Vietnam Truck Fire Safety Regulations

While transporting goods from Hanoi to Hai Phong, Tuan, a veteran truck driver at Minh Phat Transport Company (Cau Giay, Hanoi), experienced a heart-stopping moment. His truck, loaded with electronic equipment, suddenly caught fire due to an electrical short circuit on the road through Gia Lam. Fortunately, Tuan always carried a fire extinguisher in his vehicle and was able to quickly extinguish the flames before they spread.

Tuan’s story is a reminder to us all about the importance of equipping and skillfully using fire extinguishers in vehicles, especially trucks – the “bread and butter” for many families. So, what are the specific regulations regarding fire extinguishers in vehicles? Let’s find out!

Fire Extinguisher Regulations for Vehicles in Vietnam

According to Circular No. 57/2015/TT-BCA on equipping fire prevention and fighting equipment for motor vehicles:

Vehicle Type and Required Number of Fire Extinguishers:

• Passenger cars with up to 9 seats, pickup trucks: At least 01 fire extinguisher with a powder capacity of 1kg or more.
• Passenger cars with 10 to 30 seats, trucks under 2 tons: At least 01 fire extinguisher with a powder capacity of 2kg or more.
• Passenger cars with more than 30 seats, trucks from 2 tons to under 4 tons: At least 01 fire extinguisher with a powder capacity of 3kg or more.
• Trucks of 4 tons or more, specialized vehicles carrying fireworks, explosives; petrol and oil tankers: At least 01 fire extinguisher with a powder capacity of 4kg or more.

Placement of Fire Extinguishers:

• Easily visible, accessible, and easy to operate when needed.
• In passenger cars: usually placed in the cockpit area, under the seat, or near the driver’s position.
• In trucks: usually placed in an accessible location such as the cabin, near the door.

Periodic Inspection and Maintenance:

• Periodic inspection: At least every 06 months.
• Refill the extinguisher: Immediately after use or when it expires.

“Equipping a fire extinguisher in a vehicle is not only a mandatory regulation but also the responsibility of each driver to themselves and the community,” said Nguyen Van An, a traffic safety expert at the Institute of Traffic Safety Science.

Truck fire being extinguished with a fire extinguisher

Market Price of Fire Extinguishers:

Note: Prices may vary depending on the time and location of sale.