Pickup trucks are increasingly popular in Vietnam, catering to diverse needs from work to family. This versatility makes the question of how many people a pickup truck is legally allowed to carry a top concern for many owners and prospective buyers. To help readers understand and comply with traffic laws, Xe Tải Mỹ Đình provides detailed and accurate information on current regulations regarding passenger limits in pickup trucks.
What is a Pickup Truck?
A pickup truck is a unique combination of a truck and a passenger car. Essentially, it consists of an enclosed cabin at the front and an open cargo bed at the rear for hauling goods. This design offers versatility, allowing it to carry passengers like a car and transport goods like a small truck.
Modern crew cab pickup truck with a spacious 5-seat design
Modern crew cab pickup truck with a spacious 5-seat design, catering to passenger and cargo needs.
Compared to traditional trucks, pickup trucks are often more compact and maneuverable in urban environments. Compared to regular passenger cars, pickup trucks excel in power, high ground clearance, and off-road capability, especially those with four-wheel drive. This makes pickup trucks an ideal choice for those who enjoy exploration and traveling across various terrains.
Legal Regulations on Passenger Capacity in Pickup Trucks
According to Vietnam’s Road Traffic Law, the maximum number of people allowed in a pickup truck depends on the manufacturer’s design and is clearly stated in the Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection Inspection for Motor Vehicles. Typically, popular pickup truck models today are designed with 5 seats in the cabin, including the driver’s seat.
However, it’s important to note that the number of seats can vary depending on the version and intended use of the vehicle. For example, some pickup truck vans may only be designed with 2 seats to maximize cargo space. To know the exact number of passengers allowed, owners should check the information in the vehicle registration certificate or refer to the manufacturer’s specifications.
For example, for the Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck, a popular model in Vietnam, most double-cab versions are designed with 5 seats. Meanwhile, some specialized pickup truck vans for cargo may only have 2 seats.
To ensure safety and comply with the law, pickup truck drivers must strictly adhere to the prescribed passenger limit. Exceeding the limit can result in administrative fines and pose a risk to traffic safety, especially during sudden braking or collisions.
Is it Permitted to Carry People in the Pickup Truck Bed?
Another important question for many pickup truck users is whether it’s allowed to carry people in the truck bed. According to Clause 1, Article 21 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law, carrying people in the bed of a pickup truck is strictly prohibited, except in certain legally defined cases.
Traffic sign P.106b indicating "No Trucks" and similar vehicles, including pickup trucks
Traffic sign P.106b indicating “No Trucks” and similar vehicles, including pickup trucks.
The exceptions where carrying people in the pickup truck bed is permitted include:
- Transporting personnel for disaster prevention, epidemic control, or other emergency tasks.
- Transporting personnel for road maintenance and repair.
- Transporting personnel in parades.
- Transporting personnel in emergencies to prevent or mitigate the consequences of natural disasters, epidemics, or serious incidents.
- Transporting members of the People’s Armed Forces on duty.
Apart from the clearly defined cases above, any act of carrying people in the bed of a pickup truck is a violation of traffic laws and will be penalized according to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP (amended and supplemented by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP). The fine for this violation can range from VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000 for the driver.
The main reason for the prohibition is safety. The truck bed is designed for carrying goods, not passengers, and lacks seating and safety measures for occupants. Carrying people in the truck bed, especially when the vehicle is traveling on uneven roads or during sudden braking, can pose serious risks to the life and health of the passengers.
Important Notes for Using Pickup Trucks Safely and Legally
To use pickup trucks safely and comply with legal regulations, owners and drivers should remember the following:
- Always check and adhere to the maximum number of passengers allowed in the vehicle according to the vehicle registration certificate and manufacturer’s instructions.
- Never carry people in the pickup truck bed, except in special cases permitted by law.
- Ensure all occupants are wearing seat belts, especially when traveling on highways or rough roads.
- Regularly inspect and maintain the vehicle to ensure it is in optimal operating condition.
- Stay updated and familiar with the latest traffic laws related to pickup trucks.
Conclusion:
Understanding and complying with regulations regarding the number of people allowed in a pickup truck not only helps you avoid legal troubles but also ensures the safety of yourself and other road users. We hope this article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình has provided you with useful and necessary information. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below!
