On the Ministry of Construction's Information Portal, reader L.C.H expressed some opinions related to the classification and application of traffic regulations for high-end pickup trucks, typically Ford Ranger Raptor.
Readers said they agreed with the policy of managing trucks in urban areas.
I fully support the policy of limiting trucks entering the inner city during peak hours, reducing congestion and improving traffic safety. This is a reasonable policy, suitable for traffic conditions in major cities of Vietnam" - the reader expressed.
However, this reader also shared that the problem arising in the current pickup truck classification is as follows: "According to recent vehicle classification regulations (Circular No. 53/2024/TT-BGTVT), pickup trucks are classified into the group of "common trucks" based on structural characteristics. However, in actual use, especially with high-end pickup trucks such as Ford Ranger Raptor, this classification method does not fully reflect the nature of operation and purpose of use, leading to some inadequacies when applying traffic regulations (on speed, lane, restricted hours...).
Readers also informed about the difference between high-end pickup trucks and ordinary trucks.
Car lines such as Ford Ranger Raptor have outstanding characteristics: low actual cargo load, powerful engine, acceleration and operation capabilities equivalent to SUVs, equipped with high active and passive safety systems, meeting Euro 5 or equivalent emission standards, mainly used for personal and family purposes.
Therefore, in actual operating conditions, these vehicles have a traffic behavior closer to cars/SUVs than traditional trucks.
From there, readers analyze the inadequacies when applying regulations such as trucks as follows:
The application of regulations for trucks for high-end pickup trucks may lead to unreasonable speed differences in the same vehicle line, increasing the risk of unsafety when moving in the truck lane or at significantly lower speeds, causing difficulties for users in identifying and complying with regulations, creating inconsistencies in implementation between localities or situations.
In particular, in reality, the situation of the same vehicle, previously understood and operated as a car, may now be applied as a truck in some cases, while there are no clear transition guidelines.
From the above analysis, readers suggest:
Consider more flexible classification for high-end pickup trucks, not applying all pickup trucks uniformly like trucks. Consider additional factors of actual tonnage, purpose of use, operating characteristics and level of traffic impact.
Do not mechanically apply regulations on speed and lane. For pickup trucks used for personal purposes, regulations should not be applied by default like trucks.
Supplement clear and consistent guidance, clarify the application in traffic organization, and have transitional regulations for vehicles that have been in circulation.
I believe that adjustments in a flexible direction, suitable to actual use, will both ensure traffic management goals and create transparency and convenience for people" - the reader emphasized.
After researching, the Vietnam Register has the following opinions:
The classification of pickup trucks into the group of trucks (cargo trucks) in the provisions of Circular No. 53/2024/TT-BGTVT is inherited from the National Standard TCVN 7271:2003 and this classification has been maintained, without changes from 2003 to present.
The criteria for classifying pickup cars and pickup trucks specified in Circular No. 53/2024/TT-BGTVT are inherited from the amended National Standard 2: 2010 TCVN 7271:2003 and this criterion has been maintained, without changes from 2010 to present.
Regarding traffic diversion and restrictions when participating in road traffic: In principle, road management agencies and localities will base on vehicle classification of Circular No. 53/2024/TT-BGTVT to divert traffic, limit operating hours, and limit operating areas for pickup trucks in particular and other types of cars in general in accordance with economic, social and people's needs... and this traffic diversion and restriction is under the authority of traffic management agencies and localities.
