Many wonder why some pickup trucks have passenger car license plates. Why does this happen? This article will explain why some pickups are registered with car license plates.
The phenomenon of pickup trucks with passenger car license plates in Vietnam started in 2015 with imported Ford F-150s and Toyota Tundras. More recently, even the Ford Ranger Raptor, priced at 1.4 billion VND, has been registered with passenger car plates. So, why do these pickup trucks get car plates?
Ford Ranger Raptor with a passenger car license plate
The answer lies in the regulations of the Vietnam Register. Vehicle classification is based on the ratio of passenger carrying capacity (cabin and rear cargo bed).
If this ratio is less than 80%, the vehicle is classified as a dual-cab pickup truck for cargo and gets a regular truck license plate.
Distinction between truck and passenger car license plates
Conversely, if the passenger carrying capacity is greater than 80%, the vehicle is classified as a dual-cab pickup truck for passengers and is registered with a passenger car license plate.
Vehicles like the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, RAM 1500, and Ford Ranger Raptor have a low cargo carrying capacity and are mainly used for transporting people. Therefore, they are classified as passenger pickup trucks, taxed, and registered with passenger car license plates.
Currently, pickup trucks registered with “A” license plates (in provinces/cities other than Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) are those classified for passenger transport. Specifically:
- In Ho Chi Minh City, passenger pickup trucks have license plates 51F, 51G, 51H. Cargo trucks/pickups have license plates 51C, 51D.
- In Hanoi, passenger pickup trucks have license plates 30E, 30F. Cargo trucks/pickups have license plates 29C and 29H.
- In other provinces, passenger pickup trucks have license plates with the letter “A” (e.g., 60A, 61A,…). Cargo trucks/pickups have license plates with the letter “C” (e.g., 60C, 61C,…).
Image of a pickup truck with a passenger car license plate
In conclusion, it is entirely legal for pickup trucks to be registered with “A” license plates or other passenger car plates. This is based on the regulations of the Vietnam Register regarding the ratio of passenger carrying capacity. So, when you see a pickup truck with a passenger car license plate, don’t assume it’s using a fake plate.
