The regulation on the ownership right transfer on motorbikes needs a broad road map to be effectively implemented, as the motorbike is the most popular means of transport in Vietnam, but transfer procedures remain complicated.
The regulation on the ownership right transfer on motorbikes needs a broad road map to be effectively implemented
This comment came from Dinh Thi Thanh Binh, Head of the Institute of Transport Planning and Management, speaking on the ministry’s draft decree on road and railway fines, which has recently stirred up public concern.
“I agree with the fines included in the draft decree for people who cannot provide proof that their vehicles are registered in their name, but we must first set guidelines instead of simply implementing the regulations immediately. There needs to be a simplification of the administrative process that would encourage drivers to complete transfer of ownership on the vehicles they buy and sell," she said.
She added that the application of new fines for motorbikes would face public scrutiny because this is the main form of transportation for most Vietnamese. Binh also pointed out that complicated and confusing administrative procedures have discouraged people from completing registration. For example, she said, it would be very difficult to find original owners of vehicle bought second-hand.
It was also extremely complicated for an individual to prove that he or she is authorised by the owner for its use, even if it is owned by a family member. According to current regulations, the driver would have to produce notarised papers from the owner giving the them the right to use said vehicle, she added.
Senior lieutenant-colonel Le Duc Doan, of the Hanoi Police Department’s Traffic Police Board No. 1, said the fines in the draft decree were not too high, but served as a good warning. Nevertheless, it could prove problematic to set an implementation date of July 1, as it might not give drivers enough time to properly register their vehicles.
"It is essential to raise people’s awareness about the importance of registration of vehicles. The fees that would be collected will go to the state budget, which will, in turn, help police to make more accurate identifications of individuals who own vehicles, especially in cases of traffic violations or accidents. Still, registration fees must take into consideration the incomes of those who are subject to it," he said.
It has been estimated that up to 40% of vehicles in Vietnam are not properly registered. Most of these are motorbikes. Since the practice is so widespread, traffic police will often ignore this offence.
The draft decree is expected to replace Decree 71, issued in November 2012, which was repealed after only a few days due to public opposition.
The new draft decree stipulates lower fines than those of Decree 71, but still requires vehicle owner find the original owner and get their signature for registration.
Under the new draft decree, a fine of between VND100,000 (USD4.76) and VND200,000 (USD9.52) will be issued for motorbike owners, and VND200,000 to VND400,000 (USD19) for owners of other motor-vehicles.
Car-owners or owners of other specialised vehicles will be subject to fines of between VND2 and VND4 million for violating the regulation, while organisations will pay VND4-8 million (USD190.47-380.95).
