Truck bed height is a crucial factor in road freight transport, clearly regulated in Vietnamese traffic law. Understanding and adhering to truck bed height regulations not only helps businesses and drivers avoid unnecessary fines but also ensures traffic safety on all routes. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình, a dedicated truck website, will provide detailed and up-to-date information on these regulations to help you operate your trucks with peace of mind.
Cargo Height Regulations According to Circular 46
According to Clause 2, Article 18 of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT, regulations on cargo height on road transport vehicles are specifically categorized as follows:
For open-top trucks with tarps, the permitted cargo height is limited to the height within the truck bed as designed by the manufacturer or according to the approved modification design by the competent authority. This means that if your truck has a standard tarp and bed, you can load cargo to the full capacity of the bed without worrying about exceeding the regulated height.
For open-top trucks without tarps, exceeding the bed height is allowed, but the cargo must be securely fastened, supported, and braced. The goal is to ensure absolute safety when the vehicle is in traffic. However, the cargo height must not exceed the prescribed limits from the highest point of the road surface upwards:
- Trucks from 2.5 tons to under 5 tons: Cargo height not exceeding 3.5 meters.
- Trucks under 2.5 tons: Cargo height not exceeding 2.8 meters.
Truck Bed Height by Load Capacity
Truck bed height regulations are also classified based on the vehicle’s load capacity to ensure compatibility with transport infrastructure and operational safety:
- Trucks of 5 tons or more: Truck bed height not exceeding 4.2 meters. This is the maximum allowable height for heavy-duty trucks.
- Trucks from 2.5 tons to under 5 tons: Truck bed height not exceeding 3.5 meters. This height is suitable for medium-sized trucks and ensures maneuverability.
- Trucks under 2.5 tons: Truck bed height not exceeding 2.8 meters. This regulation applies to small trucks, often operating in urban areas or on short routes.
- Special-purpose vehicles and container trucks: Cargo height from the highest point of the road surface upwards not exceeding 4.35 meters. This is the highest limit, applicable to special vehicles and container cargo.
Checking truck height and load capacity according to Vietnamese law
Truck Bed Height Regulations by Bed Type
Besides load capacity, the type of truck bed also determines how the truck bed height is measured and regulated:
- Enclosed Trucks: The truck bed height is measured from the bed floor to the roof of the bed. This is a common type of bed, often used to carry goods that need protection from the weather.
- Flatbed Trucks: The truck bed height is measured from the bed floor to the top edge of the bed sides. This type of bed is suitable for carrying construction materials or goods that do not require covering.
- Tarp-Covered Trucks: The truck bed height is measured from the bed floor to the highest point of the tarp when stretched. Tarp-covered beds are flexible, can carry a variety of goods, and are easy to adjust in height when needed.
Classification of truck bed heights: enclosed, flatbed, tarp-covered trucks
Penalties for Violating Truck Bed Height Regulations
Carrying goods exceeding the truck bed height regulations will be penalized according to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, as amended and supplemented by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP. The penalties are clearly defined to ensure deterrence and compliance with the law.
Specific Penalties
- For individuals: Fines ranging from 4,000,000 VND to 6,000,000 VND.
- For organizations: Fines ranging from 8,000,000 VND to 12,000,000 VND.
In addition to fines, drivers in violation may also be subject to additional penalties such as:
- Revocation of the driver’s license for 01 to 03 months.
- Compulsory remediation, reducing cargo height to the correct regulations.
The basis for penalties includes:
- Cargo height exceeding the allowable height of the truck bed.
- Type of vehicle in violation (truck, trailer, semi-trailer).
- Nature of the violation (first time or repeated).
The specific penalty also depends on the extent of exceeding the regulated height:
- Exceeding by under 10cm: Fines ranging from 2,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND.
- Exceeding by 10cm to 30cm: Fines ranging from 4,000,000 VND to 6,000,000 VND.
- Exceeding by over 30cm: Fines ranging from 8,000,000 VND to 12,000,000 VND.
Notes to Avoid Violations
To avoid penalties and ensure safety in traffic, drivers and vehicle owners should note:
- Only carry cargo with a height not exceeding the allowable height of the truck bed.
- Choose a truck that matches the needs of cargo transportation, ensuring that the bed dimensions meet the requirements.
- Carefully check the height of the cargo before departure, especially with bulky or easily shifting goods.
Understanding and adhering to truck bed height regulations is the responsibility of every driver and transport business. Xe Tải Mỹ Đình hopes that the above information will help you better understand the laws and operate your trucks safely and efficiently. Always stay updated on the latest regulations to ensure that your transport business operates smoothly and legally.
