500kg trucks are popular vehicles for transporting goods due to their flexibility and low operating costs. However, many drivers are still unsure about load restrictions for this type of vehicle. This article will answer the question of whether 500kg trucks are subject to load restrictions, along with regulations related to the circulation of trucks under 1 ton in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Purpose of Load Restrictions for Light Trucks
Limiting the circulation of trucks, including those under 1 ton, during peak hours and on specific routes stems from several objectives:
- Reducing traffic congestion: Peak hours typically involve a large volume of vehicles. Restricting trucks helps reduce vehicle density, ensuring smooth traffic flow and minimizing congestion.
- Protecting traffic infrastructure: Trucks, even with small payloads, can still affect road quality if they circulate frequently. Load restrictions help reduce the load on the road surface, extending the lifespan of the infrastructure.
- Protecting the environment: Reducing the number of trucks circulating helps reduce emissions, noise, and improve the quality of the urban environment.
- Improving traffic safety: During peak hours, restricting trucks helps reduce the risk of traffic accidents, ensuring the safety of road users.
Load Restriction Regulations for Trucks Under 1 Ton
Are trucks under 1 ton subject to load restrictions? The answer is YES, depending on the payload, location, and time. Specifically:
In Hanoi:
According to Decision 06/2013/QĐ-UBND, trucks under 1.25 tons are prohibited from operating between 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM daily. Trucks of 1.25 tons or more are only allowed to circulate from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM the next day and must have a special permit.
In Ho Chi Minh City:
According to Decision 23/2018/QĐ-UBND (amended by Decision 23/2019/QĐ-UBND), light trucks are not allowed to circulate in the inner city area from 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM daily. Heavy trucks are prohibited from circulating in the inner city from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Do 500kg Trucks Fall Under Load Restrictions?
Trucks under 500kg are generally NOT subject to load restrictions during peak hours. However, it is important to pay attention to traffic signs on each route. Some routes may prohibit trucks with a payload of 500kg or more.
Drivers need to clearly distinguish between the permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW) (usually stated on the vehicle registration certificate) and the actual cargo weight being carried. Carrying more than the permissible GVW, even for trucks under 500kg, is still subject to penalties according to regulations.
Penalties for Violating Load Restrictions
According to Decree 171/2013/NĐ-CP, the penalty for violating load restriction regulations ranges from VND 800,000 to VND 1,200,000.
Conclusion
Understanding load restriction regulations is very important for truck drivers. 500kg trucks are generally not subject to load restrictions, but drivers need to comply with traffic signs on each route and not carry more than the permissible GVW. Be sure to check the regulations in your area of operation to avoid being penalized.
