For truckers and transportation business owners, understanding the necessary documents for driving a truck is crucial for legal compliance and smooth operations. So, what documents do truck drivers need to legally operate in Vietnam? This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình, a reputable truck resource, provides the latest information on required documents for truck drivers in 2024.
Essential Documents for Truck Drivers
To drive a truck legally and safely, drivers must have the following documents:
1. Truck Driving License (GPLX)
A truck driving license is the most important document, proving you have the qualifications and skills to drive a truck. There are two common license categories for trucks:
a. Class C Driving License
A Class C license allows drivers to operate trucks with a payload over 3.5 tons. To obtain a Class C license, you need to complete a professional driving course and pass both theoretical and practical truck driving exams.
b. Class FE Driving License
A Class FE license is for drivers of tractor trucks, container trucks, or semi-trailers with large payloads. This license requires higher driving skills and has stricter training and examination procedures compared to Class C.
Latest Class C driving license, one of the most important documents a truck driver needs to drive legally.
2. Truck Registration Certificate (Cà Vẹt Xe)
The truck registration certificate, or cà vẹt xe, is a document certifying legal ownership of the truck. It contains important information, such as:
- Chassis number, engine number
- Vehicle type, brand, paint color
- Year of manufacture
- Permitted payload
- Owner information
When buying a new or used truck, you need to register the vehicle with the authorities to obtain a valid registration certificate.
Truck registration certificate, also known as cà vẹt xe, confirms legal ownership and basic information of the truck.
3. Mandatory Civil Liability Insurance Certificate (TNDS)
Civil liability insurance (TNDS) is mandatory for motor vehicles, including trucks. The TNDS certificate ensures that if the truck causes an accident and damages a third party (people, other vehicles), the insurance company will cover compensation costs as prescribed.
Buying TNDS insurance is not only a legal requirement but also a financial protection for the owner and driver in case of unforeseen events.
4. Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection Inspection (Sổ Đăng Kiểm)
The certificate of technical safety and environmental protection inspection, often called sổ đăng kiểm, confirms that the truck has been inspected and meets the standards for technical safety and emissions according to state regulations.
Trucks need to undergo periodic inspections based on a schedule depending on the vehicle type and usage period. This inspection ensures the truck is in good working condition, safe, and environmentally friendly.
5. Driver’s Personal Identification Documents
In addition to the truck’s documents, the driver must also carry personal identification documents to verify their identity when driving. Required personal documents include:
- Valid Identity Card (CMND) or Citizen Identification Card (CCCD).
In some cases, depending on job requirements or company regulations, drivers may need to carry additional personal documents.
6. Goods Transportation Document (Transportation Order or Transportation Paper)
For trucks carrying goods, especially commercial goods, a goods transportation document is essential. This document confirms:
- Information of the sender, recipient, and transporter
- Type of goods, quantity, weight
- Origin of goods (in some cases)
- Time and place of delivery
The goods transportation document can be a transportation contract, a company’s transportation order, or a transportation paper according to the prescribed form.
Illustration of the necessary documents for driving a truck, helping drivers always prepare fully and comply with traffic laws.
Penalties for Driving a Truck Without Required Documents in 2024
Vietnam’s road traffic law clearly stipulates penalties for violations related to vehicle documents. Lacking or not carrying the necessary documents while driving a truck will result in administrative fines according to Decree 100/2019/NĐ-CP (amended and supplemented by Decree 123/2021/NĐ-CP) and Decree 144/2021/NĐ-CP.
Here is a reference table summarizing penalties for some common violations related to truck documents:
| Violation | Penalty (VND) | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| No Driving License (GPLX) | 10,000,000 – 12,000,000 | Point b, Clause 3, Article 21 of Decree 100/2019/NĐ-CP, amended by Decree 123/2021/NĐ-CP |
| Not Carrying Driving License (GPLX) | 200,000 – 400,000 | Point a, Clause 3, Article 21 of Decree 100/2019/NĐ-CP, amended by Decree 123/2021/NĐ-CP |
| No Vehicle Registration Certificate | 200,000 – 400,000 | Clause 2, Article 21 of Decree 100/2019/NĐ-CP, amended by Decree 123/2021/NĐ-CP |
| No Mandatory Civil Liability Insurance Certificate (TNDS) | 400,000 – 600,000 | Point a, Clause 4, Article 21 of Decree 100/2019/NĐ-CP, amended by Decree 123/2021/NĐ-CP |
| No Certificate of Technical Safety & Environmental Protection Inspection | 200,000 – 400,000 | Point c, Clause 2, Article 25 of Decree 100/2019/NĐ-CP, amended by Decree 123/2021/NĐ-CP |
| Not Carrying Identity Card (CMND/CCCD) | 300,000 – 500,000 (Warning or Fine) | Point a, Clause 1, Article 10 of Decree 144/2021/NĐ-CP |
| No Goods Transportation Document (for commercial transportation) | 800,000 – 1,000,000 | Point d, Clause 2, Article 24 of Decree 100/2019/NĐ-CP, amended by Decree 123/2021/NĐ-CP |
Note: The above penalties are for reference only and may vary depending on the actual situation and decisions of the authorities. For accurate and updated information, you should refer directly to the current legal documents.
Conclusion
Preparing all vehicle documents and personal identification documents is the responsibility and obligation of every truck driver. Hopefully, with the detailed and easy-to-understand information provided by Xe Tải Mỹ Đình, you now know what documents truck drivers need and the importance of complying with the law. Always ensure you carry all the necessary documents whenever you drive to ensure a smooth, safe, and legal transportation journey. Wishing all drivers safe travels!
