Potential risks from homemade "super cars"

((Baonghean.vn) – Currently, on social networks, there is a boom in cheap electric cars from China and homemade cars. Besides the words of admiration, perhaps it is time to re-examine the safety of these cars.

First of all, about the cheap electric cars from 35 to 70 million VND originating from China that have "made waves" on online forums, attracting a lot of attention from women because of their compact shape and eye-catching colors.

According to Mr. Phan Sinh - Deputy Director of the Department of Information Technology and Customs Statistics, it is likely that this type of car has not been cleared through customs and will have difficulty clearing customs into Vietnam. Firstly, the technical standards for electric cars have not yet been issued by the Ministry of Transport. Secondly, the list of car import taxes still does not have a section for electric cars.

Cheap electric cars from China with extremely eye-catching shapes attract the attention of many consumers, especially women. Photo: Internet

Mr. Nguyen To An - Head of the Department of Motor Vehicle Quality, Vietnam Register also said that up to now, the registration agency has not issued a certificate for any electric car imported from China. Only one unit importing electric cars manufactured in the US has registered to be granted a safety quality inspection certificate, but this type of car is only used for tourist areas, resorts, etc.

This means that if the above mentioned vehicles appear and are offered for sale in the Vietnamese market, the quality of these vehicles will be completely unregulated. No one can be sure whether these vehicles are safe or dangerous to users like many other electronic products of Chinese origin.

As for the cars that have been made by people in recent times, this type of car is often homemade with materials reused from old cars. Recently, many people have been interested in the images of homemade "super cars" in Hai Phong, Hanoi... widely shared by netizens. These are 3-wheeled and 4-wheeled cars that are homemade from iron frames and motorbike wheels, some cars are also equipped with hoods, canopies, and headlights...

The homemade "super car" of Mr. Cu Manh Tuan in Vinh City. - Photo: Vnexpress.

Right in Nghe An, in recent years, many homemade "super cars" have appeared that have caused a stir on the Internet, such as those of Mr. Nguyen Kim Son (Bai Son commune, Do Luong), Mr. Pham Dinh Cong (Da Son commune, Do Luong), Mr. Nguyen Van Son (Truong Thi ward, Vinh city), Mr. Cu Manh Tuan (Vinh city)...

Homemade car of Mr. Nguyen Kim Son in Bai Son commune (Do Luong) - Photo: Zing.

If it stops at making for entertainment purposes, satisfying the passion for mechanics, homemade cars can bring excitement to the "player" as well as the audience. However, things will go too far when people start to put homemade cars on the road.

Who can guarantee whether these homemade “super cars” meet the technical safety parameters for traffic? Who can guarantee that these “super cars” will not “follow in the footsteps” of homemade motorbikes and farm vehicles that once caused trouble...

An accident involving a homemade vehicle in Hanoi in 2015 - Photo: Hanoimoi.

It must be affirmed that people using unregistered electric vehicles, uninspected vehicles or homemade vehicles to participate in traffic is a violation of the law. Because according to Circular 86 of the Ministry of Transport, electric vehicles are not allowed to participate in traffic but are only limited to use in tourist and entertainment areas.

According to Point b, Clause 4, Article 17, Decree No. 171/2013/ND-CP, a fine of VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000 shall be imposed on drivers of vehicles manufactured or assembled in violation of traffic regulations. The driver may also have his/her vehicle and driving license confiscated for 2 months.

Chu Thanh

(synthetic)