Learn how new regulations classify pickup trucks as light trucks in Ho Chi Minh City, the time restrictions, lane rules and penalties. Stay compliant today!
Starting in 2024, Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport (now the Ministry of Construction) re‑classified most pickup trucks as light trucks. While owners enjoy a lower registration fee, they must also follow the same traffic rules that apply to commercial trucks.
New Classification of Pickup Trucks
The 2024 Notice No. 53 defines a light truck as a vehicle with a total weight under 2,500 kg or a payload under 1,500 kg. Most pickups sold in Vietnam—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. This automatically places them in the light‑truck category.
Time Restrictions in the City Centre
According to Decision No. 23 issued by Ho Chi Minh City in 2018, light trucks are prohibited from entering the inner‑city area during peak periods:
- 06:00 – 09:00 a.m.
- 04:00 – 08:00 p.m.
Violating these time windows can result in fines of VND 4‑6 million (≈ $170‑$260) and a loss of 2 driver licence points.
Key Road Signs and What They Mean
Vehicle restrictions are signalled by the P.106 series signs introduced in the QCVN 41:2024 standard:
- P.106a – General ban on all light trucks on the indicated road.
- P.106b – Conditional ban: only light trucks whose registered payload exceeds the numeric value shown (white number on the vehicle silhouette) are prohibited.
Driving into a prohibited zone during a ban can increase the fine to VND 20‑22 million (≈ $850‑$940) and deduct 10 licence points if an accident occurs.
Parking and Stopping Penalties
Supplementary signs that depict a truck silhouette together with “No stopping” or “No parking” are now enforced for most pickups:
- Stopping where “No stopping/parking” is posted: VND 600,000‑800,000.
- Parking where “No parking” or “No stopping/parking” is displayed: VND 800,000‑1,000,000.
Lane Usage Rules
Even though pickups can technically travel on lanes marked for private cars (sign R.403a), once they are classified as light trucks they must obey the following:
- Use any lane with the generic car sign (R.403a) or the dedicated light‑truck lane marked by sign R.412c.
- Do not use the central lane that is reserved for small cars, motorcycles and buses (sign R.403d).
- On highways with a left‑hand “outside” lane beside the median, pickups may use that outer lane, but the inner middle lane remains off‑limits.
Driving in an incorrect lane incurs the same 4‑6 million VND fine and 2 licence‑point deduction. If the lane violation leads to a collision, the penalty jumps to VND 10‑12 million and a 10‑point licence loss.
Bottom Line for Drivers
If you own or operate a pickup in Ho Chi Minh City, treat it as a light truck:
- Check road signs carefully—especially P.106a/b and R.412c.
- Avoid the city centre during the 6‑9 am and 4‑8 pm windows.
- Park only where general‑car or unrestricted parking is allowed.
- Stay in the correct lane to avoid hefty fines and licence‑point losses.
Understanding these rules helps you keep your vehicle legal, your wallet safe, and the roads smoother for everyone.