Pickup trucks are increasingly popular in Vietnam due to their versatility. However, many drivers are still unclear about the lane regulations for this type of vehicle. This article from Xe Tai My Dinh will provide detailed answers on which lane pickup trucks should use, along with penalties for violations.
Pickup truck on the road
How are Pickup Trucks Classified?
According to Clause 3.24, Article 3 of the National Technical Regulation QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT on road signs, pickup trucks (also known as pickups), VAN trucks with a permitted cargo weight of less than 950kg, and 3-wheeled vehicles with a self-weight greater than 400kg are considered passenger cars in traffic organization.
Which Lane Should Pickup Trucks Use?
Since they are considered passenger cars, pickup trucks must travel in the lane designated for passenger cars.
Clause 3.23, Article 3 of QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT defines a passenger car as a car that is identified in the Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection Inspection of road motor vehicles, designed to carry no more than 9 seats (including the driver’s seat).
When participating in traffic, drivers need to compare the vehicle registration and inspection documents with the technical specifications and load capacity of the vehicle, and compare with the regulations on road signs to determine the appropriate lane.
Road Traffic Law Regulations
Article 9 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law stipulates traffic participation rules:
Traffic participants must travel on the right side in their direction of travel, in the correct lane and road section as prescribed, and must comply with the road sign system.
Therefore, when traveling on roads with separated lanes, pickup trucks must travel in the correct lane as prescribed, and must not encroach on the lanes of other types of vehicles.
Penalties for Pickup Trucks Traveling in the Wrong Lane
Decree 100/2019/ND-CP (amended and supplemented by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP) stipulates the penalties for going in the wrong lane as follows:
- Fine from VND 300,000 to VND 400,000: Failure to comply with the commands or instructions of traffic signs or road markings.
- Fine from VND 400,000 to VND 600,000: Changing lanes in the wrong place or without a prior signal; traveling in the wrong section or lane as prescribed.
- Fine from VND 4,000,000 to VND 6,000,000: Traveling in the wrong section or lane as prescribed (same direction lane or opposite direction lane); driving in the emergency stopping lane or shoulder of a highway; changing lanes in the wrong place or without a prior signal when driving on a highway.
- Fine from VND 10,000,000 to VND 12,000,000: Changing direction or changing lanes improperly, causing a traffic accident.
In addition to fines, drivers of pickup trucks traveling in the wrong lane will also have their driver’s license revoked for 01 month to 03 months. In case going in the wrong lane causes a traffic accident, the license revocation period will be from 02 months to 04 months.
Conclusion
Complying with the lane regulations for pickup trucks is very important to ensure traffic safety and avoid penalties. Drivers need to understand the regulations, pay attention to traffic signs and road markings to choose the appropriate lane when participating in traffic. Contact Xe Tai My Dinh for more advice on truck models and traffic regulations.
