Official: Tech taxis in Vietnam are not required to install LED “TAXI” signboards from April 01, 2020

Specifically, according to Article 10 of Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP of Vietnam’s Government, from April 01, 2020, automobiles used for taxi business shall:

- Have the “XE TAXI” (“TAXI”) signage affixed beneath the front windscreen on the right-hand side and have all required information affixed on their bodies;

- Have the “XE TAXI" (“TAXI”) phrase, which is made out of retroreflective material and 06 x 20 cm in size, affixed on the front and back windshields; or have an LED “TAXI” signboard of at least 12 x 30 cm installed on the top of their roofs; In case of choosing to install a light box with the word "TAXI" fixed on the roof, the phrase "XE TAXI" is not required to be posted on the front and rear glass of the vehicle;

- If the time a passenger automobile operates in a locality accounts for 70% of its total operating time in a month, it must obtain the signage from that locality; the total operating time shall be determined using the data obtained from its tracker.

Thus, Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP does not require taxis (including technology taxis) to have a LED “TAXI” signboard installed on the top of their roofs as currently prescribed in Decree No. 86/2014/NĐ-CP.

install light boxes on the roofs of vehicles as prescribed in the current Decree 86/2014/ND-CP.

Moreover, according to Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP of Vietnam’s Government, taxis equipped with taximeters and taxies equipped with ride hailing software shall comply with the following provisions:

- For taxis equipped with taximeters:

+ The meter must be inspected and affixed with a lead seal by a competent measuring and inspecting authority, and connected to an invoice or receipt printer; both the meter and printer must be fixed at a location easily seen by passengers; and the driver shall print and give an invoice or a receipt to the passenger when the trip ends;

+ Receipts must include the following basic information: name of the transport business, the taxi’s registration plate number, the travel distance (km) and total amount of payment.

- For taxies equipped with the software capable of booking, canceling and charging rides (hereinafter referred to as “ride hailing software"):

+ The taxi must be equipped with a device directly connecting with passengers for booking and canceling rides;

+ The ride is charged based on the distance showed on the digital map;

+ The ride hailing software must comply with regulations of laws on electronic transactions; the interface for passengers must show the transport enterprise or cooperative's name or logo and provide the following basic information for passengers prior to any ride: name of the transport business, driver’s full name, the taxi’s registration plate number, the route and distance thereof (km), total amount of payment and phone number for feedbacks from passengers.

Moreover, according to Decree No. 10/2020/NĐ-CP, taxis shall be allocated separate pick-up and drop-off areas in transport hubs, tourism areas, tourist accommodations, tourist attractions, cultural-sports establishments and shopping malls; and given priority in metropolises.

Nguyen Trinh

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