The case of traffic police in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, fining a 24-ton truck nearly 200 million VND for overloading has sounded an alarm for the transport industry. Beyond the record fine, this incident raises questions about operating costs, traffic laws, and the economic equation for those seeking opportunities with a budget truck or other transport vehicles.
The incident occurred at noon on January 5th on TA13 Street, Thoi An Ward, District 12. The 24-ton truck, bearing Ho Chi Minh City license plates, driven by Mr. D.N.D., was discovered traveling on a road restricted to 10-ton vehicles. Actual inspection revealed the truck was overloaded by more than 16 tons beyond the road’s regulation. The driver confessed to transporting beer from a company to a container yard on TA13 Street.
The penalties for this violation are substantial: 45 million VND for the driver and 140 million VND for the vehicle owner (business) for the “road overload” offense. Additionally, the “cargo overload” violation incurred fines of 3.9 million VND for the driver and 10 million VND for the owner. In total, nearly 200 million VND was paid for this violation, not to mention the driver’s license and truck badge suspension.
This case has garnered attention not only for the massive fine but also for revealing a concerning reality. The TA13 Street area, where the violating truck was apprehended, is home to numerous container yards, trailer depots, and scrap yards. The presence of over 50 container trucks here indicates a high demand for freight transport, but also harbors the potential for overloading and other traffic violations. Immediately after the traffic police dealt with the violating truck, many other container trucks hastily turned around, indicating caution and possibly the prevalence of overloading.
This event unfolds as Decree 168/2024, replacing Decree 100/2019, officially took effect on January 1st, with numerous clauses increasing penalties for traffic violations. In just the first two days of the new year, Ho Chi Minh City traffic police handled over 3,200 violations, demonstrating a strong determination to tighten traffic discipline.
For those seeking business opportunities in transportation with limited capital, perhaps a budget truck or a cheap used truck is an initial option. However, the aforementioned incident serves as a costly reminder of the importance of adhering to the law and weight regulations. Low initial investment costs do not equate to easy and profitable business. Conversely, without understanding the rules, carefully calculating weight and routes, the risk of facing heavy fines is entirely possible, even exceeding the initial value of a budget truck.
The lesson from this 200 million VND truck fine is not only for large transport enterprises but is particularly crucial for individuals and small businesses using or intending to use trucks, including budget trucks, for their livelihood. Transport business always carries risks, and understanding the law, complying with regulations, along with choosing vehicles suitable for needs and financial capabilities are key factors for success and avoiding unfortunate legal “accidents”.
