Discover how Vietnam now classifies pickup trucks as light trucks, the new Ho Chi Minh City traffic limits, and how drivers can avoid costly fines. Read more.
Starting in 2024, the Vietnamese Ministry of Transport (now the Ministry of Construction) re‑defined most pickup trucks as light trucks under Circular 53. This change lowers registration fees but also subjects pickups to the same traffic rules and restrictions that apply to commercial trucks.
Why Pickups Are Now Treated Like Light Trucks
The re‑classification follows the QCVN 41:2024 technical standard, which groups vehicles with a gross vehicle weight under 2,500 kg (or a payload under 1,500 kg) into the light‑truck category. Most pickups on Vietnamese roads—such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D‑Max and Nissan Navara—carry a typical payload of less than 1,000 kg, placing them firmly in this bracket.
Time‑Based Restrictions in Central Ho Chi Minh City
According to Decision 23 issued by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee in 2018, light trucks are prohibited from entering the city’s inner districts during peak hours:
- Morning block: 06:00 – 09:00
- Evening block: 16:00 – 20:00
Violating these time windows can result in fines ranging from 4 million to 6 million VND (about $170‑$250) and a deduction of two driver‑license points. If an accident occurs while driving in a restricted zone, the penalty jumps to 20 million‑22 million VND and ten points.
Understanding the Road Signs
New signage has been rolled out to help drivers identify prohibited routes:
- P.106a: “No light‑truck access” – applies to all light trucks unless an exemption is displayed.
- P.106b: Limits heavy‑payload light trucks. The allowed payload is shown as a white number on the vehicle‑silhouette icon.
Additional signs such as R.403a (general vehicle lane) and R.403d (lane for small motor vehicles) indicate where a pickup can legally travel. When a pickup is classified as a light truck, it must stay in lanes marked with R.403a or the dedicated light‑truck lane R.412c.
Parking and Stopping Restrictions
Areas marked with a “No stopping/parking” sign now also apply to most pickups. Penalties are:
- 600,000‑800,000 VND for stopping where it’s prohibited.
- 800,000‑1,000,000 VND for illegal parking.
Lane‑Usage Rules for Pickups
Even though pickups can share the general traffic lane (R.403a), they are not allowed to use the middle lane on roads where that lane is reserved for small cars, motorcycles, or buses. For example, on a three‑lane arterial road, the far‑left lane (adjacent to the median) is often designated for light trucks, while the central lane is off‑limits to them.
Consequences of Using the Wrong Lane
Under Decree 168, driving in an unauthorized lane carries the same fine as entering a prohibited zone: 4 million‑6 million VND and a two‑point licence deduction. If the lane violation leads to a traffic accident, the fine rises to 10 million‑12 million VND with a ten‑point deduction.
What Drivers Should Do
- Check your registration document to confirm whether your pickup is classified as a light truck.
- Observe time‑based entry bans for Ho Chi Minh City’s central districts.
- Pay attention to P.106a / P.106b signs and stay out of restricted routes.
- Use only the lanes marked for general vehicles (R.403a) or dedicated light‑truck lanes (R.412c).
- Avoid stopping or parking where “No stopping/parking” signs are displayed.
By following these guidelines, pickup owners can enjoy the benefits of lower registration fees without risking hefty fines or point deductions.