Overweight trucks seriously impact traffic infrastructure, the environment, and social safety. This article analyzes regulations for handling overweight trucks according to Circular 35/2023/TT-BGTVT and implementation practices in Ho Chi Minh City.
Defining Overweight and Oversized Vehicles
Circular 35/2023/TT-BGTVT, amending Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT, clearly defines overweight and oversized vehicles:
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Overweight Vehicle: A road motor vehicle whose total weight or axle load exceeds regulations. Specifically:
- Exceeds the load indicated on load limit signs.
- Exceeds the load limit specified in Article 17 of Circular 35 if there are no signs.
- Exceeds the axle load indicated on axle load limit signs.
- Exceeds the axle load limit specified in Article 16 of Circular 35 if there are no signs.
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Oversized Vehicle: A road motor vehicle whose external dimensions (including cargo) exceed regulations. Specifically:
- Length exceeds the limit on signs, is greater than 20 meters, or is 1.1 times the vehicle’s total length if there are no signs.
- Width exceeds the limit on signs or is greater than 2.5 meters if there are no signs.
- Height exceeds the limit on signs or is greater than 4.2 meters (4.35 meters for container trucks) if there are no signs.
Traffic signs indicating weight and size restrictions for vehicles
Handling Overweight Trucks in Ho Chi Minh City
Implementing the 2024 Traffic Safety Year with the theme “Upholding the law to build a safe traffic culture,” Ho Chi Minh City is focusing on handling overweight and oversized vehicles.
The Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police have deployed patrols and inspections on key routes and freight transport routes from ports, docks, and yards. From December 15, 2023, to October 14, 2024, they handled 1,617 cases of violations related to carrying overweight and oversized goods.
Traffic police officer checking the weight of a vehicle
Besides issuing fines, the Traffic Police also enhance education and dissemination of traffic safety laws to drivers, encouraging them to sign commitments to strictly comply with regulations.
Harms of Overweight Trucks and Solutions
Overweight trucks cause road damage, environmental pollution, and potential traffic accidents. Transportation businesses need to comply with regulations and avoid carrying overweight or oversized goods to ensure safety for themselves and the community. Regular reminders and education within the driving team are crucial. It is necessary to raise awareness of law compliance among road users while strengthening inspection and handling of violations by functional forces.
Conclusion
Handling overweight trucks is an urgent task to ensure traffic safety and protect traffic infrastructure. Combining education, awareness, and strict enforcement will contribute to raising awareness of law compliance and limiting the participation of overweight and oversized vehicles in traffic.
