To address the increasingly serious traffic congestion in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), applying regulations on truck restriction signs is essential. Particularly, 3-4 wheel trucks, a common vehicle for inner-city freight transport, are also subject to these regulations. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình will provide the most detailed and comprehensive information about 3-4 wheel truck restriction signs in HCMC, helping drivers and transport businesses understand the rules, avoid violations, and optimize their operations.
Time and Road Restrictions for 3-4 Wheel Trucks in HCMC
HCMC, the largest economic center of Vietnam, constantly faces urban traffic pressure. To alleviate this situation, the HCMC Department of Transport has issued numerous regulations, including limiting the operating hours of trucks, including 3-4 wheel trucks. These regulations are indicated by traffic sign systems, in which 3-4 wheel truck restriction signs play a crucial role.
According to Decision No. 23/2018/QĐ-UBND dated July 19, 2018, of the HCMC People’s Committee, truck time restrictions in HCMC (referring to 2024) are applied as follows:
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Light trucks (under 2.5 tons, including 3-4 wheel trucks): Prohibited from circulating in the inner city area during two peak hours:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Afternoon: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Outside of these hours, light trucks and 3-4 wheel trucks are allowed to circulate normally in the inner city area.
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Heavy trucks (over 2.5 tons): Prohibited from circulating in the inner city area for a longer period:
- Daily: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Outside of these hours, heavy trucks are only allowed to circulate on certain designated corridor routes.
- Daily: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
A KIA K250 2.5-ton truck, a common light truck often affected by 3-4 wheel truck restriction signs.
Note: These are general regulations and may be adjusted depending on the actual traffic situation and the latest announcements from the HCMC Department of Transport. Drivers need to update information regularly to ensure compliance.
Classification of 3-4 Wheel Trucks and Vehicles Subject to Load Restrictions
To better understand 3-4 wheel truck restriction signs, we need to clearly identify this type of vehicle and other vehicles that are also subject to load restriction signs.
3-4 wheel trucks are generally understood as light trucks with 3 or 4 wheels, usually with a load capacity of under 2.5 tons, and are commonly used for transporting goods in urban areas. They can include types of vehicles such as:
- Van trucks: Designed with a closed cargo box, usually with 3 or 4 wheels, small load capacity.
- Small flatbed and tarpaulin trucks: Light trucks with a cargo bed behind the cabin, 3-4 wheels.
- Three-wheeled vehicles, agricultural vehicles (modified): Although not trucks in the strict sense, these types of vehicles may be regulated by similar rules, especially self-made vehicles that do not ensure traffic safety.
In addition, load restriction regulations and 3-4 wheel truck restriction signs may also apply to or relate to the following types of vehicles:
- Heavy trucks: Trucks with a carrying capacity of 2.5 tons or more.
- Goods-carrying cars: Types of cars specifically for carrying goods or specialized equipment, with a certificate of technical safety and environmental protection inspection under 1.5 tons (excluding pickup trucks).
- Pilot vehicles (4-wheeled motorized freight vehicles): Engine-powered vehicles, two axles, four wheels, cargo box and engine mounted on the same chassis (similar to trucks under 3.5 tons).
- Trucks (lorries): Types of cars for carrying goods or specialized equipment with a certificate of technical safety and environmental protection inspection greater than 1.5 tons.
- Tractors: Self-propelled machines on tracks or tires for construction and agriculture.
- Pickup trucks: Vehicles with a liền thân cargo box structure, carrying capacity of less than 1.5 tons and fewer than 5 seats (often restricted during peak hours).
Clearly classifying vehicle types helps drivers accurately determine whether their vehicle is subject to 3-4 wheel truck restriction signs and comply with regulations accordingly.
Inner-City Area Scope in HCMC Applying 3-4 Wheel Truck Restriction Signs
To determine the inner-city area where 3-4 wheel truck restriction signs are applied, it is necessary to understand the regulated boundaries:
- North and West: National Highway 1 (from Thu Duc intersection to the section where National Highway 1 intersects Nguyen Van Linh Street).
- South: Vo Chi Cong Road (from Dong Van Cong section to Phu My Bridge), Phu My Bridge, elevated road (starting from Zone A South Saigon to Phu My Bridge), Nguyen Van Linh Street (from Zone A South Saigon to National Highway 1A).
- East: Hanoi Highway (from Thu Duc Intersection to Cat Lai intersection) – Mai Chi Tho Avenue – Dong Van Cong Road (to Vo Chi Cong Road).
In summary, the inner-city area of HCMC is bounded by the following main routes:
National Highway 1 (section from the intersection of National Highway 1 – Hanoi Highway to the intersection of National Highway 1 – Nguyen Van Linh Street).
Hanoi Highway (section from the intersection of National Highway 1 – Hanoi Highway to Cat Lai intersection) – Mai Chi Tho Avenue – Dong Van Cong Road (to Vo Chi Cong Road).
Vo Chi Cong Road (starting from Dong Van Cong Road to Phu My Bridge) – Phu My Bridge – Elevated Road (from Phu My Bridge to the intersection of Zone A South Saigon) – Nguyen Van Linh Street (section starting from the intersection of Zone A South Saigon to National Highway 1).
Within this area, 3-4 wheel truck restriction signs and time restriction regulations are strictly enforced.
Corridor Routes for 3-4 Wheel Trucks During Restricted Hours
Despite time restriction regulations, HCMC still facilitates freight transport by designating corridor routes, allowing trucks, including 3-4 wheel trucks, to circulate during certain hours.
Corridor routes for light trucks (including 3-4 wheel trucks) are allowed to circulate from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM:
- Corridor to vehicle registration center 50,01s: National Highway 1 – Kinh Duong Vuong Street, Motor Vehicle Registration Center.
- Corridor to vehicle registration center 50,03V: at National Highway 1.
- Pham Van Dong Street – National Highway 13 – Motor Vehicle Registration Center 50,03s.
- Pham The Hien Street: Section from Trinh Quang Nghi to Pham The Hien – National Highway 50.
- National Highway 50: From Nguyen Van Linh to Pham The Hien.
- Mai Chi Tho Avenue: from Nguyen Co Thach Street to Dong Van Cong Road.
- Nguyen Xuan Soan Street: From Huynh Tan Phat to Le Van Luong.
Corridor routes for heavy trucks (over 2.5 tons, may include some larger 3-4 wheel trucks) are allowed to circulate from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM:
- Route to Nha Rong Port: Starting from Tan Thuan 1 Bridge – Nguyen Tat Thanh Street – to Warehouse 5 Nha Rong Port.
- Corridor to Tan Thuan 2 Port: Nguyen Van Linh Street – Huynh Tan Phat – Bui Van Ba Street – Tan Thuan 2 Port.
- Route to Lo Tus Port: Nguyen Van Linh Street – Nguyen Thi Thap Street – Nguyen Van Quy Street – Lotus Port.
- Road No. 14, Thu Duc City: From National Highway 1 to Road No. 13.
- Route to the milk factory: From Hanoi Highway – Vo Van Ngan – Thong Nhat – Dang Van Bi – Road No. 6…
- Le Trong Tan Street: From National Highway 1 to Tan Binh Industrial Park
- Route to Tan Binh Industrial Park: Road D7 to Road MI.
Truck routes allowed to circulate from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM:
- Route to Phu Dinh Port: National Highway 1 – Vo Van Kiet – Ho Hoc Lam Street – Phu Dinh Port.
Some corridor routes for heavy trucks with unlimited hours:
- Route to Phuoc Long Port area, Thu Duc District: Starting from Hanoi Highway – Tay Hoa intersection – Nguyen Van Ba Street – Road No. 2 – Phuoc Long Port & vice versa.
- Route to ICD Port: Road No. 1, Thu Duc City.
- Route to Binh Dien Wholesale Market, Binh Chanh District: Starting from Nguyen Van Linh to the Market.
- Route to the port area on Luu Trong Lu Street, District 7, HCMC.
Understanding corridor routes helps 3-4 wheel truck drivers proactively plan their routes, ensuring timely delivery while complying with traffic regulations.
Penalties for Violating 3-4 Wheel Truck Restriction Signs
Violating 3-4 wheel truck restriction signs or regulations on truck time and road restrictions will be penalized according to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP (amended and supplemented by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP) on penalties for administrative violations in the field of road and railway traffic.
Penalties may vary depending on the violation, but usually include:
- Fines: Fines can range from several hundred thousand to several million VND, depending on the type of vehicle and the severity of the violation. For trucks, fines may be higher.
- Driver’s license suspension: In some serious violations, drivers may have their driver’s license suspended for a period (from 1 to 3 months).
Understanding and complying with 3-4 wheel truck restriction signs not only helps drivers avoid fines and license suspension but also contributes to ensuring traffic safety and reducing congestion in the city.
Solutions to Support 3-4 Wheel Truck Drivers in Complying with Regulations
To better support 3-4 wheel truck drivers in complying with regulations on time restrictions, road restrictions, and 3-4 wheel truck restriction signs, using modern navigation apps is extremely helpful. These apps not only help find the shortest routes but also warn about restricted areas and time restrictions, helping drivers proactively adjust their routes.
Below are the TOP 6 most accurate and best navigation apps for cars currently available, very useful for 3-4 wheel truck drivers:
| App Name | Offline Map Integration | Voice Guidance | Size | Free/Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Yes | Yes | Android: Varies by device, iOS: 223.9 MB | Free |
| HERE WeGo | Yes | Yes | Android: Varies by device, iOS: 83.5 MB | Free |
| Vietmap | Yes | No | Android: 30 MB, iOS: 82.8 MB | Free |
| Navitel | Yes | Yes | Android: 71 MB, iOS: 170.6 MB | Free |
| Sygic GPS Navigation & Offline Maps | Yes | Yes | Android: Varies by device, iOS: 111.5 MB | Free |
| iGO Navigation | Yes | No | Android: 17 MB, iOS: 378.6 MB | Free |
Google Maps
Google Maps is the most popular and powerful navigation app currently available. With detailed and continuously updated map data, Google Maps helps 3-4 wheel truck drivers easily find routes, view live traffic information, and receive warnings about restricted areas.
Key Features:
- View route information via accurate GPS.
- Detailed map coverage of over 220 countries and territories.
- Voice-guided directions in Vietnamese.
- Offline maps for use without internet connection.
- Save favorite locations and share easily.
Download Google Maps for AndroidDownload Google Maps for iOS
HERE WeGo
HERE WeGo is another excellent option, especially with its strong offline navigation capabilities. This app provides traffic information, voice guidance, and alternative route suggestions when there is congestion.
Key Features:
- Detailed voice guidance for each turn.
- Comprehensive offline maps.
- Alternative route suggestions for traffic jams.
- Route information, traffic density.
- Taxi information (in some cities).
Download HERE WeGo for AndroidDownload HERE WeGo for iOS
Vietmap Motrak
Vietmap Motrak is a specialized navigation app for the Vietnamese market, with detailed and frequently updated map data. In addition to navigation, the app also supports vehicle tracking and monitoring, suitable for transport businesses managing fleets.
Key Features:
- Accurate location search and navigation in Vietnam.
- Real-time vehicle location tracking.
- View vehicle travel history.
- Detailed and updated Vietnam map.
Download Vietmap Motrak for AndroidDownload Vietmap Motrak for iOS
Navitel
Navitel is a powerful navigation app with many features to support drivers. The app provides live traffic information, speed warnings, 3D maps, and voice-guided navigation.
Key Features:
- Continuously updated traffic congestion information.
- Speed warnings.
- Intuitive 3D maps.
- 3D junction display.
- Multilingual voice guidance.
- Fast route calculation, shortest route.
- Offline maps.
Download Navitel for AndroidDownload Navitel for iOS
Sygic GPS Navigation & Offline Maps
Sygic GPS Navigation & Offline Maps stands out with its beautiful interface, 3D maps, and many smart navigation features. The app provides detailed voice guidance and convenient offline maps.
Key Features:
- Voice-guided GPS navigation, accurately reading street names.
- 3D offline maps.
- Alternative route suggestions for traffic jams.
- User-friendly, easy-to-use interface.
Download Sygic GPS Navigation & Offline Maps for AndroidDownload Sygic GPS Navigation & Offline Maps for iOS
iGO Navigation
iGO Navigation is a simple, easy-to-use navigation app that provides basic features such as route finding, offline maps, and route comparison.
Key Features:
- 3D offline maps.
- Save and share favorite locations.
- Calculate fast, shortest routes.
- Simple, user-friendly interface.
Download iGO Navigation for AndroidDownload iGO Navigation for iOS
Conclusion
Complying with 3-4 wheel truck restriction signs and traffic regulations is not only a legal responsibility but also the awareness of every driver, contributing to building a civilized, safe, and efficient traffic environment in HCMC. Hopefully, this article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình has provided complete and useful information, helping readers, especially drivers and transport businesses, understand the rules and have optimal transportation solutions.
