Are you looking for information on regulations applicable to van trucks? Do you want to know which traffic regulations your van truck must comply with for safe travel? This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình experts will provide you with a comprehensive and easy-to-understand overview of current regulations related to van trucks in Vietnam.
Overview of van truck regulations drivers need to know
Is a Van Truck Considered a Car or a Truck According to the Law?
One of the most frequently asked questions about van trucks is whether they are considered cars or trucks. This distinction is crucial because it determines the traffic regulations the vehicle must adhere to. According to the old regulation in Standard 41/2016, cars included pickup trucks and light trucks with a cargo capacity of less than 1500kg (1.5 tons).
However, Standard 41/2019 introduced a significant change, officially effective from July 1, 2020. Article 3, section 3.24 of Standard 41/2019 redefines it as follows:
- Pickup trucks and van trucks are considered cars if their cargo capacity is below 950kg.
- Trucks (motor trucks) include semi-trailer trucks, tractor trucks, and types of pickup trucks, van trucks with a cargo capacity of 950kg or more.
Thus, the main difference lies in the cargo capacity. If a van truck carries goods weighing 951kg or more, it will be considered a truck and must comply with truck regulations, no longer enjoying the same privileges as cars. This new regulation has tightened the limits, requiring van truck owners to understand and comply with the law.
Van truck regulations
Read more: Should I Buy a Van Truck or a Truck? Expert Analysis
Traffic Laws Regarding Van Trucks in Urban Areas
When traveling in the city, van trucks must comply with various regulations to ensure traffic safety and avoid penalties. Vehicle owners and drivers should pay particular attention to the following points:
Are Van Trucks Prohibited During Certain Hours in the City?
The answer is yes, depending on the specific city and regulations. Many major cities enforce regulations prohibiting or restricting van truck operation, especially during peak hours. However, some cities allow van trucks to circulate but limit their size and weight to protect urban infrastructure.
Therefore, before entering any city, you need to carefully research the van truck regulations in that locality to avoid violations.
Regulations in Hanoi
Hanoi has quite detailed regulations regarding truck operating hours, including van trucks:
- Trucks weighing under 1.25 tons: Allowed to circulate in the city, except during the hours of 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
- Trucks weighing from 1.25 tons to under 2.5 tons: Only allowed to circulate from 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM. A special permit is required to circulate at other times.
- Trucks weighing from 2.5 tons to 10 tons: Allowed to circulate, except during the hours of 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Thus, van trucks, depending on their weight, will be subject to different restricted hours when circulating in Hanoi.
Van truck regulations when traveling in Hanoi
Regulations in Ho Chi Minh City
Similar to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City also has its own regulations regarding truck operating hours:
- Light trucks (including pilot vehicles, vehicles under 1.5 tons, and from 1.5 tons to 2.5 tons): Prohibited from circulating from 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Outside these hours, vehicles can circulate normally.
- Heavy trucks (tractor trucks, semi-trailer trucks, specialized vehicles, vehicles from 2.5 tons and up): Prohibited from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Outside this time, vehicles are allowed to circulate on corridor routes.
Note that the regulations in Ho Chi Minh City differentiate between light trucks and heavy trucks, and the restricted hours are different from those in Hanoi.
Van truck regulations when traveling in Ho Chi Minh City
Are Van Trucks Banned During Peak Hours?
To reduce traffic congestion during peak hours, especially in large cities, the Department of Transport often устанавливает traffic signs prohibiting trucks carrying goods over 0.5 tons (500kg) from circulating during the hours of 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Thus, traffic law stipulates that van trucks with a cargo capacity of over 0.5 tons will be prohibited from circulating during peak hours. Violating this regulation will result in penalties under the Road Traffic Law.
Van trucks are prohibited during peak hours
Are Trucks Under 950kg Allowed in the City Center?
According to Standard 41/2019, vehicles with a cargo capacity of less than 950kg are considered cars. Therefore, van trucks with a load capacity of less than 950kg are usually allowed to circulate in the city center as freely as cars, not restricted by restricted hours or peak hours.
However, it should be noted that this regulation may vary depending on the locality and specific signs on the road.
Vehicles with a load capacity of under 950kg are free to circulate in the city
For vehicles with a self-weight not exceeding 1.5 tons (excluding pickup trucks and van trucks under 950kg), they are usually only allowed to circulate outside peak hours on designated routes.
Cases Where Van Trucks Are Allowed to Move 24/24 in the City
Outside the restricted hours, van trucks can operate normally, including on corridor routes according to the new regulations. Some special vehicles are completely exempt from restricted hour regulations, including:
- Military, police, and transport inspection vehicles when on duty.
- Fire trucks.
- Funeral vehicles.
- Pickup trucks, van trucks with a cargo capacity of less than 5 tons or with 5 seats or more.
Penalties for Violating Traffic Laws for Van Trucks
Violating regulations regarding van trucks can lead to significant administrative fines. Below are some common violations and their corresponding penalties:
Penalties When Van Trucks Enter Restricted Roads or Restricted Hours
If a van truck is found to be entering a restricted road or restricted hour, the driver will be subject to an on-the-spot administrative fine.
According to the Road Traffic Law, the penalty for this violation ranges from 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND. This penalty is equivalent to the violation of entering a one-way road or going against traffic. This regulation does not apply to priority vehicles on emergency duty.
Drivers will be penalized for traveling during restricted hours
Penalties for Unauthorized Installation of Additional Seats for Van Trucks
Van trucks basically only have two seats in the front, with the rear compartment for cargo. Many vehicle owners intend to install additional seats to carry people.
However, Vietnamese road traffic law strictly prohibits the act of arbitrarily changing the vehicle’s structure. According to Article 30, Decree 46/2016/ND-CP, arbitrarily installing additional seats in the cargo compartment (changing the vehicle’s structure) will be subject to an administrative fine of 6 million to 8 million VND. In addition, the vehicle owner will also have their Certificate of Inspection and Inspection Stamp revoked for 1 to 3 months.
According to Article 24, Decree 46/2016/ND-CP, carrying additional people in the back of a van will also be fined from 600,000 to 800,000 VND and have their driver’s license revoked for 1 to 3 months.
Van trucks are not allowed to arbitrarily install additional seats in the back
Read more: Can Small Van Trucks Install Additional Seats? Detailed Answers
Penalties When Van Trucks Carry Overweight Cargo
The law on van trucks in Decree 100/2019/ND-CP clearly stipulates the penalties for carrying overweight cargo, based on the certificate of inspection:
- Exceeding 10% – 30%: Fine of 800,000 – 1,000,000 VND.
- Exceeding 30% – 50%: Fine of 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND.
- Exceeding 50% – 100%: Fine of 5,000,000 – 7,000,000 VND.
- Exceeding 100% – 150%: Fine of 7,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND.
- Exceeding 150% or more: Fine of 8,000,000 – 12,000,000 VND.
The penalty increases significantly as the degree of overload increases. Vehicle owners and drivers should pay special attention to avoid violations.
Trucks carrying cargo exceeding the load capacity will be handled according to regulations
Van Truck Supermarket – A Reputable Address to Buy Van Trucks at Good Prices
To feel secure using a van truck in accordance with the law, choosing a quality vehicle and receiving thorough advice is very important. Van Truck Supermarket is proud to be a dealer specializing in providing genuine, high-quality van truck models at the most competitive prices on the market.
At our showroom, you will be able to experience and directly compare vehicle models, receive professional advice to make the most suitable choice for your needs. Contact the hotline 0934.102.234 for prompt support and to update attractive offers at Van Truck Supermarket.
The above article has summarized the most important laws related to van trucks. Xe Tải Mỹ Đình hopes that this information will help you better understand the legal regulations and use van trucks safely, effectively, and legally.
Contact Information for Van Truck Supermarket:
- Address: 4 Song Hành Street, Trung Mỹ Tây, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City
- Email: phongmktansuong@gmail.com
- Hotline: 0934.102.234
- Technical support: 0904 862 863
- Emergency rescue hotline: 0988 566 079
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