In the context of increasing international mobility, the operation of foreign-registered motor vehicles by foreigners in Vietnam has become more common. To ensure traffic order, safety, and compliance with Vietnamese law, foreigners must carry all required documents when operating such vehicles and must comply with the supervision and management of the relevant Vietnamese authorities. The relevant regulations are set out in Decree No. 151/2024/ND-CP. These provisions aim to ensure lawful operation, transparency in vehicle status, and effective oversight during participation in road traffic within Vietnam.
- Required documents for foreigners operating foreign-registered motor vehicles in Vietnam
Pursuant to Clause 3, Article 34 of Decree No. 151/2024/ND-CP, foreigners operating foreign-registered motor vehicles in Vietnam must carry and present the following documents upon request by competent authorities:
- A passport or other valid international travel document, and documents related to residence in Vietnam;
- A valid driver’s license appropriate to the type of vehicle being operated, recognized for use within the territory of Vietnam;
- A valid certificate of technical safety and environmental protection inspection for motor vehicles, or an equivalent document issued by the competent authority of the vehicle’s country of registration (applicable to automobiles);
- A valid vehicle registration certificate issued by the competent authority of the country where the vehicle is registered;
- A valid motor vehicle liability insurance certificate accepted in Vietnam;
- A customs declaration form for the temporary import and re-export of road motor vehicles.
Carrying and presenting the above documents is a mandatory condition for both the foreign driver and the vehicle to be legally permitted to operate on roads in Vietnam. These requirements provide the legal basis for verifying the driver’s eligibility, vehicle origin, and compliance with safety and insurance regulations.
2. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Public Security in managing foreigners operating foreign-registered motor vehicles in Vietnam
Clause 1, Article 36 of Decree No. 151/2024/ND-CP provides the responsibilities of the Ministry of Public Security as follows:
- To take the lead in organizing the inspection and control of exit and entry procedures at border checkpoints, and to issue visas and temporary residence certificates for foreigners entering Vietnam in accordance with regulations on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.
- To coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Finance in handling procedures for the temporary import and re-export of foreign-registered motor vehicles entering and operating in Vietnam;
- To inspect and handle violations committed by Vietnamese international travel service enterprises and related organizations and individuals in organizing activities for foreigners operating foreign-registered motor vehicles in Vietnam, and to inspect and handle violations committed directly by foreigners operating such vehicles.
- To notify the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transport, and foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, or intergovernmental representative organizations in Vietnam regarding violations of law, traffic accidents, or incidents caused by or related to foreigners operating foreign-registered motor vehicles in Vietnam.
These responsibilities establish a coordinated management mechanism among relevant state agencies, ensuring consistent monitoring and enforcement throughout the period in which foreigners and their vehicles are present and operating within Vietnamese territory.
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