Transporting motorcycles by pickup truck is a convenient and popular solution. However, many people are still unsure about how to transport motorcycles safely and legally, avoiding fines and damage to the vehicle. This article will guide you on how to transport motorcycles by pickup truck in a detailed and effective manner.
Motorcycle securely tied down in a pickup truck bed.
Pickup trucks are commonly used for transporting goods, and carrying motorcycles is also very common. However, not everyone knows how to properly transport motorcycles on pickup trucks to ensure safety and comply with traffic laws. Improperly transporting motorcycles can cause scratches, damage to the motorcycle, and even endanger other road users. So, how do you safely and legally load a motorcycle onto a pickup truck? Let’s explore the details in this article.
Is It Illegal to Transport Motorcycles on a Pickup Truck?
Prohibition sign representing legal regulations.
Many people wonder if transporting motorcycles by pickup truck violates traffic laws. According to Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT, motorcycles are not prohibited from being transported by pickup trucks.
However, this circular clearly regulates the dimensions of goods allowed to be carried on pickup trucks. Specifically, motorcycles are classified as goods under 2.5 tons and must comply with the following regulations:
- Height: Not exceeding 2.8m (measured from the highest point of the road surface to the top of the load).
- Length: Not exceeding 1.1 times the overall designed length of the vehicle and not exceeding 20m.
- Securing: Goods must be securely tied, supported, and wedged to ensure safety when participating in traffic.
Note: When transporting motorcycles, especially for inter-provincial transportation, you need to prepare documents proving the origin of the motorcycle to avoid problems with law enforcement.
Guide to Safely Loading a Motorcycle onto a Pickup Truck
Tools You’ll Need
Essential tools for motorcycle transport: ramps and tie-down straps.
To safely load a motorcycle onto a pickup truck, you will need to prepare:
- Loading ramps (aluminum ramps): Used to easily and safely load the motorcycle into the pickup truck bed.
- Ratchet tie-down straps: It is recommended to use high-quality straps that meet GS/TUV safety standards, at least 2 sets.
Steps to Load a Motorcycle onto a Pickup Truck
- Load the motorcycle onto the bed: Use loading ramps to load the motorcycle into the pickup truck bed. Use the motorcycle’s kickstand and lock the front wheel to ensure safety.
- Secure the handlebars: Hook the tie-down straps to the handlebars to lock the left-right movement of the motorcycle. Attach the hook end of the ratchet tie-down straps to a secure anchor point on the pickup truck.
- Secure the rear wheel: Hook the second set of tie-down straps to the rear wheel area to lock and position the rear wheel.
- Tighten the straps: Thread the strap through the ratchet and adjust the ratchet to tighten the straps firmly, securing the motorcycle upright and preventing it from shaking during transportation.
Demonstration of using tie-down straps to secure a motorcycle on a pickup truck.
Important Notes
- Choose appropriate tie-down straps: Use tie-down straps with a suitable load capacity, from 2 tons or more for regular motorcycles and from 3 tons or more for large displacement motorcycles.
- Use loading ramps: Do not lift the motorcycle directly into the pickup truck bed without using loading ramps, as this can easily cause damage, scratches to the motorcycle, and danger to the person performing the task.
Conclusion
Transporting motorcycles by pickup truck safely and legally is not difficult if you understand the regulations and follow the instructions correctly. Always prioritize safety and comply with traffic laws to avoid unnecessary risks.
