Decision 163/QD-TTg 2024 approving the Plan for implementing the Agreement on mutual recognition of international driving licenses between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea stipulates the organization of the implementation of the Agreement as the content in this article. Let’s join Hankuk Law Firm to dig deeper into the legal information about Korean driving licenses recognized in Vietnam from 2024.

I. Recognition of South Korean Driver’s Licenses in Vietnam from 2024

From 2024, the recognition of South Korean driver’s licenses in Vietnam has become a significant issue in traffic management and facilitating the lives of foreigners living and working in Vietnam. This regulation not only reflects international cooperation in traffic matters but also demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment to adjusting legal regulations to ensure traffic safety and meet the needs of its citizens and businesses.

II. Legal Basis and Regulations

The recognition of South Korean driver’s licenses in Vietnam from 2024 is based on the legal framework established by Decree No. 138/2022/ND-CP dated October 27, 2022, issued by the Government. This Decree provides regulations on the management and use of driver’s licenses, detailing the conditions and procedures for recognizing the driver’s licenses of member countries of the International Road Traffic Convention. South Korea is a signatory to this convention, and consequently, its driver’s licenses are recognized in Vietnam according to the current regulations.

III. Recognition of South Korean Driver’s Licenses

The recognition of South Korean driver’s licenses includes handling violations and establishing communication channels for implementing the Agreement. The recognition process and handling of violations will follow the Agreement’s provisions and the national laws of each party. Communication channels with the competent authorities in South Korea will be established.

IV. Designation and Notification of Contact Agencies

Designation and notification of contact agencies and communication information between Vietnam and South Korea concerning all issues of the Agreement. Ensuring technical conditions for connection, exchange, and sharing information between the two parties.

V. Conditions for Recognition of Driver’s Licenses

According to Decree No. 138/2022/ND-CP, driver’s licenses from member countries of the international convention, including South Korea, are recognized in Vietnam for a specified period. Specifically, foreign driver’s licenses will be recognized for a maximum of 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam. This regulation is crucial to ensure that foreigners can legally use their driver’s licenses during their initial stay in Vietnam.

VI. Proposals for Implementing Agencies

• Ministry of Transport: Responsible for leading and coordinating with ministries, sectors, and localities to implement the Agreement according to their functions and duties. Gather information and provide it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the contact point and related information for the implementation of the Agreement to officially notify South Korea.
• Ministry of Public Security: Organize the implementation of the Agreement according to its functions and duties. Provide the Ministry of Transport with contact points related to inspection, verification, and handling violations for implementing the Agreement. Relevant ministries, sectors, and localities are responsible for coordinating and providing the Ministry of Public Security with contact points related to inspection, verification, and handling violations according to their functions and duties.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Notify South Korea of the contact agencies responsible for implementing the Agreement from the Vietnamese side; the format of International Driver’s Licenses, National Driver’s Licenses; and related legal documents. The implementation period is annually, until the Agreement expires.
• Effective Date: From February 6, 2024, South Korean driver’s licenses will be recognized in Vietnam.

VII. Procedures to be Followed

To have South Korean driver’s licenses recognized in Vietnam, users need to follow specific procedures. Firstly, the driver’s license must be valid and issued by an authorized agency in South Korea. Additionally, the driver’s license must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized or certified by an authorized agency in Vietnam. This regulation ensures that foreign driver’s licenses are correctly understood and fully applicable in the legal and traffic context of Vietnam.

VIII. Applicable Parties

The regulation on recognizing South Korean driver’s licenses in Vietnam applies to all individuals from South Korea entering Vietnam for tourism, business, or temporary residence. However, for foreigners who reside permanently in Vietnam, if their driver’s license expires or has changes in information, they need to carry out the procedures for converting their driver’s license to comply with Vietnamese legal regulations. This ensures that foreigners can continue to participate in traffic legally and safely.

IX. Benefits and Impacts of the Regulation

The recognition of South Korean driver’s licenses in Vietnam benefits foreigners and contributes to improving traffic management and enhancing international cooperation. For foreigners, this regulation makes it easier for them to operate vehicles without needing to go through the process of exchanging their driver’s licenses during their initial stay in Vietnam. This facilitates their work and life, while reducing the inconvenience and costs associated with obtaining a new driver’s license.

For Vietnam, recognizing international driver’s licenses helps improve transparency and accuracy in traffic management. It also reflects Vietnam’s commitment to applying international standards and supporting the mobility of foreigners. Furthermore, this regulation could contribute to attracting investment and tourism from countries like South Korea, as foreigners find Vietnam’s traffic system more accessible and convenient.

X. Challenges and Solutions

While the recognition of South Korean driver’s licenses in Vietnam brings many benefits, there are challenges that need to be addressed. One major challenge is ensuring that foreign driver’s licenses are accurately translated and notarized to avoid misunderstandings or legal disputes during use. To address this issue, close coordination between relevant authorities, including the driver’s license issuing authorities, notarizing agencies, and other related organizations, is necessary.

Additionally, there should be increased efforts in public awareness and training to ensure that foreigners understand the regulations and procedures related to using international driver’s licenses in Vietnam. This will help minimize confusion and make it easier for foreigners to operate vehicles in Vietnam.

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