Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security (MoPS) has proposed restricting fully autonomous (Level 4 and 5) motor vehicles and requiring them to obtain special operational permits, under amendments to the Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order effective from January 1, 2025. Smart vehicles in Vietnam are currently classified into five levels based on their automation capabilities. Levels 1 to 3 offer partial automation in driving control, route selection, and situational handling, while Levels 4 and 5 feature full automation of these functions. Many mid- to high-end cars in Vietnam already include Level 1 or near-Level 2 driver-assistance features such as lane keeping, emergency braking, and automatic parking. These functions are activated at the driver’s discretion and are seen as suitable for current Vietnamese traffic conditions, thus not requiring special permits. In contrast, Level 4 and 5 vehicles operate without human intervention and are still in the trial phase globally. Countries like China and the US have limited testing programmes for fully autonomous taxis, often requiring onboard supervisors. Given the nascent state of this technology, the MoPS recommends restrictions and operational oversight to ensure safety before permitting wide deployment in Vietnam. (ICE HO CHI MINH CITY)

Fonte notizia: Vietnam News