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| Vehicle inspection center 29-27D in Hanoi__Photo: VNA |
From January 1 this year, vehicle inspection centers can be established at bus stations and rest stops, according to Government Decree 166/2024/ND-CP dated December 26, on business conditions for the operation and establishment of vehicle inspection centers.
This decree simplifies business requirements while addressing industry challenges, ensuring transparency and promoting convenience. It builds upon previous regulations and introduces updates in alignment with the Law on Road Traffic Safety Law.
Accordingly, the new regulation allows inspection centers to share premises with bus stations or rest stops without adhering to stringent space requirements. However, these centers must comply with national technical standards for infrastructure and equipment.
It also expands entry-level qualifications for inspectors to include bachelor's or engineering degrees in relevant technical fields.
Inspectors are now classified into three tiers, namely Level I, II, and III, each with distinct responsibilities. Notably, the promotion period from Level II to Level I has been extended to five years from the previous three.
Leadership standards for inspection centers have also been revised. Leaders must now hold at least a Level II inspector certification, broadening eligibility criteria compared to earlier requirements.
The decree also introduces operational flexibility, requiring only a minimum number of inspectors for a center to function rather than specifying a fixed ratio of inspectors to inspection lines.
Additionally, the authority to issue vehicle inspection certificates is extended to department heads of inspection centers, not just Centre leaders as previously regulated.
New standards for motorcycle and motorbike emissions testing facilities are also introduced, designed to align with the Investment Law and the Law on Road Traffic Safety.
For fixed emissions testing centers, a minimum area of 15 sq.m per testing device is required, and these centers can share space with repair shops. Mobile testing facilities are exempt from space requirements, provided the necessary equipment is permanently installed on a specialized vehicle.
Regarding personnel, emissions testing centers must employ at least one certified inspector and a skilled technician. Staff may take on multiple roles if they hold the appropriate professional certifications.
In a significant shift, provincial Departments of Transport will assume full responsibility for evaluating and certifying vehicle inspection centers. Previously, this task required collaboration with the Registry Department, which will now play a supporting role only when requested.- (VNA/VLLF)
