Transporting goods by pickup truck is very common in Vietnam. However, many vehicle owners are still unclear about regulations regarding load limits and cargo dimensions, leading to the risk of heavy fines. This article provides detailed information on penalties for pickup truck overloading and guides on how to load goods safely and legally.
Regulations on Cargo Transportation by Pickup Trucks
To avoid penalties for pickup truck overloading, vehicle owners need to understand the following regulations:
Cargo Height
According to Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT, the height of cargo on a pickup truck must not exceed the following regulations (measured from the road surface upwards):
- Under 2.5 tons: Maximum 2.8m.
- From 2.5 to under 5 tons: Maximum 3.5m.
- From 5 tons and above: Maximum 4.2m.
Cargo exceeding the allowed height must be securely fastened to ensure safety when participating in traffic.
Cargo Length
Article 19 of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT stipulates that the length of cargo must not exceed 1.1 times the overall design length of the vehicle and must not be greater than 20m.
Traffic and Load Capacity
According to QCVN 41:2019, pickup trucks with a permissible load of less than 950kg are considered cars. Pickup trucks from 950kg and above are considered trucks and must comply with traffic regulations for trucks, including:
- Traffic restrictions on certain inner-city routes.
- Compliance with operating time restrictions.
- Driving in lanes designated for trucks.
Carrying People in Pickup Truck Beds: Regulations and Penalties
Carrying people in the bed of a pickup truck is a violation of regulations and is penalized under Decree 100/2019/ND-CP from 800,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND. The vehicle operator may also have their driver’s license revoked for 1 to 3 months.
However, there are some exceptions where carrying people in the bed of a pickup truck is allowed according to Article 21 of the Law on Road Traffic of 2008, such as:
- Performing tasks of disaster prevention and control, rescue and relief.
- Transporting armed forces on duty.
- Evacuating people from dangerous areas.
Tips for Safe and Legal Cargo Loading
Scientific Cargo Arrangement
- Estimate weight: Determine the total weight of the cargo to ensure it does not exceed the vehicle’s permissible limit.
- Categorize goods: Classify goods by weight and value for reasonable arrangement. Heavy items should be placed near the front of the vehicle and have more contact with the floor for center of gravity stability.
- Distribute weight evenly: Avoid concentrating heavy goods at the rear of the vehicle or on one side, causing imbalance when moving.
Using Support Tools
- Truck bed dividers: Securely fix cargo, especially bulky items.
- Ratchet straps: Suitable for all types of goods, easy to use and store.
- Pickup truck cargo nets: Used for small, easily dropped goods, helping to prevent loss.
Conclusion
Understanding the regulations on penalties for pickup truck overloading and how to load cargo safely and legally is very important. Vehicle owners need to strictly comply with these regulations to avoid penalties and ensure safety when participating in traffic. Choose appropriate support tools for the type of cargo to ensure the transportation process is smooth and efficient.
