Are you a pickup truck owner or considering buying one? You’ve probably heard about the lifespan of pickup trucks. But what exactly is it? How many years can a pickup truck be used? And what does this regulation mean for drivers? This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed overview of this issue, helping you feel more secure when using and operating your pickup truck in Vietnam.
What is a Pickup Truck Considered Under Traffic Regulations?
To understand the lifespan of pickup trucks, we first need to clarify how they are classified within the Vietnamese traffic system. According to National Technical Regulation QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT, pickup trucks and VAN trucks with a permitted cargo weight of under 950 kg are considered cars in traffic organization.
This means that, basically, pickup trucks under 950kg cargo weight enjoy many traffic regulations similar to cars, such as speed limits and lane usage on highways and other roads. However, the regulations on lifespan have some differences that owners need to be aware of.
Pickup trucks and related regulations that owners need to know (image illustration)
Pickup trucks and related regulations that owners need to know
How is the Lifespan of Pickup Trucks Regulated?
The lifespan of a car is the period during which the vehicle is legally allowed to circulate and be used. Regulations on car lifespan aim to ensure traffic safety, reduce environmental pollution, and eliminate old vehicles that no longer meet technical safety standards.
So, what is the maximum lifespan of a pickup truck? According to Decree 95/2009/ND-CP regulating the lifespan of cargo trucks and passenger cars, the lifespan of pickup trucks is determined as follows:
- Cargo trucks (including pickup trucks used for cargo purposes): No more than 25 years.
- Passenger cars (including pickup trucks mainly used for passenger purposes): No more than 20 years.
Thus, the lifespan of a pickup truck depends on its primary purpose of use. If the pickup truck is registered and mainly used for cargo purposes, the lifespan is 25 years. If it is used as a family car, mainly for passengers, the lifespan will be 20 years. However, it is important to note that in practice, distinguishing the primary purpose of use of a pickup truck can be difficult and is often considered based on the initial vehicle registration.
When Does the Pickup Truck Lifespan Calculation Begin?
Another important factor to understand is when the lifespan of a pickup truck begins to be calculated. According to current regulations, the lifespan of a vehicle is calculated starting from the year of manufacture recorded on the vehicle’s certificate of quality, not from the year of first registration.
For example, if you buy a pickup truck manufactured in 2020, its lifespan will be calculated from 2020, regardless of when you register the vehicle. This means that even if you buy a new car but it was manufactured a few years prior, you still need to consider the year of manufacture to calculate the remaining lifespan of the vehicle.
In some special cases permitted by the Prime Minister, the lifespan may be calculated from the year of first vehicle registration. However, these cases are very rare and uncommon.
What Happens When a Pickup Truck Reaches the End of Its Lifespan?
When a pickup truck has reached the end of its regulated lifespan, the vehicle is no longer allowed to circulate on the road. The owner is required to carry out vehicle liquidation procedures and is not allowed to sell, donate, or transfer the vehicle to others for public traffic purposes.
Continuing to use an end-of-lifespan vehicle is a violation of the law and may result in administrative penalties, or even vehicle confiscation. Therefore, owners need to proactively monitor the lifespan of their vehicles and plan to replace them with new ones when they are nearing the end of their lifespan.
Important Notes Regarding Pickup Truck Lifespan
- Carefully check the year of manufacture: When buying a used pickup truck, it is especially important to carefully check the year of manufacture to know the exact remaining lifespan of the vehicle.
- Regular vehicle maintenance: Regular and proper vehicle maintenance does not extend the regulated lifespan, but it helps the vehicle operate safely and efficiently throughout its permitted lifespan.
- Update on legal regulations: Regulations on vehicle lifespan may change over time, and owners should regularly update information from official sources to comply with the regulations.
Conclusion
Understanding the lifespan of pickup trucks is the responsibility and right of every vehicle owner. Compliance with lifespan regulations not only helps you avoid legal troubles but also contributes to ensuring safety for yourself and the community when participating in traffic. Hopefully, this article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình has provided you with useful and necessary information on this issue. If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact us for advice and answers!
