Discover how Vietnam’s pickup trucks are classified and the differing traffic restrictions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Learn the rules now!
Pickup trucks, locally called xe bán tải, are one of the most common vehicle types on Vietnam’s streets. Recent updates to the Ministry of Transport’s Circular 53 have re‑classified many pickups as standard cargo trucks, meaning they must obey the same traffic rules as larger trucks.
What Circular 53 Changes Mean for Pickups
Circular 53 (issued by the Ministry of Transport) groups single‑cab and double‑cab pickups under the “standard cargo truck” category. The classification is based on factors such as cargo‑bed size, the ratio of cargo weight to passenger weight, and the overall vehicle mass. Most double‑cab pickups sold in Vietnam now fall into this group because their total weight exceeds 2 tonnes and the cargo‑to‑passenger ratio stays below 80%.
Key Restrictions for All Standard Cargo Trucks
- No access to lanes reserved for passenger cars (sign R.403d).
- Maximum speed limited to the cargo‑truck limit, typically 60 km/h on urban roads.
However, not every pickup is automatically treated as a cargo truck. Models such as the pre‑2021 Ford Ranger Raptor were still registered as passenger cars, which allows them to use passenger‑car lanes and follow the higher speed limits applicable to sedans and SUVs.
Hanoi’s Specific Limits (Decision 01/2026)
Hanoi’s People’s Committee issued Decision 01/2026, which imposes strict time‑based bans on standard cargo trucks entering the inner city. The typical rule is:
- Pickups classified as cargo trucks may NOT operate between 06:00 and 21:30 inside Hanoi’s central districts.
- They are only allowed on those streets from 21:30 to 06:00 the next day.
The city’s Construction Department confirmed the measure and said it is reviewing alternatives to minimise disruption for pickup owners while still meeting traffic‑flow goals.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Approach (Decision 23/2019)
Ho Chi Minh City took a slightly different route. Decision 23/2019 lists “pickup trucks” among the vehicle types exempt from the general cargo‑truck restrictions that apply to the city centre. In practice, this means:
- Pickups can travel in the inner‑city area unless a specific sign indicates a prohibition.
- They must still obey truck‑specific signs such as P.106a (no truck traffic of any weight) and P.106b (weight‑based bans, e.g., vehicles under 2.5 tonnes).
Because most Vietnamese pickups exceed 2 tonnes, they are affected by P.106b signs that limit traffic to lighter‑load trucks only.
Practical Takeaways for Drivers
- Check your vehicle’s registration – if it is listed under the cargo‑truck category, treat it as a truck everywhere.
- In Hanoi, plan night‑time trips if you need to drive a pickup inside the central districts.
- In Ho Chi Minh City, watch for P.106a/b signs; you may still be barred from certain streets based on weight.
- Older models that remain classified as passenger cars (e.g., early‑year Ford Ranger Raptor) enjoy more flexible lane access and speed limits.
Bottom Line
Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City now treat the majority of pickups as standard cargo trucks, subjecting them to truck‑specific road signs and lane restrictions. Hanoi enforces a strict time‑window ban, while Ho Chi Minh City allows pickups on most inner‑city roads unless a targeted sign applies. Understanding these nuances helps drivers stay compliant and avoid fines.