For the first time, mobile housing vehicles are regulated in National Standards.

The Ministry of Transport is seeking comments on the Draft Circular promulgating National Technical Regulations on technical safety quality and environmental protection for automobiles (hereinafter referred to as the Draft Circular).

Notably, if the Draft Circular is approved, for the first time the type of vehicle "mobile housing vehicle" will be specifically regulated in the National Technical Regulations.

Specifically, a mobile home vehicle is defined as a specialized passenger vehicle, designed to meet basic living space and equipped with minimal equipment.

The equipment is arranged and installed firmly in the living compartment of the vehicle. However, these devices are designed to be easily removed/installed and changed in function.

Regarding requirements, for this type of vehicle, the maximum number of people allowed to be carried (including the driver) is only equal to the number of sleeping places arranged on the vehicle.

In addition, the living compartment of the vehicle may only be used when the vehicle is stopped/parked. Minimum equipment requirements in the living area include: Sleeping space (can be converted from a seat); living table and chairs; cooking equipment; sanitary equipment; storage/cabinets.

All objects, accessories, and interior equipment must not have sharp edges or corners and must be arranged and installed in the vehicle to ensure that they are not displaced, are fixed in position, and can minimize the risk of injury to everyone when the vehicle is stopped/parked or moving.

For the seating arrangement when moving, it must be arranged towards the front of the vehicle (including the driver's seat) and facing forward in the direction of the vehicle. These seats must be equipped with seat belts. Swivel seats that can be used as moving seats must have an easy-to-use anti-rotation locking mechanism to position the seat in the direction of movement.

For sleeping space, it is arranged in the living compartment of the vehicle. The sleeping area is arranged above the driver's seating area or on the upper floor, which can be fixed or sliding or can be removable (bunk bed type).

The minimum width for each single sleeping space is 480mm. The bed can be converted from a seat (to form a sleeping mattress) if the minimum size requirement is met after conversion. The sleeping space structure is securely fixed by rivets or bolts/welds to the floor or side of the vehicle.

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For the table, the installation position must be fixed. The table can be disassembled or folded. When moving, it must be firmly fixed by riveting or screwing/welding to the floor or side of the vehicle. The position of the seats must ensure that they can be used properly with the table. The seats must be securely attached directly to the floor and/or side of the vehicle.

The passenger compartment access door of the vehicle shall be provided with at least one door on the right side or rear of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle shall be provided with at least one separate passenger compartment access door of the external opening or sliding type on the passenger side or rear of the vehicle.

The electrical system for daily life must be designed independently from the vehicle's general electrical system. This system must have safety protection devices. The backup power storage system must have a suitable capacity to ensure power supply for minimum needs for a certain period of time. At the same time, it must be calculated and designed in accordance with the general standards of the grid power system.

Solar panels can be installed to provide energy to the living area. In this case, the electrical system must comply with solar electrical system standards.

For the sanitary system, sanitary equipment and bathrooms (if any) must be installed, either fixed or mobile, to ensure that waste and wastewater are collected in containers.

Cooking equipment can be installed inside or outside the vehicle depending on the design, using fuel suitable for the capacity of the solar power system, electricity and electrical equipment serving the vehicle's daily activities. Natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas cannot be used as fuel.

In particular, the vehicle must be equipped with at least two fire extinguishers weighing at least 2kg each. One extinguisher must be located near the driver's seat and the remaining extinguishers must be securely mounted in the vehicle's living space in a visible and accessible location .

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