Are you a transporter, truck business owner, or simply a road user wanting to understand the 2016 vehicle load regulations? This article from My Dinh Truck, a leading website on trucks, will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed overview of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT, a crucial legal document regulating vehicle weight limits, size limits, and many other related issues.
Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT, effective from December 1, 2015, replaced Circular 07/2010/TT-BGTVT and previous amendments and supplements, marking a significant turning point in vehicle weight management in Vietnam. With the aim of ensuring traffic safety, protecting road infrastructure, and facilitating transportation activities, Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT has introduced specific and strict regulations that directly impact all road users, especially businesses and individuals involved in freight transportation by trucks.
This article is not just a summary of the Circular, but also a detailed and easy-to-understand interpretation, helping readers quickly and accurately grasp the core content of the 2016 vehicle load regulations. We will delve into each chapter, article, and clause of the Circular, clarifying concepts and regulations on axle load, gross vehicle weight, permissible vehicle dimensions, cargo loading limits, as well as regulations on overloaded vehicles, oversized vehicles, tracked vehicles, and the transportation of super heavy and super load cargo.
Let’s explore the most important aspects of the 2016 vehicle load regulations with My Dinh Truck to ensure your transportation operations always comply with the law and contribute to building a safe and efficient traffic environment.
Chapter I: General Regulations on 2016 Vehicle Load Limits
The first chapter of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT lays the foundation for the entire document, clearly defining the scope of regulation, applicable entities, and explaining important terms, helping readers gain an overview and correctly understand the essence of the 2016 vehicle load regulations.
Article 1: Scope of Regulation
Article 1 affirms that this Circular comprehensively regulates:
- Load and size limits of roads: Determining the load-bearing capacity and safe dimensional space of roads.
- Announcement of road load and size limits: Procedures and responsibilities for announcing this important information to the public and businesses.
- Operation of overloaded vehicles, oversized vehicles, and tracked vehicles on roads: Conditions, procedures, and permits for these special vehicle types.
- Transportation of super heavy and super load cargo: Separate regulations for this special type of transportation, ensuring absolute safety.
- Cargo loading limits on road vehicles: Rules on how to load cargo safely and without violating regulations.
Thus, the scope of regulation of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT is extremely broad, covering all aspects related to vehicle load and dimensions when participating in road traffic.
Article 2: Applicable Entities
Article 2 clearly defines the entities that must comply with the 2016 vehicle load regulations, including:
- Organizations and individuals related to the announcement of road load and size limits: Road management agencies, Departments of Transport, Vietnam Road Administration.
- Organizations and individuals involved in road transportation activities: Vehicle owners, drivers, transportation businesses, freight forwarders.
- Organizations and individuals related to the operation of overloaded vehicles, oversized vehicles, tracked vehicles, and transportation of super heavy and super load cargo: All parties involved in this process, from permit applicants to transportation operators.
- Organizations and individuals related to cargo loading limits on road vehicles: Consignors, loaders, drivers.
It can be seen that the applicable entities of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT are very broad, including both state agencies and organizations and individuals involved in road transport activities. This affirms the importance and universality of the 2016 vehicle load regulations in ensuring traffic order and safety.
Article 3: Interpretation of Terms
To ensure uniform and accurate understanding of the regulations, Article 3 of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT clearly explains specialized and technical terms commonly used in the document. Understanding these terms is crucial for correctly applying the 2016 vehicle load regulations. Here are some important terms explained:
- Gross Vehicle Weight (Total Mass of Vehicle): Includes the vehicle’s tare weight plus the weight of people, luggage, and cargo loaded on the vehicle. This is the most basic concept, determining whether a vehicle is overloaded or not.
- Axle Load: The total weight of the vehicle distributed on each axle or axle group. Regulations on axle load help protect the road surface and prevent damage to infrastructure.
- Maximum Permissible Dimensions of Motor Vehicles: Limits on the width, height, and length of the vehicle, including cargo loaded on the vehicle. Compliance with these dimensions ensures vehicles can travel safely on roads and through traffic structures.
- Tracked Vehicle: A type of specialized vehicle that moves on tracks, which can damage the road surface. The 2016 vehicle load regulations have separate provisions for managing this type of vehicle.
- Vehicle Combination: Includes rigid trucks towing trailers or tractor trucks towing semi-trailers. This is a common form of transportation, and the 2016 vehicle load regulations have specific regulations for vehicle combinations.
- Single-Axle/Multi-Axle Trailer: Classification of trailers by the number and position of axles, affecting load calculation.
- Indivisible Cargo: Special cargo that needs to be transported in one piece due to its specific nature, often super heavy and super load cargo.
- Level Crossing: A section of road intersecting a railway at the same level. The 2016 vehicle load regulations also pay attention to safety issues at level crossings.
The clear explanation of terms makes the 2016 vehicle load regulations transparent, easy to understand, and easy to apply in practice.
Chapter II: Regulations on Road Load and Size Limits and Information Disclosure
Chapter II delves into specific regulations on road load and size limits, as well as the responsibilities of management agencies in disclosing this information. This is key information for transportation businesses and drivers to plan and carry out freight transportation legally and safely.
Article 4: Road Load Capacity
Article 4 clarifies the concept of road load capacity and how to determine the load-bearing capacity of bridges and roads.
- What is Road Load Capacity? It is the load-bearing capacity of bridges and roads, designed to ensure the lifespan of the structure according to the original design. Exceeding this load capacity can cause damage and reduce the lifespan of the structure.
- Determining Bridge Load Capacity: Based on the bridge design documents and actual technical condition. This information is announced by competent authorities or indicated by traffic signs limiting the gross vehicle weight crossing the bridge.
- Determining Road Load Capacity: Similar to bridges, road load capacity is determined according to road surface design documents and actual technical condition. This information is also announced or indicated by traffic signs limiting axle weight.
Thus, the 2016 vehicle load regulations emphasize that road load capacity is not a fixed number but depends on the design and actual condition of each road section and bridge. Information disclosure and traffic signs are important tools for road users to know and comply.
Article 5: Road Size Limits
Article 5 regulates road size limits, which are the safe dimensional space for vehicle traffic.
- What are Road Size Limits? They are the dimensional limits of the height and width of roads, bridges, ferry terminals, and road tunnels, ensuring vehicles (including cargo) can pass safely.
- Height Limit:
- 4.75 meters (15.6 feet): Applied to highways and roads of Class I, II, III.
- 4.5 meters (14.8 feet): Applied to roads of Class IV and below.
- Width Limit: Depends on the lane width, technical class of the road, and terrain of the route construction. There is no fixed number, but it varies depending on each route.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations clearly specify the height limit, while the width limit is more flexible, depending on the type of road. This reflects the diversity of Vietnam’s road network and requires road users to pay attention to traffic signs and disclosed information.
Article 6: Announcement of Road Load and Size Limits and Technical Condition of Level Crossings
Article 6 regulates the responsibilities of agencies in announcing information about road load and size limits and the technical condition of level crossings.
- Vietnam Road Administration: Responsible for announcing the load and size limits of national highways, updating information on the Administration’s website. Simultaneously, update the technical condition of level crossings nationwide.
- Department of Transport: Responsible for announcing the load and size limits of local roads, sending data to the Vietnam Road Administration for general updates.
- Vietnam Railways Administration: Responsible for announcing the technical condition of level crossings on the Vietnamese railway network, sending data to the Vietnam Road Administration for updates.
This information disclosure is very important for the public and businesses to know the road limits, thereby complying and planning appropriate transportation. The 2016 vehicle load regulations clearly assign responsibility for information disclosure to each agency, ensuring timeliness and completeness of information.
Article 7: Adjusting Announced Load and Size Limits and Technical Condition of Level Crossings
Article 7 regulates the adjustment and updating of announced information about load and size limits and the technical condition of level crossings.
- Vietnam Road Administration: Periodically updates information on its website every 6 months (before June 20 and December 20 annually).
- Department of Transport: Periodically updates information on local roads every 6 months (before June 15 and December 15 annually) and sends it to the Vietnam Road Administration.
- Vietnam Railways Administration: Periodically updates information on level crossings every 6 months (before June 15 and December 15 annually) and sends it to the Vietnam Road Administration.
- PPP Investors: Update information on road sections under their management, send it to the Department of Transport (local roads) or the Vietnam Road Administration (national highways) every 6 months (before June 10 and December 10 annually).
- Weak Bridges: For bridges not yet synchronously upgraded to the load and size limits of the road, road management agencies must place traffic signs indicating the actual load and size limits of the bridge.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations require periodic information updates, ensuring the information is always up-to-date and reflects the actual condition of the roads. This is especially important in the context of continuously upgraded and renovated transport infrastructure.
Article 8: Operation of Motor Vehicles
Article 8 regulates the operation of motor vehicles on routes with announced load and size limits and other routes.
- Normal Operation: Vehicles meeting the announced load and size limits and cargo loading limits according to the Circular are allowed to operate normally on the announced routes and sections.
- Compliance with Traffic Signs: On routes without announced load and size limits, vehicle owners and drivers must comply with traffic signs limiting vehicle weight, size limits, speed, and distance.
- Transportation of Special Cargo: In cases where it is mandatory to transport indivisible cargo or vehicles exceeding load and size limits, it is necessary to request a Vehicle Circulation Permit from a competent authority before participating in traffic.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations clearly distinguish between normal and special operation. For special cases, obtaining a permit is mandatory to ensure safety and legal compliance.
Front page of original Circular
Alt text: Front page of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT of the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam regarding 2016 vehicle load regulations.
Chapter III: Regulations on Overloaded Vehicles, Oversized Vehicles, and Tracked Vehicles Operating on Roads
Chapter III of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT delves into specific regulations for overloaded vehicles, oversized vehicles, and tracked vehicles when participating in road traffic. These are special types of vehicles, potentially causing traffic safety risks and infrastructure damage, therefore requiring strict regulations for management.
Article 9: Regulations on Overloaded and Oversized Vehicles Operating on Roads
Article 9 clearly defines what constitutes an overloaded vehicle and an oversized vehicle, providing a basis for applying subsequent regulations.
- Overloaded Vehicle: A motor vehicle whose gross vehicle weight or axle load exceeds the announced road load capacity. Thus, a vehicle is considered overloaded if it exceeds either the gross vehicle weight or axle load limit.
- Oversized Vehicle: A motor vehicle whose overall dimensions (including cargo) exceed the maximum permissible dimensions, specifically:
- Length: Greater than 20 meters (65.6 feet) or greater than 1.1 times the overall length of the vehicle.
- Width: Greater than 2.5 meters (8.2 feet).
- Height: Greater than 4.2 meters (13.8 feet) (measured from the road surface), except for container trucks which are 4.35 meters (14.3 feet).
- Overloaded and Oversized Specialized Vehicles: Specialized vehicles whose gross vehicle weight, axle load, or overall dimensions exceed regulations are also considered overloaded or oversized vehicles.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations provide specific criteria for determining overloaded and oversized vehicles, giving law enforcement agencies a clear legal basis for inspection and handling violations.
Article 10: Regulations on Tracked Vehicles Participating in Road Traffic
Article 10 specifically regulates tracked vehicles, a special type of vehicle capable of damaging road surfaces.
Tracked vehicles participating in road traffic must implement mandatory measures to protect the road surface, such as:
- Installing Track Shoes: Track shoes made of materials softer than the road surface, reducing contact pressure and preventing scratching of the road surface.
- Spreading Steel or Composite Plates: Creating a protective layer between the tracks and the road surface.
- Other Measures: Similar measures that protect the road surface.
If the above measures are not implemented, tracked vehicles must be transported on other vehicles (e.g., low-bed trucks).
The 2016 vehicle load regulations require tracked vehicles to take measures to protect the road surface, reflecting concern for the maintenance and preservation of transport infrastructure.
Article 11: Operation of Overloaded Vehicles, Oversized Vehicles, and Tracked Vehicles on Roads
Article 11 regulates the operation of overloaded vehicles, oversized vehicles, and tracked vehicles on roads, emphasizing safety and legal compliance.
- Ensuring Safety: The operation of overloaded, oversized, and tracked vehicles must ensure traffic safety and safety for road structures. This is the top priority.
- Operating Conditions: Organizations and individuals operating these types of vehicles must comply with the following regulations:
- Vehicle Circulation Permit: Must obtain a permit from a competent authority before operation.
- Compliance with Permit Regulations: Must strictly comply with the conditions, routes, times, speeds, etc., specified in the permit.
- Vehicles Carrying Cargo Exceeding Design Load: Vehicles carrying cargo exceeding the permissible cargo weight according to the manufacturer’s design or inspection certificate are not allowed to operate on roads. This is a serious violation.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations tighten the management of overloaded vehicles, oversized vehicles, and tracked vehicles by requiring permits and strict compliance with operating conditions. The goal is to minimize accident risks and protect transport infrastructure.
Appendix example from original Circular
Alt text: An appendix page from Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT, example of a permit application form.
Chapter IV: Transportation of Super Heavy and Super Load Cargo on Roads
Chapter IV of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT focuses on the transportation of super heavy and super load cargo, a special transportation sector requiring strict management and implementation procedures to ensure absolute safety.
Article 12: Regulations on Super Heavy and Super Load Cargo
Article 12 clearly defines what constitutes super heavy and super load cargo, providing a basis for applying separate regulations for this type of cargo.
- Super Load Cargo: Indivisible cargo that, when loaded onto a transport vehicle, has one of the following overall dimensions (of the vehicle combination and cargo) exceeding:
- Length: Greater than 20.0 meters (65.6 feet).
- Width: Greater than 2.5 meters (8.2 feet).
- Height: Greater than 4.2 meters (13.8 feet) (container trucks are 4.35 meters or 14.3 feet).
- Super Heavy Cargo: Indivisible cargo with a weight greater than 32 tons.
Thus, super load cargo is determined based on dimensions, while super heavy cargo is based on weight. The 2016 vehicle load regulations have special provisions for managing the transportation of this type of cargo due to its special nature and high risks.
Article 13: Vehicles for Transporting Super Heavy and Super Load Cargo
Article 13 regulates the vehicles used to transport super heavy and super load cargo.
- Suitable Vehicles: Transport vehicles must have dimensions and load capacity suitable for the type of cargo being transported, and must also comply with the specifications recorded in the Vehicle Technical Safety and Environmental Protection Inspection Certificate.
- Module Trailers: In cases where module trailers capable of being connected are used to transport super heavy and super load cargo, they must be certified by a vehicle registration agency in the Inspection Certificate. The certification must clearly state: “Permitted to connect modules together and must have a Vehicle Circulation Permit issued by a competent authority.”
The 2016 vehicle load regulations emphasize the use of specialized vehicles suitable for super heavy and super load cargo, and require certification from vehicle registration agencies for special types of trailers.
Article 14: Operation of Vehicles Transporting Super Heavy and Super Load Cargo on Roads
Article 14 regulates the operation of vehicles transporting super heavy and super load cargo on roads, enhancing safety measures.
- Compliance with General Regulations: Vehicles transporting super heavy and super load cargo must comply with the regulations in Article 11 of the Circular (regarding permits, compliance with permits).
- Compliance with Conditions and Instructions: Drivers must comply with the conditions specified in the Vehicle Circulation Permit, and also comply with the instructions of the traffic control personnel supporting route guidance and escort (if any).
- Cases Requiring Traffic Control Vehicles for Route Guidance and Escort:
- Cargo with a width greater than 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) or a length greater than 20 meters (65.6 feet).
- Construction sites requiring road reinforcement.
- Cases Requiring Road Survey:
- Cargo with a width greater than 3.75 meters (12.3 feet), a height greater than 4.75 meters (15.6 feet), or a length greater than 20 meters (65.6 feet) (Class IV roads and below) or 30 meters (98.4 feet) (Class III roads and above).
- Vehicles with gross vehicle weight or axle load exceeding the road’s load-bearing capacity.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations are very detailed in regulating the operating conditions for super heavy and super load cargo, from permits, traffic control vehicles, and escorts to road surveys. The goal is to minimize risks and ensure absolute safety throughout the transportation process.
Chapter V: Cargo Loading Limits on Road Vehicles Participating in Road Traffic
Chapter V of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT regulates cargo loading limits on road vehicles, ensuring cargo is loaded neatly, securely, does not cause safety hazards, and complies with load and size regulations.
Article 15: General Cargo Loading Limits
Article 15 sets out general regulations on cargo loading on road vehicles.
- Compliance with Load and Size Regulations: Cargo loading must comply with regulations on gross vehicle weight, axle load, permissible cargo loading height, width, and length of the vehicle according to the Circular, and must not exceed the permissible cargo weight specified in the Inspection Certificate.
- Neat and Secure Cargo Loading: Cargo loaded on the vehicle must be neat, securely fastened, and must not obstruct vehicle control, ensuring traffic safety.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations emphasize that cargo loading is not just about putting goods on the vehicle, but also about ensuring compliance with load, size, and safety regulations.
Article 16: Axle Load Limits
Article 16 specifies axle load limits, depending on the axle type (single axle, tandem axle group, tri-axle group) and the distance between axles.
- Single Axle: Axle load ≤ 10 tons (22,046 lbs).
- Tandem Axle Group: Depends on the distance (d) between the two axle centers:
- d < 1.0 meter (3.3 feet): Axle group load ≤ 11 tons (24,251 lbs).
- 1.0 meter ≤ d < 1.3 meters (4.3 feet): Axle group load ≤ 16 tons (35,274 lbs).
- d ≥ 1.3 meters (4.3 feet): Axle group load ≤ 18 tons (39,683 lbs).
- Tri-Axle Group: Depends on the distance (d) between two adjacent axle centers:
- d ≤ 1.3 meters (4.3 feet): Axle group load ≤ 21 tons (46,297 lbs).
- d > 1.3 meters (4.3 feet): Axle group load ≤ 24 tons (52,911 lbs).
The 2016 vehicle load regulations provide detailed axle load limits, helping vehicle manufacturers and transportation businesses design and use vehicles appropriately, avoiding regulatory violations.
Article 17: Gross Vehicle Weight Limits
Article 17 regulates gross vehicle weight limits, depending on the vehicle type (rigid truck, tractor-semi-trailer combination, rigid truck-trailer combination) and the number of axles, axle spacing. This is one of the most important contents of the 2016 vehicle load regulations. Due to the length and complexity of this article, we encourage readers to refer directly to the original document or online vehicle weight calculation tools for detailed and accurate information for each specific vehicle type.
Basically, this article regulates the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight based on the number of axles and axle spacing, aiming to ensure reasonable load distribution and road protection.
Article 18: Cargo Loading Height Limits on Road Vehicles
Article 18 regulates cargo loading height limits on road vehicles, depending on the vehicle type and cargo weight.
- Open-Top Trucks with Tarpaulin: Permissible cargo loading height is the height limit within the truck bed according to the design.
- Open-Top Trucks without Tarpaulin: Cargo exceeding the truck bed height must be securely fastened. Permissible cargo loading height must not exceed:
- 4.2 meters (13.8 feet): Vehicles with a cargo weight of 5 tons (11,023 lbs) or more.
- 3.5 meters (11.5 feet): Vehicles with a cargo weight from 2.5 tons (5,512 lbs) to less than 5 tons (11,023 lbs).
- 2.8 meters (9.2 feet): Vehicles with a cargo weight of less than 2.5 tons (5,512 lbs).
- Specialized Vehicles and Container Trucks: Cargo loading height not exceeding 4.35 meters (14.3 feet).
- Vehicles Carrying Bulk Cargo and Construction Materials: Cargo loading height not exceeding the truck bed height.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations clearly specify cargo loading height limits, ensuring vehicles are not too tall, causing imbalance and unsafety during travel, especially when entering tunnels and overpasses.
Article 19: Cargo Loading Width and Length Limits on Road Vehicles Operating on Roads
Article 19 regulates cargo loading width and length limits on road vehicles.
- Cargo Loading Width: Width of the truck bed according to the design.
- Cargo Loading Length: Not greater than 1.1 times the overall length of the vehicle and not greater than 20.0 meters (65.6 feet). When carrying cargo longer than the truck bed, there must be warning signs and secure fastening.
- Passenger Vehicles: Cargo and luggage must not protrude beyond the overall dimensions of the vehicle.
- Motorcycles and Mopeds: Cargo loading limits on luggage racks according to design, not exceeding 0.3 meters (1 foot) on each side, 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) to the rear, and height not exceeding 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) from the road surface.
- Non-Motorized Vehicles: Cargo loading limits not exceeding 1/3 of the vehicle body length to the front and rear (not exceeding 1.0 meter or 3.3 feet), not exceeding 0.4 meters (1.3 feet) on each side of the wheels.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations specifically regulate cargo loading width and length, ensuring cargo is not too wide or long, causing traffic obstruction and danger to others.
Chapter VI: Issuance of Vehicle Circulation Permits for Overloaded Vehicles, Oversized Vehicles, Tracked Vehicles, and Vehicles Transporting Super Heavy and Super Load Cargo on Roads
Chapter VI of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT regulates the procedures for issuing Vehicle Circulation Permits for special types of vehicles such as overloaded vehicles, oversized vehicles, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting super heavy and super load cargo. This is an important process to strictly manage these types of vehicles and ensure traffic safety.
Article 20: General Regulations on Issuance of Vehicle Circulation Permits
Article 20 sets out general regulations on the issuance of Vehicle Circulation Permits.
- Special Cases: Vehicle Circulation Permits are only issued in special cases, when there is no other transportation option or it is impossible to use another suitable type of vehicle. The permit is not a default “pass” for overloaded or oversized vehicles.
- Permitting Agencies:
- Select reasonable routes, ensuring traffic safety and safety for road structures.
- Do not issue permits for vehicles carrying cargo exceeding the permissible cargo weight according to the design.
- When allowing operation on highways, specific conditions to ensure safety must be specified (speed, lane, time).
- Related Costs: In cases where vehicle operation exceeds the road’s load-bearing capacity, requiring road surveys, inspections, or reinforcement, the organization or individual requesting vehicle operation must be responsible for paying all related costs. Competent authorities only issue permits after these works are completed.
- Validity Period of Vehicle Circulation Permits:
- Vehicles not requiring special mandatory conditions (e.g., traffic control vehicles, road reinforcement): Validity period not exceeding 60 days (roads that have been synchronously upgraded) or 30 days (roads that have not been synchronously upgraded).
- Vehicles requiring special mandatory conditions: Validity period not exceeding 30 days.
- Self-propelled tracked vehicles: Validity period is the time for each trip from origin to destination.
- The permit validity period must not exceed the validity period of the Vehicle Technical Safety and Environmental Protection Inspection Certificate.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations strictly regulate permit issuance, only issuing permits in truly necessary cases and ensuring absolute safety. The permit validity period is also limited to control the operation of overloaded and oversized vehicles.
Article 21: Procedures for Issuing Vehicle Circulation Permits
Article 21 regulates the detailed procedures for applying for a Vehicle Circulation Permit.
- Application Submission: Organizations and individuals requesting a Vehicle Circulation Permit prepare 01 set of application documents and submit them directly, by post, or online (if available) to the permitting agency.
- Application Documents:
- Application form according to the prescribed form (Appendix 1, Appendix 2 of the Circular).
- Copy of Vehicle Registration Certificate or Temporary Registration Certificate.
- Copy of Vehicle Technical Safety and Environmental Protection Inspection Certificate; copy of vehicle technical specifications for newly received vehicles.
- Transportation plan (if road survey is required), including route information, vehicles, cargo, transportation contract.
- Permit Issuance Time: Within 02 working days from the date of receipt of complete application documents, the competent authority issues the Vehicle Circulation Permit. If the conditions for permit issuance are not met, a written response must be provided stating the reasons.
- Cases Requiring Road Survey: Within 02 working days from the date of receipt of complete application documents, the permitting agency must issue a written request to the organization or individual applying for a permit to conduct road surveys or reinforcement. The permit review period is no more than 02 working days from the date of receipt of the road survey or reinforcement results report.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations provide clear and transparent permit issuance procedures, with fast application processing times. This facilitates businesses and individuals when they need to transport special cargo.
Article 22: Competence to Issue Vehicle Circulation Permits
Article 22 regulates the competence to issue Vehicle Circulation Permits.
- Directors of Departments of Transport, Directors of Road Administration Departments: Issue Vehicle Circulation Permits on the road network nationwide. Thus, the permitting authority is relatively broad, creating flexibility and convenience.
- Special Cases: Special cases serving security, national defense, energy projects, disaster prevention, and search and rescue are decided by the Minister of Transport.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations clearly decentralize permit issuance authority, appropriate to the actual situation and ensuring management efficiency.
Article 23: Responsibilities of Vehicle Circulation Permit Issuing Agencies
Article 23 regulates the responsibilities of Vehicle Circulation Permit issuing agencies, ensuring permit issuance is in accordance with regulations and responsible.
- Responsibility before the Law: Permitting agencies must be responsible before the law for issuing permits to the right entities, in accordance with road conditions, vehicles, and ensuring traffic safety.
- Right to Revoke Permits: Have the right to revoke Vehicle Circulation Permits for cases of violating the conditions specified in the permit or causing damage to road structures that have not been remedied.
- Route Guidance: Guide organizations and individuals to choose reasonable transportation routes, ensuring safety for road structures and vehicles.
- Provision of Road Condition Information: Provide information on the road condition on the transport route as requested by organizations, individuals, or relevant permitting agencies.
- Collection and Use of Fees: Collect and use Vehicle Circulation Permit issuance fees in accordance with regulations of the Ministry of Finance.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations clearly define the responsibilities of permitting agencies, ensuring that permit issuance is not just an administrative procedure but also a significant responsibility for traffic safety and infrastructure protection.
Chapter VII: Organization of Implementation and Implementing Provisions
The final chapter of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT regulates the organization of implementation, inspection, examination, handling of violations, and implementing provisions, ensuring the Circular is effectively implemented and has sanctions for violations.
Article 24: Inspection, Examination, Handling of Violations, and Compensation for Damages
Article 24 regulates inspection, examination, handling of violations, and compensation for damages related to the 2016 vehicle load regulations.
- Inspection, Examination, Handling of Violations: Implemented in accordance with current legal regulations on inspection, examination, and handling of administrative violations.
- Compensation for Damages: In cases of causing damage to road structures due to violations of the 2016 vehicle load regulations, violating organizations and individuals must be responsible for compensating for damages in accordance with legal regulations.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations not only provide regulations but also have mechanisms for inspection, examination, and handling of violations, ensuring the strictness of the law and deterring violations.
Article 25: Implementing Provisions
Article 25 regulates the effective date of the Circular and transitional issues.
- Effective Date: The Circular takes effect from December 1, 2015, and replaces previous Circulars (Circular 07/2010/TT-BGTVT, 03/2011/TT-BGTVT, 65/2013/TT-BGTVT).
- For Domestically Manufactured and Assembled Vehicles: Technical safety and environmental protection quality certificates issued that are not in accordance with the Circular will no longer be valid. Factory quality inspection sheets issued before the Circular takes effect are still valid for resolving registration and inspection procedures.
- For Imported Vehicles: Imported vehicles arriving at ports before the Circular takes effect will continue to have their gross vehicle weight determined according to old regulations. Technical safety and environmental protection quality certificates for imported motor vehicles issued for vehicles arriving at ports before the Circular takes effect are still valid for import, inspection, and registration procedures.
- Vehicles Issued Certificates Before the Circular Takes Effect: If carrying cargo exceeding the permissible cargo weight, relevant specifications must be adjusted according to the provisions of the Circular.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations have clear implementing provisions, ensuring a smooth transition to new regulations and not causing major disruptions to the market.
Article 26: Organization of Implementation
Article 26 regulates the responsibilities of agencies in organizing the implementation of the Circular.
- Vietnam Road Administration:
- Organize, inspect, and supervise the implementation of the Circular.
- Chair and coordinate the connection of data transmission networks for vehicle circulation permit issuance.
- Organize training and guidance on the use of permit issuance software.
- Inspect and supervise the permit issuance activities of agencies, and handle violations.
- Road Administration Departments, Departments of Transport:
- Comply with and implement the Circular.
- Publicly announce procedures, fees, and permit issuance times.
- Implement the regime of data storage, reporting, and data network connection.
- Comply with and facilitate inspection, examination, and supervision.
- Periodically report permit issuance status to the Vietnam Road Administration.
- Related Agencies: Chief of the Ministry Office, Chief Inspector of the Ministry, Heads of Departments, Director General of the Vietnam Road Administration, Director of the Vietnam Register, Director of the Vietnam Railways Administration, Directors of Departments of Transport, Heads of relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals are responsible for implementing the Circular.
The 2016 vehicle load regulations clearly assign responsibilities to relevant agencies, ensuring the Circular is implemented in a synchronized, effective, and unified manner nationwide.
Conclusion on the 2016 Vehicle Load Regulations
Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT, also known as the 2016 vehicle load regulations, is an important legal document, playing a key role in managing road transport activities in Vietnam. With detailed, strict, and comprehensive regulations, the Circular has created a solid legal framework, contributing to:
- Ensuring traffic safety: Reducing the risk of accidents caused by overloaded and oversized vehicles.
- Protecting road infrastructure: Limiting the deterioration and degradation of roads and bridges caused by overloaded vehicles, saving maintenance and repair costs.
- Creating a healthy competitive environment: Ensuring fairness among transportation businesses, encouraging compliance with the law.
- Improving the effectiveness of state management: Helping functional agencies more closely control transportation activities and strictly handle violations.
To ensure your transportation operations always comply with the law and contribute to the sustainable development of the transportation industry, understand and strictly implement the 2016 vehicle load regulations. If you have any questions related to the 2016 vehicle load regulations or other issues about trucks, please contact My Dinh Truck immediately for the best advice and support. We are always ready to accompany you on every road!
