Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BXD on the load capacity, width limits of roads; operation of vehicles exceeding width limits, overloaded vehicles, tracked vehicles on roads; oversized and overweight cargo, transportation of oversized and overweight cargo; loading goods onto road transport vehicles; issuing permits for the operation of overloaded vehicles, vehicles exceeding width limits, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo on roads

CIRCULAR

Regulations on the load capacity and width limits of roads; operation of vehicles exceeding width limits, overloaded vehicles, tracked vehicles on roads; oversized and overweight cargo, transportation of oversized and overweight cargo; loading goods onto road transport vehicles; issuance of permits for overloaded vehicles, vehicles exceeding width limits, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo on roads;Road Law

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Pursuant toTransport and Safety June 27, 2024;

BASED ON THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDER AND SAFETY LAW dated June 27, 2024;

Decree No. 33/2025/Decree-CP dated February 25 the 02 day5 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Construction;

At the proposal of the Head of the traffic and the Director General of the Vietnam Road Administration, stipulates on the load capacity and width limits of roads; operation of vehicles exceeding width limits, overloaded vehicles, tracked vehicles on roads; oversized and overweight cargo, transportation of oversized and overweight cargo; loading goods onto road transport vehicles; issuance of permits for overloaded vehicles, vehicles exceeding width limits, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo on roads.

Minister of of Construction issues the Circular qThis Circular stipulates on the load capacity and width limits of roads; operation of vehicles exceeding width limits, overloaded vehicles, tracked vehicles on roads; oversized and overweight cargo, transportation of oversized and overweight cargo; loading goods onto road transport vehicles; issuance of permits for overloaded vehicles, vehicles exceeding width limits, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo on roads. 

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular applies to organizations and individuals related to: management and publication of the load capacity and width limits of roads; operation of vehicles exceeding width limits, overloaded vehicles, tracked vehicles on roads, transportation of oversized and overweight cargo; loading goods onto road transport vehicles; issuance of permits for overloaded vehicles, vehicles exceeding width limits, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo on roads.

Article 2. Applicability

1. The total mass of the vehicle includes the mass of the vehicle itself plus the mass of specialized equipment installed on the vehicle according to the manufacturer's instructions (if applicable) plus the mass of people, luggage, and cargo (including containers; equipment used to support, brace, and secure cargo) loaded onto the vehicle (if applicable).

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

2. Axle load of the vehicle is the total mass of the vehicle distributed on each axle or axle group.

3. The maximum permissible dimensions of motorized road transport vehicles are the outer dimensions including the width, height, and length of the vehicle, including cargo loaded on the vehicle (if applicable), allowed to participate in road traffic.

4. Tracked vehicles are self-propelled machines that move using tracks, which may cause damage to the road surface and shoulders when operating on roads.

5. A vehicle combination consists of one truck towing one trailer or one truck tractor towing one semi-trailer or multiple vehicles connected and coupled in accordance with Clause 4, Article 53 of the Road Traffic Safety Law to transport oversized and overweight cargo.

6. Cargo that cannot be divided or disassembled (hereinafter referred to as indivisible cargo) is cargo in sealed packages or units from customs, security, or defense agencies, or a combination of components, equipment, or machinery that would be damaged or lose functionality if disassembled or divided.

7. A level crossing is a section of road intersecting at the same level with railway tracks, permitted by authorized authorities to be constructed and operated.

8. A business investing in construction and managing operation of road projects is a public-private partnership (PPP) project enterprise or a business assigned by the State to invest in construction, manage, and operate road projects.

9. A cargo unit is one sealed package or unit from customs, security, or defense agencies, or one construction component, or one complete piece of equipment, machinery.

10. A carrier is an organization or individual using vehicles to transport goods on roads.

11. A loader is an organization or individual responsible for loading goods onto road transport vehicles.

12. An escort is an individual employed by the carrier or consignor to supervise the cargo during transportation on roads.

13. A freight customer is an organization or individual hiring a transport business to transport goods by road transport vehicles.

14. Loose cargo is ordinary cargo not packed in boxes, bags, or containers, transported directly in the cargo compartments of trucks, specialized vehicles, truck trailers, semi-trailer trucks, trailer trucks, or specialized semi-trailers.

15. Packed cargo is cargo enclosed in bags, boxes, or units to protect it during transportation.

16. Cylindrical cargo is cargo with cylindrical or tubular shapes that can roll easily on flat surfaces.

REGULATIONS ON LOAD CAPACITY AND WIDTH LIMITS OF ROADS

Chapter II
1. The load capacity of roads is regulated in Clause 1, Article 27 of the Road Law.

Article 4. Load Capacity of Roadways

2. The operational load-bearing capacity of roads includes:

a) The operational load-bearing capacity of bridges is determined based on bridge design documents and the actual technical condition of the bridges, published by authorized authorities in accordance with Articles 6 and 7 of this Circular;

b) The operational load-bearing capacity of roads is determined based on road surface design documents and the actual technical condition of the roads, published by authorized authorities in accordance with Articles 6 and 7 of this Circular.

The width limits of roads are regulated in Clause 2, Article 27 of the Road Law, published by authorized authorities in accordance with Articles 6 and 7 of this Circular.

Article 5. Width Limit of Roadways

The limited width of roads is prescribed in Clause 2 of Article 27 of the Road Law and is announced by the competent authority in accordance with Articles 6 and 7 of this Circular.

Article 6. Announcing the load capacity and width limits of roads and the technical condition of level crossings

1. The Vietnam Highway Administration shall announce the load capacity and width limits of national highways as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 8 of the Road Law (excluding cases stipulated in Clauses 2 and 3 of this Article) on the Vietnam Highway Administration's electronic information website.

2. The Vietnam Railway Administration shall announce the technical condition of level crossings in the railway network of Vietnam on the Vietnam Railway Administration's electronic information website; simultaneously sending data to the Vietnam Highway Administration for updating on the Vietnam Highway Administration's electronic information website.

3. Provincial People's Committees shall announce the load capacity and width limits of roads under their management and dedicated roads with public transportation activities on the provincial People's Committee's electronic information website.

4. Authorities with the powers prescribed in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of this Article shall publicly announce road load capacity and width limit information according to the form prescribed in Appendix IX issued together with this Circular.

Article 7. Adjusting announced road load capacity and width limits and level crossing technical conditions

1. The Vietnam Highway Administration shall be responsible for updating the load capacity and width limits of roads and the technical condition of level crossings nationwide on the Vietnam Highway Administration's electronic information website annually (before March 20 each year). In case there are changes in road load capacity and width limits, the Vietnam Highway Administration shall be responsible for updating the information on its electronic information website within no more than five working days from the date it receives data from the Highway Management Zones and authorities specified in Clauses 2, 3, and 4 of this Article.

2. The Vietnam Railway Administration shall be responsible for updating the technical condition of level crossings in the railway network on the Vietnam Railway Administration's electronic information website, simultaneously sending data to the Vietnam Highway Administration for updating on the Vietnam Highway Administration's electronic information website annually (before March 15 each year) and within no more than five working days from the date of changes in the technical condition of level crossings.

3. Provincial People's Committees shall organize the update of road load capacity and width limits within their authority.

4. Project investors for road construction and investment enterprises managing and operating road projects shall be responsible for sending data to the provincial People's Committee (for roads managed by localities), the Vietnam Highway Administration (for national highways as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 8 of the Road Law) for announcement and updating on the provincial People's Committee's and Vietnam Highway Administration's electronic information websites annually (before March 10 each year) and within no more than five working days from the date of changes in road load capacity and width limits.

5. Managers and users of dedicated roads with public transportation activities shall be responsible for sending data to the provincial People's Committee for announcement and updating on the provincial electronic information website annually (before March 10 each year) and within no more than five working days from the date of changes in road load capacity and width limits.

6. For bridges on routes and sections of roads that have been announced but not yet upgraded synchronously with the announced road load capacity and width limits, managers and users of road works shall be responsible for installing warning signs limiting the load capacity and width limits of vehicles consistent with the actual load capacity and width limits of the bridge.

Chapter III
OPERATING VEHICLES EXCEEDING WIDTH LIMITS, LOAD CAPACITY LIMITS, AND TRACK-LAYING VEHICLES ON ROADS

Article 8. Circulation of vehicles exceeding size limits and weight limits on roads

1. The circulation of vehicles exceeding size limits and weight limits on roads must ensure road traffic safety and the safety of road works.

2. Organizations and individuals who are vehicle owners, transport units, transport lessees, or drivers when circulating vehicles exceeding weight limits or size limits on roads, in addition to complying with the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article, shall also comply with the following provisions:

a) Possess a vehicle circulation permit issued by the competent authority in accordance with Appendix III of this Circular;

b) Based on the type of vehicle, type of cargo, transportation location (departure point, destination), select appropriate routes and cargo stacking plans to ensure road traffic safety and the safety of road works; implement measures to protect road works as stipulated in Clause 4 of Article 52 of the Road Traffic Safety Law;

c) Comply with the provisions stated in the vehicle circulation permit;

d) Vehicles carrying cargo exceeding the designed load capacity of the vehicle as recorded in the vehicle technical safety inspection certificate are not permitted to circulate on roads.

3. Organizations and individuals who are vehicle owners, transport units, transport lessees, or drivers when circulating vehicles exceeding size limits transporting two or more cargo units must comply with the provisions of Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article and meet the following requirements:

a) The total weight and axle load of the vehicle must not exceed the limits specified in Articles 14 and 15 of this Circular;

b) When stacking two or more cargo units according to the height of the cargo bed, the cargo stacking height must comply with the provisions of Article 16 of this Circular;

c) When stacking two or more cargo units according to the length of the cargo bed, it must be ensured that the length does not exceed the cargo bed length and does not exceed 20.0 meters (from the foremost point of the vehicle's front end to the farthest point at the rear of the cargo stacked on the vehicle);

d) When stacking two or more cargo units according to the width of the cargo bed, it must be ensured that the width does not exceed the cargo bed width and the overall width of the cargo does not exceed 2.5 meters.

4. Agencies and organizations directly managing road works in cases where reinforcement is required to approve survey, design, and reinforcement plans for road works in accordance with Decree No. 165/2024/NĐ-CP dated December 26, 2024 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Road Law and Article 77 of the Road Traffic Safety Law.

Article 9. Circulation of tracked vehicles on roads

1. Tracked vehicles when circulating on roads must ensure road traffic safety and implement mandatory measures such as installing track shoes, laying lattice mats, steel plates, or other measures to protect the road surface. In cases where these mandatory measures are not implemented, tracked vehicles must be transported on other conveyance means.

2. Organizations and individuals who are vehicle owners, transport units, transport lessees, or drivers when circulating tracked vehicles on roads, in addition to complying with the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article, shall also comply with the following provisions:

a) Possess a vehicle circulation permit issued by the competent authority in accordance with Appendix IV of this Circular;

b) Comply with the provisions stated in the vehicle circulation permit;

c) Comply with the provisions of Clause 4 of Article 8 of this Circular and measures to protect road works as stipulated in Clause 4 of Article 52 of the Road Traffic Safety Law.

Chapter IV
SUPER-DIMENSIONAL AND SUPER-WEIGHT CARGO, TRANSPORTATION OF SUPER-DIMENSIONAL AND SUPER-WEIGHT CARGO ON ROADS

Article 10. Provisions on oversized and overweight goods

1. Oversized goods as defined in Clause 1, Article 53 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, when loaded onto a vehicle or a combination of vehicles, cause the vehicle or the combination of vehicles to have at least one of the following dimensions exceeding the outer limits (including cargo on the vehicle, combination of vehicles):

a) Length greater than twenty meters;

b) Width greater than two point five meters;

c) Height measured from the highest point of the road surface exceeding 4.2 meters; for vehicles carrying large containers, this height exceeds 4.35 meters.

2. Overweight goods as defined in Clause 1, Article 53 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, when loaded onto a vehicle or a combination of vehicles, cause the vehicle or the combination of vehicles to have a total weight (including cargo on the vehicle, combination of vehicles) exceeding 48 tons.

Article 11. Vehicles transporting oversized and overweight goods

1. Vehicles transporting oversized and overweight goods must comply with the provisions set out in Clauses 2 and 3, Article 53 of the Road Traffic Safety Law; at the same time, they must be compatible with the specifications recorded in the certificate of technical safety inspection and environmental protection of the vehicle.

2. In cases where modular trailer units capable of being joined and connected to each other are used to transport oversized and overweight goods, the certificate of technical safety inspection and environmental protection of the vehicle must indicate that such joining and connecting is permitted.

Article 12. Circulation of vehicles transporting oversized and overweight goods on roads

1. The circulation of vehicles transporting oversized and overweight goods on roads must be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 8 of this Circular.

2. Organizations and individuals who are the owners of the means of transport, transportation units, persons hiring transportation, or drivers when transporting oversized and overweight goods on roads, in addition to complying with the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article, must also comply with the following provisions:

a) Based on the type of goods, the transportation location (departure point, destination) to select the route, means of transport (including specialized equipment to support the transportation of oversized and overweight goods) and appropriate loading plan to ensure traffic safety and safety of road infrastructure;

b) Hold a permit for circulating vehicles as prescribed in Appendix III of this Circular issued by the competent authority;

c) Adhere to the conditions stipulated in the vehicle circulation permit;

d) Only carry one unit of overweight goods.

Chapter V
LOADING OF GOODS ON ROAD TRANSPORT MEANS

Article 13. General provisions on loading goods on road transport means

1. Transportation units must choose road transport means suitable for the size and weight of the goods being transported. The goods transported must be compatible with the structure of the cargo hold and the capacity of the transport means.

2. Loading of goods on road transport means when participating in road traffic must comply with the regulations on the total weight of the vehicle, axle load, axle group load, permissible height, width, and length of goods loaded on the vehicle as stipulated in Articles 14, 15, 16, and 17 of this Circular, and not exceed the permissible weight of goods carried for participation in traffic recorded in the certificate of technical safety inspection and environmental protection of the vehicle, except in cases where a permit for circulating overloaded vehicles, vehicles exceeding dimensional limits, or vehicles transporting oversized and overweight goods on roads has been granted.

3. Goods loaded on the means of transport must be neatly arranged, evenly distributed, securely fastened, and properly cushioned and lined to prevent movement in all horizontal, vertical, and longitudinal directions; ensuring environmental hygiene regulations; preventing spillage during traffic participation; not obstructing the driver's view; not causing loss of balance of the means of transport or difficulty for the driver in controlling it; not obscuring the license plate, warning lights, and other safety signs of the means of transport. Some commonly used equipment for reinforcing, securing, cushioning, and lining goods is guided in Appendix X attached to this Circular.

4. For machinery and transportation means goods, before loading onto the means of transport, all fuel must be removed from the storage tanks. Methods for loading machinery and transportation means goods are guided in Appendix XI attached to this Circular.

5. Loading of goods on the means of transport for packaged goods in bags, boxes, crates, rolls, and blocks must follow the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Loading of dangerous goods on the means of transport must comply with regulations on the transportation of dangerous goods by motor vehicles and the provisions of this Chapter.

Article 14. Axle load limits and tandem axle load limits

1. Single axle: axle load ≤ 10 tons.

2. Tandem axles, depending on the distance (d) between the centers of two axles:

a) In case d < 1.0 meters, tandem axle load ≤ 11 tons;

b) In case 1.0 meters ≤ d < 1.3 meters, tandem axle load ≤ 16 tons;

c) In case d ≥ 1.3 meters, tandem axle load ≤ 18 tons.

3. Tridem axles, depending on the distance (d) between the centers of adjacent axles:

a) In case d ≤ 1.3 meters, tridem axle load ≤ 21 tons;

b) In case d > 1.3 meters, tridem axle load ≤ 24 tons.

Article 15. Total weight limits for vehicles and vehicle combinations

1. For automobiles with a total number of axles:

a) Two, total weight of the vehicle ≤ 16 tons;

b) Three, total weight of the vehicle ≤ 24 tons;

c) Four, total weight of the vehicle ≤ 30 tons;

d) Five or more and the distance from the center of the first axle to the center of the last axle is less than or equal to 7 meters, total weight of the vehicle ≤ 32 tons;

e) Five or more and the distance from the center of the first axle to the center of the last axle is greater than 7 meters, total weight of the vehicle ≤ 34 tons.

2. For automobile combinations consisting of tractor units pulling semi-trailers with a total number of axles:

a) Three, total weight of the combination ≤ 26 tons;

b) Four, total weight of the combination ≤ 34 tons;

c) Five and the distance from the kingpin center to the center of the first wheel of the semi-trailer is from 3.2 meters to 4.5 meters, total weight of the combination ≤ 38 tons;

d) Five and the distance from the kingpin center to the center of the first wheel of the semi-trailer is greater than 4.5 meters, total weight of the combination ≤ 42 tons;

e) Six or more and the distance from the kingpin center to the center of the first wheel of the semi-trailer is from 3.2 meters to 4.5 meters, total weight of the combination ≤ 40 tons; in case carrying one container, total weight of the combination ≤ 42 tons;

f) Six or more and the distance from the kingpin center to the center of the first wheel of the semi-trailer is from 4.5 meters to 6.5 meters, total weight of the combination ≤ 44 tons;

g) Six or more and the distance from the kingpin center to the center of the first wheel of the semi-trailer is greater than 6.5 meters, total weight of the combination ≤ 48 tons.

3. For automobile combinations pulling trailers: the total weight of the combination includes the total weight of the automobile (corresponding to the total weight of the vehicle specified in Clause 1 of this Article) and the total load of all axles and tandem axles of the trailer being pulled (corresponding to the axle load and tandem axle load specified in Article 14 of this Circular), specifically as follows:

a) In case the automobile pulls a single tandem axle trailer with the distance from the center of the kingpin hole of the drawbar to the midpoint of the tandem axle of the trailer measured horizontally across the drawbar being greater than or equal to 3.7 meters, the total weight of the combination ≤ 45 tons;

b) In case the automobile pulls a multi-tandem axle trailer with the distance from the center of the kingpin hole of the drawbar to the center of the front axle or the midpoint of the front tandem axle of the trailer measured horizontally across the drawbar being greater than or equal to 3.0 meters, the total weight of the combination ≤ 45 tons.

4. For cases where the automobile combinations consisting of tractor units pulling semi-trailers as specified in point c and point e of Clause 2 of this Article but with the distance from the kingpin center to the center of the first wheel of the semi-trailer < 3.2 meters or automobile combinations pulling a single tandem axle trailer as specified in point a of Clause 3 of this Article but with the distance from the center of the kingpin hole of the drawbar to the midpoint of the tandem axle of the trailer < 3.7 meters or automobile combinations pulling multi-tandem axle trailers as specified in point b of Clause 3 of this Article but with the distance from the center of the kingpin hole of the drawbar to the center of the front axle or the midpoint of the front tandem axle of the trailer < 3.0 meters, the total weight of the combination must be reduced by 2 tons for each meter shorter than the distances mentioned in this clause corresponding to each case.

Article 16. Height of Cargo Stacking on Road Transport Vehicles

1. For open-box trucks with a canopy, the permitted height of cargo stacking is the height limit within the truck bed as designed, recorded in the vehicle's safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate.

2. For open-box trucks without a canopy, cargo stacked higher than the truck bed height as designed, recorded in the vehicle's safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate, must be securely fastened, supported, and braced to ensure safety during road traffic. The permitted height of cargo stacking shall not exceed the following limits, measured from the highest point of the road surface:

a) For vehicles designed to carry a load of 5 tons or more, as recorded in the vehicle's safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate: the height of cargo stacking shall not exceed 4.2 meters;

b) For vehicles designed to carry a load of 2.5 tons to less than 5 tons, as recorded in the vehicle's safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate: the height of cargo stacking shall not exceed 3.5 meters;

c) For vehicles designed to carry a load of less than 2.5 tons, as recorded in the vehicle's safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate: the height of cargo stacking shall not exceed 2.8 meters.

3. Container-carrying vehicles: the height of cargo stacking measured from the highest point of the road surface shall not exceed 4.35 meters.

4. When transporting loose materials, construction materials, or waste: the height of cargo stacking shall comply with the provisions set forth in Point d Clause 1 Article 49 of the Road Traffic Safety Law.

5. Motorcycles and motorbikes: the height of cargo stacking shall comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 5 Article 33 of the Road Traffic Safety Law.

Article 17. Width and Length of Cargo Stacking on Road Transport Vehicles

1. The permitted width of cargo stacking on road transport vehicles is the width of the truck bed as designed, recorded in the vehicle's safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate.

2. The permitted length of cargo stacking on road transport vehicles shall not exceed 1.1 times the total length of the vehicle as designed, recorded in the vehicle's safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate, and shall not exceed 20.0 meters. In cases where equipment similar in shape to containers (but not containers) is used to store goods, when stacking this equipment onto trailers or semi-trailers, it shall not exceed the design length (recorded in the safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate) of the trailer or semi-trailer.

3. Passenger cars are not allowed to stack cargo or luggage protruding beyond the outer dimensions of the vehicle and shall not stack cargo or luggage on the roof (except for cases approved by the inspection authority) to ensure traffic safety.

4. Motorcycles and motorbikes: the width and length of cargo stacking shall comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 5 Article 33 of the Road Traffic Safety Law.

5. Primitive vehicles: the width and length of cargo stacking shall comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 5 Article 31 of the Road Traffic Safety Law.

Article 18. Provisions on loose cargo loading

1. When transporting loose cargo, construction materials must comply with the provisions set out in point đ, Clause 1, Article 49 of the Road Traffic Safety Law.

2. The loading and covering of loose cargo shall be guided by Appendix XII issued together with this Circular.

Article 19. Provisions on package cargo loading

1. Packages with heavier weight and stable packaging shall be loaded at the bottom.

2. Items of the same size shall be arranged together.

3. Packages that are inclined or offset shall be placed in the middle to ensure minimal shifting during transportation.

4. In cases where there are gaps between packages, devices and tools must be used to prevent collision and movement during transportation. If there are still empty spaces in the vehicle's cargo area after loading, devices and tools must be used to secure the goods.

Article 20. Provisions on cylindrical cargo loading

1. Cylindrical cargo shall be laid horizontally or vertically along the length of the transport vehicle depending on the length of the cargo compared to the cargo area of the vehicle. When laid horizontally, it must be perpendicular to the length of the transport vehicle.

2. Cylindrical cargo with height smaller than or equal to its diameter must be placed upright so that the axis of the cylindrical cargo is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the vehicle's cargo area or follow the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Cylindrical cargo must be securely fastened to the sides of the transport vehicle and must use specialized cargo containers or use support racks, brackets with wedges, base wedges, or channels, securing devices, and padding to fix them firmly on the cargo floor, ensuring stability and preventing lateral, longitudinal, and vertical movement of the cargo during transportation.

4. For cylindrical cargo with smooth surfaces, when stacked, cushioning material must be used between layers to prevent slipping.

5. The loading and securing of cylindrical cargo shall be guided by Appendix XIII issued together with this Circular.

Article 21. Provisions on containerized cargo loading and container loading on vehicles

1. Containerized cargo loading must meet the following requirements:

a) The container must be suitable for the type and characteristics of the cargo;

b) Padding and securing to prevent cargo movement within the container during transportation;

c) Maximum usage weight and cargo loading in the container must comply with the National Standard TCVN 7553:2005 (ISO 668:1995) regarding container transportation type 1 - Classification, dimensions, and designated weight;

d) Containerized cargo loading shall be guided by Appendix XIV issued together with this Circular.

2. When transporting containers, a tractor-trailer combination with semi-trailers or container-carrying trucks suitable for the type of container must be used.

3. Containers must be designed and manufactured according to national technical regulations for inspection and production of transport containers. Containers must be securely fixed to the transport vehicle through locking mechanisms to prevent movement during transportation.

Chapter VI
ISSUING PERMITS FOR OVERWEIGHT VEHICLES, OVERSIZE VEHICLES, TRACK-LAYER VEHICLES, AND SUPER-LENGTH AND SUPER-WEIGHT VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION ON ROADS

Article 22. General Provisions on Issuing Permits for Overweight Vehicles, Oversized Vehicles, Track-Laying Vehicles, and Extra Long and Heavy Cargo Transport Vehicles on Roadways

1. Overdimensional vehicles, overweight vehicles, track-laying vehicles, and extra long and heavy cargo transport vehicles shall be issued permits to operate on roadways in the following cases:

a) As stipulated in point a and point c, Clause 3, Article 52 of the Law on Traffic Order and Safety on Roadways;

b) To serve national defense and security tasks upon request from national defense or security agencies;

c) To serve disaster prevention, control, and aftermath mitigation upon request from management agencies or organizations or agencies or organizations assigned to carry out disaster prevention, control, and aftermath mitigation tasks;

d) To perform urgent tasks upon request from management agencies or organizations or agencies or organizations assigned to carry out urgent tasks;

đ) To transport extra long and heavy cargo when the vehicle owner, transportation unit, cargo charterer, or vehicle driver, after investigation and survey, submits a request clearly stating that other modes of cargo transportation such as rail, inland waterway, air, or sea transportation are unsuitable or must combine road transportation with another mode of transportation;

2. The permit for vehicle operation shall be issued for a specific vehicle or a combination of vehicles operating on a particular route or section of roadway (including permission to travel against traffic flow where the roadway infrastructure is limited in terms of weight capacity and width and requires organized traffic flow allowing reverse travel), one-way or two-way (from departure location to destination and vice versa) for each individual shipment or each batch of shipments (in cases involving multiple shipments with dimensions exceeding standard limits, total mass, and axle load equivalent on the same transportation route);

3. No permit for vehicle operation shall be issued in the following cases:

a) When transporting goods exceeding the designed carrying capacity of the vehicle as recorded in the vehicle's technical safety inspection and environmental protection certificate;

b) When towing a trailer or semi-trailer whose total mass (including the mass of the trailer or semi-trailer itself and the cargo loaded onto it) exceeds the maximum allowable towing capacity of the towing vehicle as recorded in the towing vehicle's technical safety inspection and environmental protection certificate;

4. Validity period of the vehicle operation permit:

a) For overweight vehicles, oversized vehicles, and extra long and heavy cargo transport vehicles operating without having to comply with mandatory conditions such as traveling in designated lanes, having personnel or equipment to assist driving, warning other road users, or reinforcing the roadway: if operating on a route or section of roadway that has been comprehensively improved and upgraded, the validity period of the vehicle operation permit shall not exceed ninety days from the date of issuance; if operating on a route or section of roadway that has not been comprehensively improved and upgraded, the validity period of the vehicle operation permit shall not exceed thirty days from the date of issuance;

b) For overweight vehicles, oversized vehicles, and extra long and heavy cargo transport vehicles operating while complying with mandatory conditions such as traveling in designated lanes, having personnel or equipment to assist driving, warning other road users, or reinforcing the roadway infrastructure: the validity period of the vehicle operation permit shall not exceed thirty days from the date of issuance;

c) For self-propelled track-laying vehicles operating on roadways: the validity period of the vehicle operation permit is the duration of each trip from departure location to destination but shall not exceed thirty days from the date of issuance;

d) The validity period of the vehicle operation permit specified in points a, b, and c of this clause must fall within the validity period of the vehicle's technical safety inspection and environmental protection certificate; if the validity period of the vehicle's technical safety inspection and environmental protection certificate is shorter than the period specified in points a, b, and c of this clause, the validity period of the vehicle operation permit shall be equal to the remaining validity period of the vehicle's technical safety inspection and environmental protection certificate;

5. Cases requiring road surveys as stipulated in point a, Clause 4, Article 52 of the Law on Traffic Order and Safety on Roadways are detailed in Appendix XVI attached hereto;

6. The format of the vehicle operation permit is specified in Appendices III and IV attached hereto.

Article 23. Procedure for Issuing Circulation Permits for Vehicles

1. Organizations and individuals (applying for circulation permits for vehicles) shall submit one set of application documents directly, through the postal service system, or through the online public service system to the competent authority as stipulated in Article 24 of this Circular.

2. Contents of the application documents:

a) An application form according to the model prescribed in Appendix I and Appendix II issued together with this Circular;

b) A request letter from the competent agency or organization (for cases prescribed in points b, c, and d, Clause 1, Article 22 of this Circular where the competent agency or organization does not directly sign the application form prescribed in point a of this clause);

c) A report on the results of the road survey (for cases requiring a road survey) according to the model prescribed in Appendix XV issued together with this Circular;

d) A report on the completion of reinforcing works on the road (for cases requiring reinforcement of road works).

3. The procedure for issuing circulation permits for vehicles is as follows:

a) Receiving and checking the components of the application documents

For cases submitting application documents directly: the competent authority shall check the documents on the same working day. In case the documents are incomplete, they shall guide in writing for organizations and individuals to supplement and complete the documents; in case the documents comply with the regulations, they shall accept them and issue a receipt for the result.

For cases submitting application documents through the postal service system or online, within two (2) working days from the date of receiving the documents, the competent authority shall check the documents. In case the documents are incomplete, they shall guide in writing for organizations and individuals to supplement and complete the documents; in case the documents comply with the regulations, they shall accept them and process the documents according to the provisions of point b of this clause.

b) Reviewing the application documents and delivering the result: Within one (1) working day from the date of receiving all the documents as prescribed, the competent authority shall issue the circulation permit for vehicles; in case it is not issued, there must be a written response stating the reasons.

4. On the sections of roads that have been surveyed, designed, and reinforced (if applicable), the competent authority issuing circulation permits for vehicles as stipulated in Article 24 of this Circular may use the reports on the results of the surveys and the reports on the completion of reinforcing works on the roads for a period of six (6) months from the date of preparing the reports to serve the issuance of circulation permits for vehicles that exceed weight limits, vehicles exceeding size limits, vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo with dimensions (including: external dimensions, total mass of the vehicle, axle load, tandem axle load) equivalent to or smaller than the means of transport previously issued circulation permits when operating on these sections of roads.

Article 24. Competent Authority for Issuing Circulation Permits for Vehicles

The Department of Construction shall issue circulation permits for vehicles exceeding weight limits, vehicles exceeding size limits, tracked vehicles, vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo on roads throughout the country in the following cases:

1. Organizations and individuals applying for circulation permits for vehicles whose business registration address or operational registration address is located within the province.

2. Means of transport or goods carried on the means of transport applied for circulation permits for vehicles where the departure location or destination or both the departure and destination locations are within the province.

Article 25. Responsibilities of the agency issuing vehicle operation permits

1. The agency issuing vehicle operation permits shall be responsible for issuing such permits to ensure they are appropriate for the intended users, consistent with the condition of the road network, transport vehicles, and guarantee traffic safety.

2. Selecting routes and sections of roads based on ensuring traffic safety and the safety of road infrastructure.

3. When allowing operation on expressways, basing on the dimensions of the vehicle, the combination of vehicles (including cargo), specific regulations ensuring safety when participating in traffic shall be recorded in the vehicle operation permit in accordance with the conditions of the route's exploitation.

4. Providing the current status of road sections on the transportation route within the management scope upon request from organizations or individuals requiring it or related agencies issuing vehicle operation permits.

5. The agency issuing vehicle operation permits as stipulated in Article 24 of this Circular shall notify the Construction Departments managing the business registration address or operational registration address of organizations or individuals granted vehicle operation permits; managing the areas where the vehicles or goods carried by the vehicles pass through.

6. Immediately notify the Traffic Police Department of the issued vehicle operation permit according to Clause 7, Article 52 and Clause 5, Article 53 of the Road Traffic Safety Law through the postal system or data sharing to the General Traffic Police Corps and Provincial Traffic Police Departments under the provincial public security organs where the vehicles travel.

7. Revoke the vehicle operation permit in cases of violation of the conditions specified in the vehicle operation permit or causing damage to road infrastructure without completing compensation, repair, or remediation work.

The revocation of the vehicle operation permit shall be carried out as follows: within three working days from the date of discovering the violation, the competent authority shall issue a decision to revoke; notify relevant agencies and organizations to cooperate in implementation; publish on the electronic information website of the agency that revoked the vehicle operation permit.

8. Archiving records of vehicle operation permit issuance:

a) The agency issuing vehicle operation permits shall archive records and related documents concerning the issuance of vehicle operation permits;

b) The retention period is five years for vehicle operation permits and three years for documents specified in Clause 2, Article 23 of this Circular.

Chapter VII
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

Article 26. Responsibilities of the Vietnam Highway Administration

1. Organizing the implementation of regulations on axle load limits and dimensional restrictions of roads and cargo loading on road transport vehicles as prescribed in this Circular.

2. Organizing training and guiding professional activities related to the issuance of vehicle operation permits.

3. Inspecting, handling, or recommending handling violations by organizations or individuals issuing vehicle operation permits in accordance with the law.

Article 27. Responsibilities of the Construction Department

1. Organizing the implementation of regulations on axle load limits and dimensional restrictions of roads and cargo loading on road transport vehicles as prescribed in this Circular.

2. Inspecting and handling violations of regulations on cargo loading on road transport vehicles.

3. Complying with inspections and supervision of vehicle operation permit issuance activities by competent authorities.

4. Implementing reporting tasks as follows:

a) Reporting quarterly and annually on the situation of vehicle operation permit issuance to the Vietnam Highway Administration according to the forms prescribed in Appendices V, VI, VII, and VIII attached to this Circular;

b) Methods of sending and receiving reports: Reports are presented in paper form or electronic form; sent via one of the following methods: direct submission, online submission, or postal service;

c) Deadline for submitting reports: Quarterly reports before the 20th day of the last month of each quarter; annual reports before December 20th each year;

d) Data closing period for reports: From the 15th day of the month preceding the reporting period to the 14th day of the last month of the quarter for quarterly reports, and from December 15th of the previous year to December 14th of the reporting year for annual reports.

Article 28. Responsibilities of the Vietnam Vehicle Inspection Agency

Provide accounts to access and share data on inspection results and quality certification during production, assembly, importation, and modification of road traffic vehicles for the Vietnam Highway Administration and Construction Departments of provinces and centrally governed cities.

Article 29. Responsibilities of transportation units, drivers, and escorts

1. Responsibilities of transportation units:

a) Adhere to regulations concerning the operation of oversized vehicles, overweight vehicles, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting extremely long and heavy goods on roads, and the loading of goods on road transport vehicles;

b) Before commencing transportation, provide complete information to drivers, escorts, and loaders regarding the characteristics of the goods, dimensions and weight of the goods, packages, and permissible load capacity for traffic participation of the transport vehicle, road load limits and dimensions along the entire route; be responsible for the accuracy of the provided information and documents;

c) Arrange sufficient covering, reinforcing, securing, padding, and bracing equipment for the loading of goods and to facilitate compliance with regulations by loaders;

d) Disseminate and guide drivers, escorts, and loaders on cargo loading plans that comply with regulations.

2. Responsibilities of drivers and escorts:

a) Implement provisions stipulated in Article 63 of the Road Law;

b) Adhere to regulations concerning the operation of oversized vehicles, overweight vehicles, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting extremely long and heavy goods on roads, and the loading of goods on road transport vehicles;

c) Prior to performing transportation tasks, ensure that the goods on the vehicle have been properly loaded, covered, reinforced, secured, and padded, compare this with the information provided by the transportation unit and manufacturer's instructions to ensure it does not exceed the permissible load capacity for traffic participation of the vehicle.

Article 30. Responsibilities of the cargo owner

1. Follow the provisions stipulated in Article 64 of the Road Law.

2. Adhere to regulations concerning the operation of oversized vehicles, overweight vehicles, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting extremely long and heavy goods on roads, and the loading of goods on road transport vehicles.

3. Provide the transportation unit with information about the characteristics of the goods, dimensions, weight of the goods, packages, and requirements for loading goods on the vehicle, as well as any manufacturer's instructions (if available); be responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the provided information.

Article 31. Responsibilities of the person loading goods onto the vehicle

1. Adhere to regulations concerning the loading of goods onto vehicles.

2. Receive all information provided by the transportation unit and manufacturer's instructions to perform the loading of goods onto the vehicle, and follow the guidance of the driver and escort.

3. Load goods onto the vehicle for transportation without exceeding the permissible load capacity for traffic participation of the vehicle. Do not load goods onto the vehicle if the transportation unit arranges an unsuitable vehicle for the size and weight of the goods to be transported.

Chapter VIII
IMPLEMENTATION

Article 32. Effectiveness

1. This Circular takes effect from July 1, 2025.

2. This Circular replaces Circular No. 39/2024/TT-BGTVT dated November 15, 2024 of the Minister of Transport on road load limits and dimensions; operation of oversized vehicles, overweight vehicles, tracked vehicles on roads; extremely long and heavy goods, transportation of extremely long and heavy goods; loading of goods on road transport vehicles; issuance of permits for overweight vehicles, oversized vehicles, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting extremely long and heavy goods on roads.

3. In cases where the legal normative documents referred to in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, the provisions of the amended, supplemented, or replacing documents shall apply.

1. Documents and papers issued and granted by competent authorities before July 1, 2025, which remain valid or within their validity period, shall continue to be applied and used according to the law until they expire or are amended, supplemented, replaced, abolished, revoked, or recalled by the authority receiving the functions, tasks, and powers or by the competent authority.

1. For vehicle operation permits issued before the effective date of this Circular, they may continue to be used according to the validity period stated in the issued permit.

2. For permit application files received by the competent authority prior to the effective date of this Circular, they shall continue to be processed in accordance with Circular No. 39/2024/TT-BGTVT dated November 15, 2024 of the Minister of Transport./.