the vehicle when discovering that the vehicle does not meet safety conditions, the vehicle is not equipped with a trip monitoring device, camera (for types of vehicles required to be installed), or if they are installed but not operational.

8. Shall not carry more passengers than allowed, nor exceed the total permissible weight for traffic participation recorded on the Vehicle Safety Technical Inspection Certificate and Environmental Protection Certificate of the automobile; luggage must be evenly distributed in the passenger compartment, ensuring it does not shift during transportation; shall not transport prohibited goods, flammable and explosive materials, live animals, or unhygienic food products.

9. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed by the Road Traffic Law, Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and other relevant laws.

Chapter V

ROAD TRANSPORT OF GOODS BY MOTOR VEHICLES

Article 46. Provisions on commercial vehicles for cargo transportation

1. Commercial vehicles for cargo transportation must comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 6, Article 9 and Article 14 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

2. Information must be posted according to the provisions in Appendix 14 issued together with this Circular.

3. Position for posting information

a) For trucks and tractor units: post on the outside of both sides of the driver's cabin door;

b) For trailers and semi-trailers with cargo boxes: post on the outside of both sides of the cargo box;

c) For trailers and semi-trailers without cargo boxes: post the information on a metal sign attached to the frame of the vehicle at a position easily observable beside or behind the vehicle.

4. Commercial vehicles for cargo transportation must have cargo box dimensions consistent with the Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection.

5. The vehicle must be equipped with a fire extinguisher that is still usable and within its validity period as prescribed, and emergency equipment.

6. The "CONTAINER VEHICLE" emblem must be affixed to container vehicles according to the model specified in Appendix 15 issued together with this Circular; the "TRUCK" emblem must be affixed to trucks according to the model specified in Appendix 16 issued together with this Circular; the "TRACTOR UNIT" emblem must be affixed to tractor units towing trailers or semi-trailers according to the model specified in Appendix 17 issued together with this Circular.

7. The emblem must be affixed firmly at the upper right corner immediately below the Inspection Seal position, inside the front windshield of the vehicle.

Article 47. Provisions on Transport Documents (Waybills)

1. Transport Documents (Waybills) shall be issued by the transport business unit and must comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 11, Article 9 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

2. Transport Documents (Waybills) shall be stamped and issued by the transport unit to the driver to carry during the transportation of goods on the road; in cases where it is a business household, the head of the household must sign and write their full name on the Transport Document (Waybill).

3. After loading the goods onto the means of transport and before commencing transportation, the consignor (or the person authorized by the consignor), or the representative of the unit or individual (if it is an individual) who loads the goods onto the vehicle must sign to confirm the correct loading of the goods onto the Transport Document (Waybill).

Article 48. Rights and Responsibilities of Cargo Transportation Business Units

1. Implement the provisions set forth in Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 7 of Article 14, Article 15, and Article 54 of this Circular.

2. Establish and strictly implement traffic safety procedures as stipulated in Articles 4 and 5 of this Circular. Enterprises and cooperatives engaged in cargo transportation using containers must have a management department to oversee traffic safety conditions as stipulated in Article 7 of this Circular; implement the provisions of Article 15 of this Circular.

3. Cargo transportation business units using container vehicles and tractor units must comply with the provisions of Articles 8, 9, and 13 of this Circular.

4. Directly manage the means of transport and drivers of their own unit to perform cargo transportation in one of the following forms:

a) Through application software supporting transportation connection;

b) Through a Transportation Contract;

c) Through a Transport Document (Waybill).

5. Determine freight rates for the commercial transport operations of the unit.

6. Have the responsibility to disseminate to drivers the compliance with legal regulations regarding the load capacity of vehicles traveling on roads; may not organize or require drivers to load and transport goods beyond the permitted weight as prescribed by law; bear joint liability if the vehicle under the unit's management changes technical parameters contrary to regulations, or transports goods beyond the permitted weight to participate in traffic.

7. Bear responsibility when drivers transport goods beyond the permitted weight to participate in traffic as prescribed by law.

8. Cargo transportation businesses using application software to support transportation connections must equip drivers with devices to access interfaces displaying electronic transportation contracts and electronic transport documents (waybills).

9. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed by the Road Traffic Law, Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and other relevant laws.

Article 49. Powers and responsibilities of drivers engaged in cargo transportation services 1. Strictly comply with all traffic safety procedures as stipulated in Articles 4 and 6 of this Circular.

2. When transporting goods, the driver must carry the Transport Document and other required documents for the driver and vehicle as prescribed by law. Drivers operating vehicles equipped with application software to facilitate transportation connections must have access devices to display electronic transport contracts and electronic transport documents (electronic waybills) during the transportation process.

3. Before commencing cargo transportation, the driver shall request the person responsible for loading the goods onto the vehicle to sign and confirm the loading details on the Transport Document; refuse to transport if the loading does not comply with legal regulations.

4. Have the right to refuse to operate a vehicle when discovering that the vehicle does not meet safety conditions, lacks a vehicle tracking device, or cameras (for vehicles required to be installed) or has them but they are not operational; or if the loaded cargo exceeds the permitted weight or dimensions.

5. Shall not use technical measures, peripheral equipment, or other methods to interfere with the operation, disrupt (or interfere with) GPS, GSM signals, or alter data from the vehicle's tracking device or camera.

6. Shall not exceed the permitted weight of cargo or dimensions specified in the Vehicle Safety Technical Inspection Certificate for road transportation.

7. Shall fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed by the Road Traffic Law, Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and other relevant laws.

REGULATIONS ON THE PROVISION, MANAGEMENT, AND USE OF INFORMATION FOR TRANSPORT CONTRACTS, WAYBILLS (WAYBILL), AND SHIPMENT ORDERS

Chapter VI

Article 50. General Requirements

for provision, management, and use of information 1. The provided information and data must be complete according to the structure and format announced by the Vietnam Highway Administration.

2. The contents of the information and data specified in Point d Clause 2, Point d Clause 3, and Point d Clause 4 of Article 51 of this Circular must be provided and updated on the software at the Vietnam Highway Administration server before the trip begins.

3. Information and data provided to the Vietnam Highway Administration server must be in chronological order. The time synchronization between the data transmission unit’s server and the Vietnam Highway Administration server must be synchronized with the national standard time according to the Network Time Protocol (NTP).

4. Provided information and data must be timely, accurate, and complete; no alteration or distortion of data is allowed before, during, or after data transmission.

5. The provided information and data shall be used in accordance with government regulations on the application of information technology in state agency operations, for state management of transportation activities, management of transportation business units, passenger bus stations (for information on shipment orders), and provided to price control agencies, tax authorities, police, and traffic inspectors upon request, for dispute resolution, and complaints handling.

Regulations on Provision of Information

Article 51. 1. Information provided is divided into two types, including default identification information and continuous updates about the trip.

2. Regulations on the provision of information for transport contracts:

a) Default identification information includes: name, tax code of the transportation business unit; name, tax code of the software data transmission service provider (if the transportation business unit rents services); name of the Department of Transportation (issuing the transportation business license to the transportation business unit); vehicle information (vehicle registration number, brand, and seating capacity). These default information must be linked to the trip information at Point b of this clause;

b) Information for each trip includes: information about the transport customer (name, address, phone number); driver information (full name, driver license category, driver license number); contract number, date of signing the contract; start and end times of the contract (date, hour); departure and destination addresses and pick-up/drop-off points along the route (if applicable); distance of the trip (km); total number of passengers;

c) Passenger transportation businesses under contract and tour must provide and update the minimum information of the transport contract to the Vietnam Highway Administration server according to the schedule stipulated in Clause 5 of Article 7 and Clause 5 of Article 8 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP;

d) Information at Point a and Point b of this clause must be continuously provided to the Vietnam Highway Administration server before the driver operates the vehicle to transport passengers.

3. Regulations on the provision of information for waybills (waybill):

a) Default identification information includes: name, tax code of the transportation business unit; name, tax code of the software data transmission service provider (if the transportation business unit rents services); name of the Department of Transportation (issuing the transportation business license to the transportation business unit); vehicle information (vehicle registration number, brand, and carrying capacity). These default information must be linked to the trip information at Point b of this clause;

b) Information for each trip includes: information about the transport customer (name, address, phone number); driver information (full name, driver license category, driver license number); start and end times and locations of the journey; contract number, date of signing the contract (if applicable); type and quantity of goods transported (kg);

c) Cargo transportation businesses must provide the minimum information of the waybill (waybill) to the Vietnam Highway Administration server according to the schedule stipulated in Clause 11 of Article 9 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP;

c) The road transport business unit shall provide the minimum information of the waybill (transport document) to the Vietnam Highway Administration's main server according to the schedule specified in Clause 11, Article 9 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP;

d) The information at points a and b of this clause shall be continuously provided to the Vietnam Highway Administration's server before the driver operates the vehicle to transport goods.

4. Provisions on providing information on the transportation order:

a) Default identification information includes: name, tax code of the business, cooperative engaged in transportation; name, tax code of the software data transmission service provider (in cases where the transportation business or cooperative hires services, or the passenger bus terminal hires services); name of the Department of Transport (the issuing authority for the business or cooperative's transportation operation permit); name, terminal code (end point for bus routes); information about the vehicle (vehicle registration plate number (inspection plate number), brand and seating capacity); information about the route (route code, departure terminal, arrival terminal (start and end points for bus routes)); planned departure time from the terminal. These default pieces of information must be linked with the trip information at point b of this clause;

b) Information for each trip includes: information about the driver (full name, driver license category, driver license number); actual departure time from the terminal; number of passengers when the vehicle departs;

c) Passenger bus terminals, fixed-route passenger transportation businesses, and cooperatives operating by bus are responsible for providing information on each trip's transportation order to the Vietnam Highway Administration's server according to the schedule specified in Clause 8, Article 4, Clause 4, Article 5 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP;

d) The information at points a and b of this clause shall be continuously provided to the Vietnam Highway Administration's server within no more than three minutes from the time the vehicle departs.

Article 52. Responsibilities of the Vietnam Highway Administration

1. Equipping, managing, upgrading, and maintaining hardware, software, and network infrastructure to receive, store, process, and utilize data. Implementation time follows the schedule specified in Clause 8, Article 4, Clause 4, Article 5, Clause 5, Article 7, Clause 5, Article 8, and Clause 11, Article 9 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP.

2. Establishing data structure, format, and protocols for units to transmit data to the Vietnam Highway Administration's server.

3. Utilizing information on the Vietnam Highway Administration's software to serve state management in transportation activities:

a) Monitoring, correcting, handling, or proposing competent authorities to handle violations by transportation businesses, passenger bus terminals, and drivers; proposing competent authorities to correct and handle violations by the Department of Transport;

b) Serving scientific research work, resolving disputes, and complaints (if any).

4. Providing guidance on using, updating, exploiting, and managing the software for staff of the Departments of Transport; supplying usernames and passwords to access the Vietnam Highway Administration's software to the Departments of Transport and related agencies.

5. Storing data on the Vietnam Highway Administration's software for three years; ensuring data security and safety on the software.

Article 53. Responsibilities of the Department of Transport

1. Utilizing data on the Vietnam Highway Administration's software to serve transportation management work

a) Monitoring, correcting, and handling violations in transportation activities by transportation businesses;

b) Serving dispute resolution and complaint handling work (if any).

2. Checking, updating, and ensuring the accuracy of data transmitted by transportation businesses and passenger bus terminals to the Vietnam Highway Administration, including: name of the Department of Transport; information about transportation businesses; information about passenger bus terminals; information about vehicles; types of business operations of transportation businesses in the locality.

3. Assigning staff to monitor, exploit, and use data on the Vietnam Highway Administration's software.

4. Securing usernames and passwords for accessing, exploiting, and using data on the Vietnam Highway Administration's software.

5. Requesting transportation businesses under local management to address violations committed by drivers.

6. Handling or requesting competent authorities to handle responsibilities of transportation businesses and passenger bus terminals in the locality according to regulations.

Article 54. Responsibilities of transportation business units and passenger bus stations

1. Equip, manage, and maintain hardware and software for data processing and data transmission to ensure connectivity, data transmission, and compatibility with the data receiving software of the Vietnam Highway Administration.

2. Accurately transmit (update), fully, without modifying or distorting data, and ensure timely transmission of data as prescribed in Article 51 of this Circular to the server of the Vietnam Highway Administration.

3. Monitor and check the accuracy of information about vehicles, driver information, and types of business operations of vehicles under management. Arrange staff to monitor, exploit, and use data to serve management and operational activities of the unit.

4. Systematically store mandatory information for a minimum period of three (3) years.

5. Provide accounts (login name, password) to access the software managing the unit's means of transport to competent state management agencies when requested.

6. Transportation business units and passenger bus stations may directly implement the provisions of Clause 1, Clause 2, and Clause 4 of this Article or hire service providers to perform through valid contracts.

7. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed by relevant laws.

Chapter VII

PROVISIONS ON MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS

OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ROAD TRANSPORTATION

Article 55. Provisions on parking lots

1. Requirements for parking lots

a) Ensure security, order, meet requirements for fire prevention and explosion control, and environmental hygiene;

b) The entry and exit roads of the parking lot must be arranged to ensure safety and not cause traffic congestion.

2. Contents of business operations at parking lots

a) Vehicle storage services;

b) Organize maintenance and repair services for vehicles;

c) Conduct other services as prescribed by law.

3. Provisions for units managing and operating parking lots

a) Ensure security, order, environmental hygiene, and fire prevention and explosion control at the parking lot;

b) Publicly display internal regulations, prices of services at the parking lot, and the name and phone number of the competent state management agency for vehicle owners to report and lodge complaints if necessary;

c) Compensate for losses suffered by vehicle owners if damage or loss occurs to stored vehicles;

d) Be subject to inspection and supervision by competent state agencies;

đ) Conduct services as specified in Clause 2 of this Article;

e) Collect parking fees;

g) Not allow transport vehicle owners to use the parking lot to pick up or drop off passengers or load/unload goods, package, transship, and store goods;

h) Have the right to refuse service to vehicle owners who do not comply with the parking lot's internal regulations.

4. Responsibilities and rights of vehicle owners or drivers at parking lots

a) Comply with internal regulations and instructions from parking lot management staff;

b) Have the right to choose to use services provided at the parking lot;

c) Have the right to report and make suggestions to competent authorities regarding violations by the parking lot.

5. The Department of Transport advises the People's Committee of the province on organizing and managing parking lot activities within its jurisdiction.

Article 56. Provisions for passenger bus station business units

1. Report to the Department of Transport of the locality the regulations of the unit regarding authority, responsibility, list, position, and signature of persons assigned to inspect and confirm on the Transport Order.

2. Implement fully all provisions concerning passenger bus stations according to the National Technical Regulations on Passenger Bus Stations issued by the Minister of Transport; establish and implement fully the content of traffic safety procedures as stipulated in Article 6 of this Circular.

3. Manage and apply information from the bus station management software as prescribed.

a) Equip with bus station management software and provide information as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 51 of this Circular to the Vietnam Highway Administration's server within no more than three minutes from when it is updated on the bus station software. Data must be complete, accurate, not cut, not modified or adjusted to alter its value before, during, and after transmission.

b) Information provided by the bus station shall be used in state management of transport activities, management of transport business units, and bus stations, and supplied to the police and traffic inspection agencies upon request.

c) Provide login name and password to access the bus station management software to the specialized state management agency upon request.

d) Update and systematically store information about vehicles, transport business units operating at the station, and information as specified in point a of this clause for a minimum of three years.

đ) Directly implement the provisions of point a, point c, and point d of this clause or authorize the service provider to implement through a valid contract.

4. Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed in the Road Traffic Law, Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and other relevant laws.

Article 57. Provisions for freight stations

1. Freight stations must meet all contents as prescribed in the National Technical Regulations on Freight Stations.

2. Contents of freight station business operations

a) Vehicle entry and exit services;

b) Cargo loading and unloading services;

c) Parking services for cargo transportation vehicles;

d) Operating other supporting services for cargo transportation activities as prescribed by law.

3. Provisions for freight station business units

a) Implement the provisions stipulated in Clause 13, Article 3, Clause 1, and point b of Clause 2, Article 11, and Clause 2, Article 21 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and the provisions in Article 6 of this Circular;

b) Ensure security, order, environmental hygiene, fire prevention, and explosion prevention at freight stations;

c) Publicize the freight station rules, service prices, and contact information of the local Department of Transport on the station bulletin board for vehicle owners to report or lodge complaints if necessary;

d) Compensate for losses caused by damage or loss of property or goods during the period of service provision according to the Contract signed between both parties, or according to mutual agreement, or according to court judgment or arbitration decision;

đ) Be subject to inspection and supervision by competent state agencies;

e) Operate the types of services prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article;

g) Charge service fees for vehicle entry and exit at the freight station as prescribed;

h) Not allow transport business vehicle owners to use freight stations for picking up or dropping off passengers;

i) Have the right to refuse service to customers who do not comply with the freight station rules;

k) Fulfill other responsibilities as prescribed in the Road Traffic Law and other relevant laws.

4. Annually, the Department of Transport shall publish information on the list of freight stations in the locality on the Department's website.

Article 58. Provisions on ticket sales agency

1. Business registration or enterprise registration in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. The ticket sales agency contract with passenger road transport enterprises operating fixed routes by bus must specify the specific obligations and rights of the parties.

3. Passenger road transport enterprises and ticket sales agency service providers shall not organize pick-up and drop-off of passengers at the location where the ticket sales agency is located, except in cases where it coincides with the permitted pick-up and drop-off points for vehicles announced by the local Department of Transport.

Article 59. Provisions on cargo transportation agency

1. Business registration or enterprise registration in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. To be entitled to receive agency service fees from the consignor according to the agreement and recorded in the contract.

Article 60. Provisions on cargo collection services, transshipment services, and warehouse services

1. Business registration or enterprise registration in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. To store goods in accordance with the consignor's instructions and must have a contract for cargo collection, transshipment, or warehouse rental with the consignor.

3. To load goods onto buses ensuring that the total weight does not exceed the permissible limit for traffic participation as stated in the Vehicle Safety Technical Inspection Certificate and Environmental Protection Certificate.

Article 61. Provisions on road transport rescue services

1. Business registration or enterprise registration in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. Before commencing business operations, entities and individuals engaged in road transport rescue services must notify in writing to the local Department of Transport and Provincial Police the minimum information: name, address, phone number, legal representative; copies of the Business Registration Certificate or Enterprise Registration Certificate and list of rescue vehicles. Additional notifications must be made when there are changes to the aforementioned information during business operations.

3. Entities and individuals engaged in road transport rescue services must ensure traffic safety and occupational safety during the rescue process.

Chapter VIII

RESPONSIBILITIES OF STATE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS PROVIDING SERVICES IN IMPLEMENTING SERVICE PRICES

Article 62. Vietnam Highway Administration

1. To manage, within its authority, road transport activities by bus and supporting road transport services nationwide.

2. To fulfill responsibilities as stipulated in Articles 11 and 52 of this Circular.

3. To take the lead in compiling and submitting to the Ministry of Transport for publication the list of fixed inter-provincial passenger transport routes.

4. To take the lead and coordinate with the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association in drafting training materials and programs for staff serving on passenger transport vehicles at transport enterprises, to be issued by the Ministry of Transport.

5. To unify printing and issuing the Business Permit for Road Transport by Bus, vehicle identification plates, and signs (except for taxi vehicle identification plates used exclusively for local areas). To announce the structure of information, equipment, and procedures for checking QR code information on vehicle identification plates.

6. To apply information technology in managing road transport activities and supporting transport services, organizing implementation uniformly nationwide.

a) To take the lead in building technological infrastructure and databases on road transport activities, and regulations on connecting, sharing, and linking all monitoring data, images, long-term storage from cameras on vehicles, inspection, training, issuance, and revocation of driver licenses between state management agencies.

b) To take the lead in developing software for managing road transport business operations by bus (including vehicle and driver management), national fixed passenger transport route management software, and national bus station management software.

c) To take the lead in developing online public service systems for business permit issuance, replacement, vehicle identification plate issuance, sign issuance, and fixed passenger transport route operation registration procedures to be applied nationwide; to monitor, urge, inspect, and supervise the handling of administrative procedures by provincial Departments of Transport; to propose upgrades to online public services to handle administrative procedures related to road transport activities and supporting transport services.

7. To connect and share data on road transport business management, images from vehicle cameras, and monitoring data from vehicle tracking devices with the Public Security sector (Traffic Police Corps, Local Traffic Police Departments) and the Ministry of Finance (General Taxation Department, Local Tax Departments) for coordination in state management of traffic order and safety; security and public order; taxation. Costs for implementing data connection and sharing from the Vietnam Highway Administration shall be borne by the requesting agency.

8. To review and install speed limit signs for two-tier sleeper buses at necessary locations, particularly in mountainous and hilly areas, and at locations with small road curve radii on national highways.

9. To inspect, examine, and handle, within its authority, violations of organizational management of transport, business operations, and conditions for road transport by bus and supporting transport services in accordance with the law.

10. To take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies in the Transport sector in directing, urging, and supervising the implementation of this Circular.

Article 63. Department of Transport

1. Manage road passenger transport activities and support services for road transport within the local area and within its authority.

2. Fulfill responsibilities as prescribed in Articles 12 and 53 of this Circular.

3. Report to the Vietnam Road Administration on road passenger transport activities and support services for road transport within the local area.

4. Submit to the People's Committee of the province for approval and publication:

a) The list of bus passenger transport networks, the list of intra-provincial fixed route passenger transport networks; locations of pick-up and drop-off points for fixed route passenger transport on the local road network;

b) Policies to encourage and provide benefits to passengers using buses and units operating bus passenger transport within the local area;

c) Economic and technical standards for bus passenger transport activities within the local area for subsidized routes;

d) Plans for the development and management of transport vehicles suitable for the travel needs of residents and the current traffic infrastructure status within the local area;

đ) Specific regulations on the management of passenger transport shuttle bus activities within the local area.

5. Decide on the approval of bus route schedules; open, cease operations, adjust schedules, routes, and frequency of bus routes within the local area.

6. Decide on the announcement of the operation of bus stations according to regulations.

7. Receive, compile, analyze, and utilize mandatory information from vehicle tracking devices provided by transport business units (or authorized organizations) and from the database of the Vietnam Road Administration to serve state management of transportation.

8. Establish a database, create an electronic information page on managing passenger transport activities by motor vehicles in the local area. Organize online public services to handle administrative procedures related to passenger transport activities by motor vehicles and road transport support services according to regulations.

9. Update data as required and be provided with login names and passwords to access the national bus station management software and the commercial transport driver management software of the Vietnam Road Administration to exploit and use data on these platforms to serve state management of bus stations and commercial transport drivers within the local area.

10. Issue Business Licenses for passenger transport and cargo transport by motor vehicles for business units operating within the local area.

11. Manage, issue new, and reissue various types of insignia and signs as prescribed.

12. Direct, supervise, inspect, and audit training programs and legal regulations for transport activities for service personnel on vehicles and promotional and educational activities to enhance responsibility and professional ethics of drivers organized by transport businesses, cooperatives, or the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association or local automobile transport associations within the local area according to regulations.

13. Announce the operation of pick-up and drop-off points for fixed route passenger transport within the local area after approval by the provincial People's Committee or the central city People's Committee.

14. Manage passenger transport activities for two-tier sleeper coaches.

a) Inspect and monitor units using two-tier sleeper coaches;

b) Review and implement speed limit signs for two-tier sleeper coaches at necessary locations, especially in areas with mountainous terrain, at locations with small road curve radii on roads managed by the local area.

15. Inspect, check, and handle violations regarding the organization of transport management, business activities, and conditions for business transport by motor vehicles and road transport support services according to the law within its authority.

16. Annually before the 15th day of each month, the Department of Transport publishes a list of vehicles (vehicle registration number, type of insignia issued, validity period of insignia; business units (name of unit, type of business activity issued, validity period of the Business License for transport by motor vehicles; list of vehicles recalled, insignia revoked; list of business units whose Business Licenses for transport by motor vehicles have been recalled on the Department's electronic information page to serve inspection and supervision work.

Chapter IX

IMPLEMENTATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF ENFORCEMENT

Article 64. Reporting Requirements

1. By the 20th day of each month at the latest, transport business units and passenger bus terminals must report on their previous month's operations to the Department of Transport. The model for reporting the results of passenger transport activities is prescribed in Appendix 18 attached to this Circular. The model for reporting the results of cargo transport activities is prescribed in Appendix 19 attached to this Circular. The model for reporting the results of passenger bus terminal and cargo terminal operations is prescribed in Appendix 20 attached to this Circular.

2. By December 20th each year at the latest, the Department of Transport must report on local transport activities to the Vietnam Highway Corporation for consolidation and reporting to the Ministry of Transport in February of the following year. The model for reporting transport activity status is prescribed in Appendix 21 attached to this Circular.

Article 65. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from July 15, 2020.

2. The Circulars No. 63/2014/TT-BGTVT dated November 7, 2014, issued by the Minister of Transport regarding the organization and management of road passenger transport services and support services; Circular No. 60/2015/TT-BGTVT dated November 2, 2015, issued by the Minister of Transport amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 63/2014/TT-BGTVT dated November 7, 2014, regarding the organization and management of road passenger transport services and support services; Circular No. 92/2015/TT-BGTVT dated December 31, 2015, issued by the Minister of Transport regarding the procedures for selecting units to operate fixed route passenger transport services by road; and Circular No. 10/2015/TT-BGTVT dated April 15, 2015, issued by the Minister of Transport promulgating the Circular on responsibilities and handling violations in road passenger transport services are hereby repealed.

3. The transition regarding the issuance and use of license plates and signs for commercial passenger vehicles shall be carried out according to Clause 6, Article 36 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, and the existing types of license plates and signs prescribed in Circular No. 63/2014/TT-BGTVT dated November 7, 2014, and Circular No. 60/2015/TT-BGTVT dated November 2, 2015, will continue to be issued until December 31, 2020.

4. Types of models of Business Licenses for Passenger Transport by Road Vehicles and license plates prescribed in this Circular will be issued from January 1, 2021.

Article 66. Responsibility for Implementation

The Director of the Ministry’s Office, the Director of the Ministry’s Inspectorate, Heads of Departments, Directors of Provincial and Central City Transport Departments, Heads of agencies, units, and individuals concerned are responsible for implementing this Circular.