Truck identification signs, a familiar term, can be confusing for those new to the transportation industry. So, what are truck identification signs for? Why is such a small sticker so important for trucking operations? This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình (My Dinh Truck) will provide you with a comprehensive overview of truck identification signs, from their definition and purpose to the types of vehicles that require them and the latest licensing procedures.
What Are Truck Identification Signs and Why Are They Necessary?
Truck identification signs, also known as truck decals, are legal documents issued by authorized agencies, certifying that a truck has been authorized to engage in transportation business activities in accordance with the law. In simple terms, truck identification signs are like “passports” that allow trucks to travel and operate in the transportation business.
So, what are truck identification signs for? There are several reasons why truck identification signs are mandatory:
- Legal Compliance: Having truck identification signs is mandatory under Decree 10/2020/ND-CP on business and conditions for transportation business by automobiles. This is the legal basis for regulatory authorities to manage transportation activities, ensuring order and traffic safety.
- Transportation Management: Identification signs help state management agencies easily identify and manage vehicles involved in transportation business. Through identification signs, authorities can control the number of vehicles, types of business, and ensure that these vehicles comply with regulations on technical safety and environmental protection.
- Enhancing Professionalism and Reputation: Trucks with identification signs demonstrate the professionalism and legal compliance of the transportation business. This not only builds trust with customers but also helps businesses operate sustainably and in the long term.
- Avoiding Penalties: Trucks operating in transportation business without identification signs or using invalid identification signs will be considered violations and may be subject to administrative penalties. Penalties may include fines, temporary vehicle detention, or even revocation of driver’s licenses.
Which Types of Vehicles Are Required to Display Truck Identification Signs?
According to Decree 10/2020/ND-CP, not all types of trucks require identification signs. However, the following types of vehicles participating in transportation business activities are required to have identification signs:
- Passenger transport vehicles operating on fixed routes: These vehicles must display the identification sign “XE TUYẾN CỐ ĐỊNH” (FIXED ROUTE VEHICLE).
- Passenger transit vehicles: Must display the identification sign “XE TRUNG CHUYỂN” (TRANSIT VEHICLE).
- Buses: This type of public transport needs to display the identification sign “XE BUÝT” (BUS).
- Taxis: Taxis must display the identification sign “XE TAXI” (TAXI).
- Passenger transport vehicles operating under contract: These vehicles must display the identification sign “XE HỢP ĐỒNG” (CONTRACT VEHICLE).
- Vehicles engaged in container freight transportation: Display the identification sign “XE CÔNG-TEN-NƠ” (CONTAINER VEHICLE).
- Tractor trucks pulling trailers or semi-trailers: Must display the identification sign “XE ĐẦU KÉO” (TRACTOR TRUCK).
- Trucks and taxi trucks: Regular trucks and taxi trucks must display the identification sign “XE TẢI” (TRUCK).
Thus, it can be seen that most types of trucks involved in freight or passenger transportation business activities need to have identification signs to ensure legality and compliance.
What Are the Regulations for the Size and Color of Truck Identification Signs?
Truck identification signs are not just ordinary pieces of paper, but they must also comply with regulations on size and color to ensure uniformity and easy identification. According to current regulations, the size of truck identification signs is:
- Length: 200mm ± 20mm
- Width: 100mm ± 15mm
Regarding color, truck identification signs are classified based on the vehicle’s transport distance:
- Vehicles operating over 300km: The identification sign has a dark red border and text, a light blue background, and a faint image of a truck printed on it.
- Vehicles operating up to 300km: The identification sign has a dark blue border and text, a light pink background, and a faint image of a truck printed on it.
This difference in color helps authorities easily distinguish the type of activity and scope of operation of the truck, thereby managing and regulating traffic more effectively.
What Is the Validity Period of Truck Identification Signs?
Truck identification signs do not have permanent validity but have a specific validity period. According to Clause 2, Article 22 of Decree 10/2020/ND-CP, the validity period of truck identification signs is regulated as follows:
- Identification signs issued for transportation business vehicles and transit vehicles: Have a maximum validity of 07 years or as requested by the transportation business (ranging from 01 year to 07 years) but not exceeding the service life of the vehicle.
- “XE TUYẾN CỐ ĐỊNH” (FIXED ROUTE VEHICLE) identification signs issued for vehicles reinforcing passenger release during holidays and Tet: Have a short-term validity, not exceeding 30 days during the Lunar New Year and not exceeding 10 days during public holidays, New Year, and important examinations.
Therefore, transportation businesses need to pay attention to the validity period of identification signs to proactively carry out renewal or re-issuance procedures when necessary, avoiding business interruptions and complying with legal regulations.
Latest 2024 Truck Identification Sign Issuance Procedures
To be issued a truck identification sign, transportation business units and organizations need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Submit an application for issuance of identification signs
- Where to submit the application: Department of Transport where the Business License for transportation business was issued to the unit.
- Documents to prepare:
- Application for issuance of identification signs (according to Form Appendix V of Decree 10/2020/ND-CP).
- Copy of the vehicle registration certificate or appointment to receive the vehicle registration certificate.
- If the vehicle is not owned by the transportation business, a copy of the vehicle lease agreement or service/business cooperation contract must be added.
- Submission method: Submit directly, by post, or other appropriate forms as prescribed.
Step 2: Amend and supplement the application (if there are errors)
If the application is incomplete or has errors, the identification sign issuing agency will notify the transportation business to amend and supplement it within 01 working day from the date of receipt of the application.
Step 3: Resolve the issuance of identification signs
- Resolution time: Within 02 working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents.
- Identification sign issuing agency: The Department of Transport will issue identification signs as requested.
- In case of refusal to issue: The Department of Transport will respond in writing and clearly state the reasons.
- Form of returning results: Directly, by post, or other appropriate forms.
Important notes:
- When the identification sign expires, is lost, damaged, the vehicle owner or business unit changes, or is revoked or suspended, the unit needs to carry out re-issuance procedures according to the above steps.
- In case of applying for re-issuance due to revocation or suspension, the application must add documents proving the remediation of the violation that led to the revocation or suspension.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand more about what truck identification signs are for and related issues. If you have any other questions, please contact Xe Tải Mỹ Đình (My Dinh Truck) for detailed advice!
