Pickup trucks are increasingly popular in Vietnam, meeting both freight transport and personal needs. However, not everyone is familiar with the laws related to this type of vehicle, especially regarding their lifespan and traffic regulations. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình (My Dinh Truck) provides detailed information about the 2019 pickup truck lifespan and important regulations that users need to be aware of, helping you drive safely and comply with the law.
How Are Pickup Trucks Defined According to the 2019 Standards?
To understand the lifespan of pickup trucks, we must first define them within the legal framework. According to the national technical regulation QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT on Road Signs, issued with Circular 54/2019/TT-BGTVT, pickup trucks are clearly defined by their permissible cargo mass.
3.24. Pickup trucks (pickup vehicles), VAN trucks with a permissible cargo mass for traffic participation under 950 kg, 3-wheeled vehicles with a self-weight greater than 400 kg, are considered cars in traffic organization.
Thus, the 2019 standard defines a pickup truck as a vehicle with a permissible cargo mass under 950kg. This is an important benchmark for distinguishing pickup trucks from other types of trucks, and also affects traffic regulations and lifespan. Understanding this definition helps users of 2019 and later pickup trucks to grasp the regulations correctly.
Illustration of a pickup truck and regulations related to payload and lifespan
Pickup Truck Lifespan According to Current Regulations
So, what is the lifespan of a pickup truck? According to Decree 95/2009/ND-CP regulating the lifespan of freight trucks and passenger cars, the lifespan of pickup trucks is regulated as follows:
Article 4. Regulations on Lifespan
1. Not exceeding 25 years for freight trucks.2. Not exceeding 20 years for passenger cars.3. Not exceeding 17 years for motor vehicles converted from other types of vehicles into passenger cars before January 1, 2002.
For pickup trucks, determining the lifespan depends on the vehicle’s intended use and initial registration. If the pickup truck is registered as a freight truck, the lifespan is 25 years. If the vehicle is registered as a passenger car (this is less common but can still occur depending on specific registration regulations at the time of registration), the lifespan will be 20 years.
The starting point for calculating the lifespan is stipulated in Article 5 of Decree 95/2009/ND-CP:
Article 5. Time of Lifespan Calculation
*1. The lifespan of a motor vehicle is calculated from the year of manufacture.*2. In some special cases authorized by the Prime Minister, the lifespan is calculated from the year of first vehicle registration.
Thus, the lifespan of pickup trucks, including 2019 models, is usually calculated from the year of manufacture. This means that if you own a pickup truck manufactured in 2019 and registered as a freight truck, its lifespan will extend to 2044 (2019 + 25 years).
Important Notes When Driving Pickup Trucks on Highways
In addition to lifespan, pickup truck drivers also need to be aware of traffic regulations, especially on highways. Article 26 of the 2008 Law on Road Traffic details traffic on highways, applicable to all types of vehicles, including pickup trucks:
Article 26. Traffic on Highways
1. Drivers and operators of specialized motor vehicles on highways, in addition to complying with the traffic rules specified in this Law, must also comply with the following regulations:
*a) When entering a highway, there must be a signal to enter and yield to vehicles traveling on the road, only allowing the vehicle to merge into the flow of vehicles in the lane closest to the outer edge when it is safe; if there is an acceleration lane, the vehicle must travel in that lane before entering the highway lane;b) When exiting a highway, gradually shift to the right lane, and if there is a deceleration lane, the vehicle must travel in that lane before leaving the highway;c) Vehicles must not travel in the emergency stopping lane or on the shoulder of the road;*d) Vehicles must not travel above the maximum speed or below the minimum speed indicated on traffic signs and road markings.
2. Drivers and operators of specialized motor vehicles must keep a safe distance from each other as indicated on traffic signs.
3. Vehicles may only be stopped or parked in designated areas; if forced to stop or park in an unauthorized area, the driver must move the vehicle off the roadway, and if this is not possible, signal to alert other drivers.
In summary, when driving a pickup truck on the highway, you need to comply with the following rules:
- Entering and exiting the highway: Pay attention to signals, yield the right of way, and use acceleration/deceleration lanes (if available).
- Do not drive in the emergency lane: The emergency stopping lane is only for emergency situations and should not be used for normal travel.
- Comply with speed limits: Do not drive above the maximum speed and do not drive below the minimum speed allowed.
- Maintain a safe distance: Ensure a safe distance from the vehicle in front according to traffic signs.
- Stop and park in designated areas: Only stop and park in permitted locations on the highway.
Conclusion:
Understanding the lifespan of pickup trucks, especially the regulations in effect since 2019, and mastering road traffic laws is the responsibility of every driver. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình hopes to have provided you with useful information, helping you use your pickup truck safely, efficiently, and in compliance with the law. Understanding these regulations not only helps you avoid traffic violations but also ensures the safety of yourself and other road users.