Driving on restricted roads and overloading are two common traffic violations for trucks in Vietnam, leading to various consequences, from administrative penalties to serious impacts on traffic safety and vehicle lifespan. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình, as a truck expert, will provide detailed and comprehensive information about regulations related to truck driving and restricted/overloaded roads, helping transportation businesses and drivers understand the law, avoid fines, and ensure efficient and safe transportation operations.
What are Truck Restricted Roads? Recognition and Significance
Restricted roads, according to road traffic regulations, are routes where one, some, or all types of road vehicles are not allowed to travel. The purpose of establishing restricted roads is to ensure traffic safety, reduce congestion, protect road infrastructure, and the environment. Trucks entering restricted roads not only violate the law but also pose a risk of accidents, especially on roads with high traffic density or unsuitable for the size and weight of trucks.
To recognize truck restricted roads, drivers need to pay attention to the traffic sign system. Prohibition signs are usually circular, with a red border, white background, and black drawings or numerals/letters indicating the type of vehicle prohibited or the prohibited action.
Penalties for Trucks Entering Restricted Roads
According to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP (amended by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP), the act of driving a truck into a restricted road will be subject to administrative fines ranging from 2,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND. This penalty applies to the act of entering a restricted area or a road with signs prohibiting entry for the type of vehicle being driven.
In addition to fines, drivers of trucks who violate the restricted road rule may also have their Driver’s License revoked for 01 to 03 months.
It should be noted that these penalties do not apply to priority vehicles on emergency duty as prescribed.
Identifying Important Truck Prohibition Signs
To avoid violating restricted road rules, recognizing and understanding the meaning of truck prohibition signs is crucial. Below are common truck prohibition signs according to the National Technical Regulation 41:2019/BGTVT:
1. Sign P.106a “No Trucks”
Sign P.106a is used to indicate road sections where all types of trucks are prohibited, except for priority vehicles as regulated by law (fire trucks, military vehicles, police cars, ambulances…). This sign also prohibits tractors and specialized vehicles from entering the restricted area.
2. Sign P.106b “No Trucks” (weight limit)
Sign P.106b prohibits trucks with a carrying capacity (according to the Vehicle Registration Certificate) exceeding a certain value, which is clearly indicated by white numerals in tons on the truck drawing on the sign. This sign is also effective for tractors and specialized vehicles with similar weight limits.
3. Sign P.106c “No Vehicles Carrying Dangerous Goods”
Sign P.106c is placed on road sections prohibiting vehicles carrying dangerous goods from circulating, to ensure safety for the surrounding area.
4. Sign P.107 “No Passenger Cars and Trucks”
Sign P.107 prohibits both passenger cars and all types of trucks, tractors, and specialized vehicles. Similar to other prohibition signs, sign P.107 does not apply to priority vehicles performing duties.
Truck Overloading: Danger and Sanctions
Besides the violation of entering restricted roads, truck overloading is also a pressing issue, causing many negative impacts. Overloaded trucks not only damage road and bridge infrastructure but also pose a risk of traffic accidents due to inefficient braking and steering systems, making vehicles difficult to control and prone to overturning.
Regulations on truck weight limits:
Vietnamese law has strict regulations on truck weight limits, including axle load and gross vehicle weight. These regulations are specified in Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT and related legal documents. Carrying goods exceeding the permissible weight limit is a violation of the law and is subject to severe penalties.
Penalties for overloaded trucks:
Penalties for overloading violations are detailed in Decree 100/2019/ND-CP (amended by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP), depending on the extent of overload and vehicle type. Fines can range from several million to tens of millions of VND for individuals and organizations in violation. In addition to fines, violating vehicles may also have their Driver’s License and Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection Inspection revoked.
Examples of overload penalties (refer to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP):
- Overload from 10% to 20%: Fines from 3,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND for drivers; from 6,000,000 VND to 10,000,000 VND for individual vehicle owners; from 12,000,000 VND to 20,000,000 VND for organizational vehicle owners.
- Overload from 20% to 50%: Significantly higher fines, along with Driver’s License revocation.
- Overload over 50%: The highest penalties, possibly up to tens of millions of VND and long-term Driver’s License revocation.
Note: These are illustrative examples, specific penalties may vary depending on current legal regulations. Refer to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP and Decree 123/2021/ND-CP to grasp detailed and updated information.
Solutions to Avoid Restricted Road and Overload Violations
To ensure smooth, lawful, and safe truck transportation operations, businesses and drivers need to implement the following measures:
- Master traffic laws: Thoroughly understand regulations on restricted roads, prohibition signs, vehicle weight limits, and penalties for violations.
- Plan and check routes: Before each trip, plan detailed routes, using support tools such as digital maps and navigation apps to identify permitted routes and avoid restricted roads.
- Check cargo weight: Before departure, carefully check the cargo weight, ensuring it does not exceed the permissible weight limit of the vehicle according to the Vehicle Registration Certificate. Use weighbridges if necessary.
- Regularly update information: Always update the latest information on traffic regulations, signs, and restricted roads, as they may change over time.
- Enhance law-abiding awareness: The law-abiding awareness of both businesses and drivers is a key factor in minimizing violations and ensuring safety.
Conclusion
Truck driving and restricted/overloaded roads not only cause legal consequences but also directly affect business efficiency and traffic safety. Xe Tải Mỹ Đình hopes that through this article, transportation businesses and drivers will gain more knowledge and awareness in complying with the law, contributing to building a civilized, safe, and efficient traffic environment. Always update information and strictly comply with regulations to ensure your transportation operations are smooth and sustainable.
References:
- Decree 100/2019/ND-CP of the Government stipulating penalties for administrative violations in the field of road and railway traffic.
- Decree 123/2021/ND-CP of the Government amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decrees stipulating penalties for administrative violations in the fields of maritime; road and railway traffic; civil aviation.
- National Technical Regulation QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT on road signs.
