Discover why pickup trucks under 950 kg can travel freely in Ho Chi Minh City’s inner districts and learn the key traffic rules. Read more now!
During a press conference on March 26, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction clarified the city’s traffic rules for light trucks and pickup vehicles. The spokesperson, Nguyen Kien Giang, Deputy Head of Traffic Maintenance and Operations, answered reporters’ questions about the long‑standing ban on certain commercial vehicles inside the central districts.
What the law actually says
According to Decision 23/2018, amended by Decision 23/2019, Ho Chi Minh City maintains an inner‑city belt (the “ring road”) where heavy cargo trucks and freight vans are restricted. The purpose is to reduce congestion, accidents and pollution.
However, the same decision explicitly exempts pickup trucks and vans under 950 kg. These vehicles may travel inside the central area at any time, provided they obey the standard traffic signage that applies to trucks.
How the latest regulations differ from the past
Previously, pickups and light trucks were grouped together under a single classification, which created confusion about where they could operate. The 2024 Circular 53 now separates “pickup cars” from “pickup trucks,” removing the ambiguous wording in former Circular 41/2024.
Even though pickups are no longer subject to the inner‑city ban, drivers must still follow lane‑use rules for trucks. For example, they cannot use lanes marked with the R.403d sign, which is reserved for passenger cars.
Practical implications for drivers
- Lane restrictions: Light pickups must travel in truck lanes, not the dedicated passenger‑car lanes.
- Speed limits: The maximum allowed speed is 60 km/h, matching the limit for other trucks.
- Vehicle classification matters: Some older models, such as pre‑2021 Ford Ranger Raptor, are still registered as passenger cars and can use passenger‑car lanes and speed limits.
How Ho Chi Minh City compares with Hanoi
Unlike Hanoi, which imposes time‑based restrictions on pickups, Ho Chi Minh City’s current rules effectively remove the inner‑city ban for vehicles under 950 kg. The city’s approach focuses on vehicle weight rather than vehicle type.
Key take‑aways
• Pick‑ups and vans under 950 kg are free to circulate inside the central districts of Ho Chi Minh City.
• Drivers must still obey truck‑specific lane signs and speed limits.
• The 2024 Circular 53 clarifies vehicle categories, eliminating previous ambiguities.
Stay informed about local traffic regulations to ensure a smooth and legal ride through Vietnam’s bustling megacities.