Urban traffic in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is becoming increasingly complex. To address congestion and ensure safety, regulations on trucks operating in the city are constantly being adjusted and tightened. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình will provide detailed and up-to-date information on truck regulations in the city, especially for transport businesses and truck drivers operating in Vietnam.
A truck with drop-side body
Current Legal Regulations
Regulations regarding trucks entering the city are based on the following legal documents:
- Road Traffic Law 2008: This is the fundamental law regulating general road traffic issues, including rules and validity of traffic signs and signals.
- Decrees and Circulars guiding the Road Traffic Law: These documents detail and guide the implementation of the Road Traffic Law, including specific regulations on vehicle classification, tonnage, size limits, and vehicle speed.
- Decisions of the People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities: This is the most important legal basis, specifying the time and routes prohibited for trucks in each locality, in accordance with the actual traffic situation of each city. For example, Decision No. 06/2013/QD-UBND of Hanoi and Decision No. 23/2018/QD-UBND (amended by 23/2019/QD-UBND) of Ho Chi Minh City.
Truck Entry Ban Regulations in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, the largest economic center in the country, faces immense traffic pressure. Therefore, regulations prohibiting trucks from entering the city are strictly enforced, governed by Decision 23/2018/QD-UBND (amended by Decision 23/2019/QD-UBND).
Truck classification and prohibited hours:
- Light trucks: (Goods vehicles with a carrying capacity under 1,500 kg, excluding pickup trucks; trucks with a carrying capacity from 1,500 kg to 2,500 kg, and pilot vehicles):
- Prohibited from circulating in the inner city area: From 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily.
- Heavy trucks: (Trucks with a carrying capacity over 2,500 kg, tractors, specialized vehicles, trailers or semi-trailers towed by automobiles):
- Prohibited from circulating in the inner city area: From 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
The inner city area of Ho Chi Minh City is limited by the following routes:
- North and West: National Highway 1 (section from the intersection of National Highway 1 – Hanoi Highway to the intersection of National Highway 1 – Nguyen Van Linh Street).
- East: Hanoi Highway (section from the intersection of National Highway 1 – Hanoi Highway to Cat Lai traffic junction) – Mai Chi Tho Street – Dong Van Cong Street (to Vo Chi Cong Street).
- South: Vo Chi Cong Street (from Dong Van Cong Street to Phu My Bridge) – Phu My Bridge – Overpass (from Phu My Bridge to Zone A South Saigon intersection) – Nguyen Van Linh Street (section from Zone A South Saigon intersection to National Highway 1).
Cases where trucks are considered for temporary circulation (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM):
- Heavy trucks transporting materials and equipment for key projects.
- Heavy trucks transporting hazardous waste.
- Specialized trucks transporting aviation fuel.
- Specialized trucks transporting domestic and medical waste.
Important Note: Light trucks and heavy trucks are allowed to circulate without time restrictions on the aforementioned belt routes.
Truck Entry Ban Regulations in Hanoi Area
In Hanoi, truck restrictions are regulated by Decision 06/2013/QD-UBND.
Truck classification and prohibited hours:
- Trucks with a load capacity up to 1.25 tons:
- Prohibited during peak hours: Morning from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, afternoon from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM daily.
- Trucks with a load capacity over 1.25 tons, oversized and overweight vehicles, specialized vehicles, construction vehicles:
- Only allowed to operate: From 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM the next morning and must have a circulation permit.
Restricted operating area in Hanoi:
Limited by the routes: Pham Van Dong – Pham Hung – Thang Long Avenue (section from Pham Hung Street to Road 70 junction) – Road 70 (section from Thang Long Avenue to Road 72) – Road 72 (section from Road 70 to Le Trong Tan Street – Ha Dong District) – Le Trong Tan Street (Ha Dong) – Phuc La – Van Phu – Phung Hung (Ha Dong District – section from Phuc La to Buu Bridge) – Buu Bridge – Phan Trong Tue – Ngoc Hoi (section from Phan Trong Tue intersection to Phap Van intersection) – Phap Van – Thanh Tri Bridge – Nguyen Van Linh – Ngo Gia Tu back to the city center.
Cases where trucks are allowed to operate 24/24h or are not banned during peak hours (Hanoi):
- Vehicles supplying domestic water, specialized vehicles for handling electricity, water, flooding, and road and bridge incidents.
- Vehicles for pruning trees, watering and washing roads, vacuuming dust, vacuuming mud, and transporting mud for drainage, vehicles and machinery for repairing roads and bridges, aerial work platform vehicles. (Except during peak hours)
- Vehicles carrying fresh food, vegetables, and fruits (total vehicle weight up to 2.5 tons). (Except during peak hours)
- Vehicles carrying safe vegetables (RAT). (24/24h)
- Vehicles transporting postal items, parcels, and newspapers. (24/24h)
- Vehicles carrying money, gold, silver, and foreign currency. (24/24h)
- Specialized vehicles transporting garbage, hand-pushing garbage collection vehicles. (From 7:30 PM to 6:00 AM the next morning)
Important Note: Trucks over 1.25 tons are prohibited from operating during peak hours on Pham Van Dong Street.
Optimizing Transportation in the Inner City Area
To operate effectively in the inner city area with restricted regulations, businesses and drivers need to:
- Understand regulations: Regularly update on the latest regulations of each city to avoid violations and penalties.
- Choose suitable vehicles: Use small trucks, vans, pickup trucks, or specialized vehicles allowed to circulate during prohibited hours. Trucks with sides in the form of drop-side or closed bodies with compact sizes are a priority choice for many inner-city transport units.
- Plan transportation: Arrange goods delivery and receipt schedules during non-prohibited hours or apply for special circulation permits if necessary.
- Apply technology: Use positioning applications, transport management software to optimize routes, avoid prohibited routes, and track delivery times.
Conclusion
Truck entry bans in cities are a necessary measure to reduce congestion and improve the urban traffic environment. Compliance and adaptation to these regulations not only help businesses avoid legal risks but also contribute to building a more civilized and efficient transportation system. Xe Tải Mỹ Đình always accompanies customers in updating information and choosing the most suitable transport vehicles for business needs.
References:
- Road Traffic Law 2008
- Decision 06/2013/QD-UBND Hanoi
- Decision 23/2018/QD-UBND and 23/2019/QD-UBND HCMC
- City traffic information portals
