From January 01, 2025, are holders of category B1 license still allowed to operate automobiles?

From January 01, 2025, are holders of category B1 license still allowed to operate automobiles?

Pursuant to Article 57 of the Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order 2024 which stipulates driver licenses in Vietnam:

Article 57. Driver licenses

1. Driver's licenses include the following categories:

a) Category A1 is issued to drivers of two-wheeled motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of up to 125 cm3 or electric motor capacity up to 11 kW;

b) Category A is issued to drivers of two-wheeled motorcycles with a cylinder capacity over 125 cm3 or electric motor capacity over 11 kW and vehicles specified for the Category A1 driver's license;

c) Category B1 is issued to drivers of three-wheeled motorcycles and vehicles specified for the Category A1 driver's license;

d) Category B is issued to drivers of passenger cars with up to 08 seats (excluding the driver's seat); trucks and specialized cars with a design total weight up to 3,500 kg; types of cars specified for the Category B driver's license pulling trailers with a design total weight up to 750 kg;

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According to the above regulation in Vietnam, from January 1, 2025, a Category B1 license will not be permitted to drive an automobile. Holders of a Category B1 license can operate three-wheeled motorcycles and two-wheeled motorbikes of an engine size of up to 125 cm3 or electric motor power output of up to 11 kW

From January 01, 2025, are holders of category B1 license still allowed to operate automobiles? (Image from the Internet)

What is age requirement for obtaining a Category B1 license in Vietnam from January 1, 2025?

According to Clause 1, Article 59 of the Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order 2024 which stipulates the age requirements of drivers, operators of heavy-duty vehicles in Vietnam:

Article 59. Age requirements of drivers, operators of heavy-duty vehicles

1. The age of drivers and operators of specialized motorcycles is specified as follows:

a) Persons aged 16 and older are allowed to operate motorbikes;

b) Persons aged 18 and older are granted driver's licenses for Category A1, A, B1, B, C1, and are granted a certificate of law knowledge training for road traffic to operate special motorcycles participating in road traffic;

c) Persons aged 21 and older are granted driver's licenses for Category C, BE;

d) Persons aged 24 and older are granted driver's licenses for Category D1, D2, C1E, CE;

e) Persons aged 27 and older are granted driver's licenses for Category D, D1E, D2E, DE;

f) The maximum age for drivers of passenger cars (including buses) over 29 seats (excluding the driver's seat), sleeper buses is 57 years for males, and 55 years for females.

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Thus, individuals aged 18 and older who meet the legal requirements will be granted a Category B1 license.

How many points does a Category B1 license have?

According to Article 58 of the Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order 2024:

Article 58. Points on Driver's Licenses

1. The points on a driver's license are used to manage compliance with Law on Road Traffic Safety and Orders by drivers on the road traffic safety and order data system, including 12 points. The number of points deducted for each violation depends on the nature and severity of the law violation regarding road traffic safety and order. The data on the point deductions of the driver's license violator will be updated into the database system immediately after the penalty decision takes effect and notified to the point-deducted driver's license holder.

2. Driver's licenses that have not been completely deducted points and have not had any points deducted within 12 months from the date of the last point deduction will be restored to full 12 points.

3. In cases where the driver's license has been completely deducted points, the driver's license holder will not be allowed to operate vehicles participating in road traffic according to that license. After a period of at least 06 months from the date of complete point deduction, the driver's license holder will be allowed to participate in a competency test on law knowledge about road traffic safety and order according to Clause 7, Article 61 of this Law organized by the Traffic Police, and if the requirements are met, 12 points will be restored.

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Thus, a Category B1 license has 12 points which are used to manage compliance with Law on Road Traffic Safety and Orders by drivers on the road traffic safety and order data system.

Note: The Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order 2024 will take effect in Vietnam from January 1, 2025.