National Highway 9, a vital route in Quang Tri province, experiences heavy truck traffic daily, especially container trucks and construction material carriers. Overloaded trucks, exceeding permitted limits, are common, posing traffic safety risks and damaging road infrastructure. To address this pressing issue, the Quang Tri Traffic Police have increased patrols and are strictly handling violations.
Traffic police officer inspecting a truck on National Highway 9
According to Major Mai Van Sang from the Dakrong Traffic Police Station, detecting overloaded trucks on National Highway 9 through Huong Hiep commune, Dakrong district, is straightforward. Traffic police can visually identify signs of oversized and overweight loads. Suspect vehicles are stopped, dimensions checked, and weight measured to determine the extent of the violation. Even minor “excess load” violations are documented and penalized according to regulations.
However, managing truck overloading presents challenges. Many drivers attempt to evade checkpoints by using narrow rural roads or waiting for opportunities. When caught, some drivers and owners delay, obstruct authorities, or seek intervention. Nevertheless, Quang Tri Traffic Police remain resolute in addressing all overloading violations without exception.
Traffic police weighing a truck to check for overloading
For example, the Dakrong Traffic Police Station task force identified a truck with license plate 74C-123.42 carrying animal feed exhibiting signs of overloading. Driver Le Dinh Tam admitted to exceeding the permitted design by 1.4 tons. He and the owner received a 3.9 million VND administrative fine for this “excess load” violation. Tam explained that he overloaded due to the long route and cost pressures, and after being penalized, he realized the risks and pledged not to repeat the offense.
To improve truck overload control, the Dakrong Traffic Police Station has implemented multiple solutions. Despite limited technical resources and a damaged weighing station, coupled with a small force for the managed area, the unit has created a comprehensive patrol plan and assigned rotating task forces. The station also contracts with businesses with weigh stations along National Highway 9 for inspection when needed. Additionally, the Traffic Police conduct regular outreach to drivers, owners, and cargo owners about the dangers of overloading and oversized loads.
Traffic police officer explaining regulations to a truck driver
Pham Van Phap, a container truck driver on the La Lay International Border Gate – Thua Thien Hue route, stated that after multiple inspections and awareness campaigns by Traffic Police, he understands the dangers of overloading and strictly follows regulations. His truck is designed for a 34-ton load, but he only carries 31 tons to ensure safety and avoid procedural complications. Although profits are reduced, Phap prioritizes safety and legal compliance.
A report from the Provincial Police Traffic Department indicates that from the beginning of 2024 to May 2024, nearly 200 truck overloading violations were detected, resulting in fines exceeding 1.1 billion VND. Many violations involved exceeding the design load by 100-150%, exceeding height limits, or unauthorized truck bed modifications. Lieutenant Colonel Phan Viet Hai, Deputy Head of the Provincial Police Traffic Department, confirmed that the unit has implemented integrated solutions to ensure traffic safety, especially focusing on truck weight control. Traffic Police across the province have promoted awareness and organized transport companies to sign commitments not to violate overloading and oversized load regulations or make unauthorized vehicle modifications. Violations are handled strictly and according to the law.
Highway with trucks and cars, symbolizing the importance of traffic safety
Thanks to the Traffic Police’s proactive involvement, compliance with weight regulations by owners, businesses, and drivers has improved. The incidence of bulky and overloaded vehicles has significantly decreased, and unauthorized truck bed modifications are less common. This significantly contributes to traffic safety in the province. However, since the beginning of the year, dozens of traffic accidents related to oversized and overloaded vehicles have occurred. This highlights the urgent need to enhance control and strictly handle truck overloading violations to reduce traffic accidents and protect road infrastructure.
