Is your van truck banned from city driving? This is a common concern for vehicle owners. This article clarifies the regulations regarding van truck restrictions, helping you stay informed and avoid penalties.
What is a Van Truck? Classification and Characteristics
Van trucks are a popular type of transport vehicle used for carrying both people and goods. They are smaller than passenger cars but larger than MPVs. Van trucks are characterized by their enclosed cargo space, with sliding side doors or rear doors that open upwards. Some popular van truck models on the market include the Hyundai Starex, Ford Transit, and Suzuki Blind Van.
Van trucks are favored for their convenience and ease of maneuverability in crowded urban areas. However, due to concerns about traffic congestion and environmental pollution, many cities have implemented regulations restricting van truck traffic.
Are Van Trucks Banned from Inner-City Areas?
Whether van trucks are banned depends on the regulations of each city and the vehicle’s load capacity.
According to Decision 23/2019/QĐ-UBND, van trucks with a load capacity of under 500kg are permitted to operate 24/7 in the city. However, van trucks with a load capacity of over 500kg are restricted from operating during peak hours.
Van Truck Ban During Peak Hours
In Ho Chi Minh City, trucks with a load capacity of over 0.5 tons are prohibited from circulating from 6 AM to 8 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM daily on certain routes. This regulation aims to reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution.
Whether van trucks are banned during peak hours depends on the load capacity stated on the Certificate of Quality, Technical Safety, and Environmental Protection for Road Motor Vehicles. If the load capacity exceeds 0.5 tons, the vehicle will be subject to traffic restrictions according to regulations.
Exception: Suzuki Blind Van
A notable exception is the Suzuki Blind Van model. Although registered as a truck, the Suzuki Blind Van, with a load capacity of 495kg, is allowed to operate 24/7, including during peak hours. This makes it an ideal choice for transporting goods within the city without worrying about traffic restrictions.
2019 Van Truck Ban Regulations and Exemptions
Decision 23/2019/QĐ-UBND specifies the restricted hours for truck traffic. Trucks under 2.5 tons are banned from 6 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM. Trucks over 2.5 tons are banned from 6 AM to 10 PM.
However, some types of vehicles are exempt from this regulation, including:
- Military and police vehicles, fire trucks
- Van trucks with a load capacity of under 500kg
- Passenger vehicles with 5 seats or more
- Funeral vehicles
Conclusion
Whether van trucks are banned depends on various factors such as load capacity, time of day, and specific local regulations. Vehicle owners need to be well-informed to avoid violations and penalties. The Suzuki Blind Van is a noteworthy option for those needing to transport goods within the city without being restricted by hourly bans.
