Circular No. 39/2024/TT-BGTVT on the load capacity, width limit of highways; operation of oversized vehicles, overweight vehicles, tracked vehicles on highways; super long and super heavy goods; loading of goods onto road transport vehicles; issuance of permits for overweight vehicles, oversized vehicles, tracked vehicles, vehicles transporting super long and super heavy goods on highways.

CIRCULAR

Provisions on the weight limit and width restriction of roads; operation of vehicles exceeding width restrictions, overweight 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 overweight vehicles, vehicles exceeding width restrictions, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo on roads.

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Pursuant to the Road Law dated June 27, 2024;

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

BASED ON THE DECREE NO. 56/2022/ND-CP dated August 24, 2022 of THE GOVERNMENT stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT;

At the proposal of the Director of the Infrastructure Structure Department and the Director of the Vietnam Highway Administration;

The Minister of Transport issues this Circular providing provisions on the weight limit and width restriction of roads; operation of vehicles exceeding width restrictions, overweight 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 overweight vehicles, vehicles exceeding width restrictions, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo on roads.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular provides provisions on the weight limit and width restriction of roads; operation of vehicles exceeding width restrictions, overweight 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 overweight vehicles, vehicles exceeding width restrictions, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo on roads.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to organizations and individuals related to: management and announcement of the weight limit and width restriction of roads; operation of vehicles exceeding width restrictions, overweight vehicles, tracked vehicles on roads, transportation of oversized and overweight cargo; loading goods onto road transport vehicles; issuance of permits for overweight vehicles, vehicles exceeding width restrictions, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo on roads.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

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

1. Gross vehicle weight includes the weight of the vehicle itself plus the weight of specialized equipment installed on the vehicle to assist in the transportation of oversized and overweight cargo (if any), plus the weight of people, luggage, and cargo (including containers and equipment used to secure cargo) loaded onto the vehicle (if any).

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

3. Maximum permissible dimensions of motor vehicles on roads are the outer dimensions including the width, height, and length of the vehicle, including cargo loaded on the vehicle (if any), allowed to participate in traffic on roads.

4. Tracked vehicle is a self-propelled machine moving on tracks, which may cause damage to the road surface when participating in traffic on roads.

5. Vehicle combination is a truck towing a trailer or a truck tractor towing a semi-trailer.

6. Non-divisible cargo (hereinafter referred to as indivisible cargo) is cargo in a single unit still sealed with lead seals or secured by customs, security, or defense authorities, or a set of components, equipment, or machinery that would be damaged or lose functionality if disassembled or divided.

7. Level crossing is a section of road intersecting at the same level with railway tracks, permitted for construction and operation by authorized agencies.

8. Road project enterprise investing in construction and management of road works is a public-private partnership (PPP) project enterprise and an enterprise assigned by the State to invest in construction, management, and operation of road works.

9. Cargo unit is one sealed unit of cargo by customs, security, or defense authorities, or one construction component, or one complete piece of equipment, machinery, or vehicle.

10. Carrier is an organization or individual using means of transport to carry goods on roads.

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

12. IS THE GENERAL RESPONSIBLE PERSON DURING TRANSPORTATION, CHARGED WITH ENSURING THE SAFETY OF CASH, VALUABLE ASSETS, AND SECURITIES; IMPLEMENTING HANDOVER, TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATE BANK OF VIETNAM'S REGULATIONS ON HANDOVER, STORAGE, AND TRANSPORTATION OF CASH, VALUABLE ASSETS, AND SECURITIES (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE STATE BANK). is an individual hired by the carrier or consignor to escort cargo during transportation on roads.

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

14. Bulk cargo is ordinary cargo not packed in boxes, bags, or packages, transported directly in the cargo box of trucks, specialized vehicles, truck-mounted specialized vehicles, trailer-mounted specialized vehicles, semi-trailer-mounted specialized vehicles, trailer-mounted specialized vehicles, or semi-trailer-mounted specialized vehicles.

15. Packed cargo is cargo packed in bags, boxes, or units to protect and safeguard the cargo during transportation.

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

Chapter II

PROVISIONS ON THE WEIGHT LIMIT AND WIDTH RESTRICTION OF ROADS

Article 4. Load Capacity of Roadways

1. The load capacity of roadways is stipulated in Clause 1, Article 27 of the Road Law.

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

a) The operational load-bearing capacity of road bridges is determined based on the bridge design documents and the actual technical condition of the road bridges, which are announced by the competent authority according to Articles 6 and 7 of this Circular.

b) The operational load-bearing capacity of roads is determined based on the road surface design documents and the actual technical condition of the roads, which are announced by the competent authority according to Articles 6 and 7 of this Circular.

Article 5. Width Limit of Roadways

The width limit of roadways is stipulated in Clause 2, Article 27 of the Road Law, and is announced by the competent authority according to Articles 6 and 7 of this Circular.

Article 6. Announcing the Load Capacity, Width Limit of Roadways and Technical Condition of Level Crossings state status

technical

1. The Vietnam Highway Administration announces the load capacity and width limit of national highways as specified in Clause 3, Article 8 of the Road Law (except for cases stipulated in Clauses 2 and 4 of this Article) on the Vietnam Highway Administration's website.

2. The Vietnam Expressway Administration announces the load capacity and width limit of expressways under its management on the Vietnam Expressway Administration's website; simultaneously sending data to the Vietnam Highway Administration to update on the Vietnam Highway Administration's website.

3. The Vietnam Railways Administration announces the technical condition of level crossings in the railway network on the Vietnam Railways Administration's website; simultaneously sending data to the Vietnam Highway Administration to update on the Vietnam Highway Administration's website.

4. Provincial People's Committees announce the load capacity and width limit of roadways within their jurisdiction and dedicated roads with public transportation activities on the provincial People's Committee's website.

Article 7. Adjusting Announcements of Load Capacity, Width Limit of Roadways and Status status

1. The Vietnam Highway Administration is responsible for updating the load capacity, width limit of roadways and the technical condition of level crossings nationwide on the Vietnam Highway Administration's website annually (before March 20 each year). In case there are changes in the load capacity or width limit of roadways, the Vietnam Highway Administration is responsible for updating information on its website within no more than five working days from the date it receives data from the Road Management Zones and other agencies specified in Clauses 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this Article.

2. The Vietnam Expressway Administration is responsible for updating the load capacity and width limit of expressways under its management on the Vietnam Expressway Administration's website; simultaneously sending data to the Vietnam Highway Administration to update on the Vietnam Highway Administration's website annually (before March 15 each year) and within no more than five working days from the date of change in the load capacity or width limit of roadways.

3. The Vietnam Railways Administration is responsible for updating the technical condition of level crossings in the railway network on the Vietnam Railways Administration's website, simultaneously sending data to the Vietnam Highway Administration to update on the Vietnam Highway Administration's website annually (before March 15 each year) and within no more than five working days from the date of change in the technical condition of level crossings.

4. Provincial People's Committees organize updates of the load capacity and width limit of roadways within their authority.

5. Project investors for construction works of roadways, enterprises investing in and managing the operation of roadways have the responsibility to send data to the provincial People's Committee (for roadways managed by localities), the Vietnam Highway Administration (for national highways as specified in Clause 3, Article 8 of the Road Law), and the Vietnam Expressway Administration (for expressways under management) for announcement and update on the provincial People's Committee's website, the Vietnam Highway Administration's website, and the Vietnam Expressway Administration's website annually (before March 10 each year) and within no more than five working days from the date of change in the load capacity or width limit of roadways.

6. Managers and users of dedicated roadways with public transportation activities have the responsibility to send data to the provincial People's Committee for announcement and update on the provincial website annually (before March 10 each year) and within no more than five working days from the date of change in the load capacity or width limit of roadways.

7. For bridges on routes or sections of roadways that have been announced but not yet upgraded synchronously with the announced load capacity and width limit of roadways, managers and users of roadway works have the responsibility to install signs indicating the actual load capacity and width limit of the bridges.

Chapter III

CIRCULATION OVERWIDTH VEHICLES, OVERLOAD VEHICLES,

TRACK-LAYING VEHICLES ON ROADWAYS

Article 8Circulation of overwidth vehicles, circulation of overloaded vehicles on roadways

1. The circulation of overwidth vehicles and overloaded vehicles on roadways must ensure traffic safety and the safety of roadway works.

2. Organizations and individuals who are owners of vehicles, transport units, vehicle renters, or drivers when circulating overloaded vehicles or overwidth vehicles on roadways, in addition to complying with the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article, must also comply with the following regulations:

a) Possess a permit for circulating vehicles as stipulated in Appendix III of this Circular issued by the competent authority;

b) Implement protective measures for roadway works as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 52 of the Road Traffic Safety Law;

c) Adhere to the regulations stated in the vehicle circulation permit;

d) Vehicles carrying goods exceeding the permissible load capacity for transportation as designed, recorded in the vehicle's safety and environmental inspection certificate, are not permitted to operate on public roads.

3. Organizations and individuals who are owners of vehicles, transport units, transport lessees, or drivers operating vehicles with dimensions exceeding the transport limit from two (2) cargo units or more must comply with the provisions of Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article and must meet the following requirements:

a) The total weight and axle load of the vehicle shall not exceed the road load limit;

b) When stacking from two (2) cargo units or more along the height of the cargo box, the stacking height must comply with the provisions of Article 16 of this Circular;

c) When stacking from two (2) cargo units or more along the length of the cargo box, it must ensure that the stacking does not exceed the length of the cargo box and does not exceed twenty meters (from the foremost point of the front part of the vehicle to the farthest point at the rear of the stacked cargo);

d) When stacking from two (2) cargo units or more along the width of the cargo box, it must ensure that the stacking does not exceed the width of the cargo box and the overall width of the stacked cargo does not exceed two point five meters.

4. Authorities and organizations directly managing highway works in cases requiring reinforcement must approve survey, design, and reinforcement plans for highway works according to the detailed regulations and implementation guidelines for certain provisions of the Road Law as stipulated in Decree detailing and guiding the implementation of certain articles of the Road Traffic Safety Law, Article 77 of the Road Traffic Safety Law.

Article 9Operation of tracked vehicles on public roads

1. Tracked vehicles when operating on public roads must ensure traffic safety and implement mandatory measures such as fitting 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 carrier vehicles.

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

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

b) Comply with the provisions recorded in the vehicle operation permit;

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

Chapter IV

SUPER-DIMENSIONAL AND SUPER-WEIGHT GOODS, TRANSPORTATION OF SUPER-DIMENSIONAL AND SUPER-WEIGHT GOODS ON PUBLIC ROADS

Article 10Provisions on super-dimensional and super-weight goods

1. Super-dimensional goods as defined in Clause 1 of Article 53 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, when loaded onto a vehicle or a combination of vehicles, result in the vehicle or combination of vehicles having at least one of the following external dimensions (including cargo loaded 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 to the top exceeds four point two meters; for container-carrying vehicles, it exceeds four point three five meters.

2. Super-weight goods as defined in Clause 1 of Article 53 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, when loaded onto a vehicle or a combination of vehicles, result in the vehicle or combination of vehicles having a total weight (including cargo loaded on the vehicle, combination of vehicles) exceeding forty-eight tons.

Article 11. Vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo

1. Vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo must comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 53 of the Road Traffic Safety Law; at the same time, they must be consistent with the parameters recorded in the vehicle's certificate of technical safety inspection and environmental protection.

2. In cases where modular semi-trailers capable of being joined and connected to each other are used to transport oversized and overweight cargo, as indicated in the vehicle's certificate of technical safety inspection and environmental protection, the content permitting such joining and connection must be reflected.

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

1. The circulation of vehicles transporting oversized and overweight cargo 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 services, or drivers when transporting oversized and overweight cargo on roads, in addition to complying with the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article, must also comply with the following regulations:

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

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

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

d) Only carry one unit of overweight cargo.

Chapter V

LOADING OF GOODS ON ROAD TRANSPORT VEHICLES

Article 13General provisions on loading of goods on road transport vehicles

1. Transportation units must choose appropriate means of transport based on the size and weight of the goods being transported. The goods transported must be compatible with the cargo compartment structure and the capacity of the means of transport.

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

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

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

5. Loading of packaged goods such as bags, parcels, boxes, rolls, and blocks onto vehicles must follow the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Loading of hazardous goods onto vehicles must comply with regulations on the transportation of dangerous goods by motorized road transport and the provisions of this Chapter.

Article 14Axle Load Limit, Axle Group Load Limit

1. Single axle: axle load ≤ 10 tons.

2. Double axle group, depending on the distance (d) between the two axle centers:

a) If d < 1.0 meters, axle group load ≤ 11 tons;

b) If 1.0 meters ≤ d < 1.3 meters, axle group load ≤ 16 tons;

c) If d ≥ 1.3 meters, axle group load ≤ 18 tons.

3. Triple axle group, depending on the distance (d) between adjacent axle centers:

a) If d ≤ 1.3 meters, axle group load ≤ 21 tons;

b) If d > 1.3 meters, axle group load ≤ 24 tons.

Article 15Total Weight Limit of Vehicle, Combined Vehicle

1. For passenger cars 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 combined vehicles consisting of a tractor trailer pulling a semi-trailer with a total number of axles:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. For a combination of motor vehicles towing a trailer: the total weight of the combination includes the total weight of the motor vehicle (corresponding to the total weight of the vehicle specified in Clause 1 of this Article) and the total axle load of the trailer being towed (corresponding to the axle load of the trailer specified in Article 14 of this Circular), specifically as follows:

a) In the case of a motor vehicle towing a single-axle trailer with the distance measured from the center of the coupling hole of the drawbar to the midpoint of the trailer's axle group on the horizontal plane of the drawbar being greater than or equal to 3.7 meters, the total weight of the combination shall not exceed 45 tons;

b) In the case of a motor vehicle towing a multi-axle trailer with the distance measured from the center of the coupling hole of the drawbar to the center of the front axle or the midpoint of the front axle group of the trailer on the horizontal plane of the drawbar being greater than or equal to 3.0 meters, the total weight of the combination shall not exceed 45 tons.

4. For the case where the combination of a tractor towing a semi-trailer as specified in point c and point đ of Clause 2 of this Article has a distance from the coupling center to the center of the first wheel of the semi-trailer less than 3.2 meters, or for a combination of a motor vehicle towing a single-axle trailer as specified in point a of Clause 3 of this Article has a distance from the center of the coupling hole of the drawbar to the midpoint of the trailer's axle group less than 3.7 meters, or for a combination of a motor vehicle towing a multi-axle trailer as specified in point b of Clause 3 of this Article has a distance from the center of the coupling hole of the drawbar to the center of the front axle or the midpoint of the front axle group of the trailer less than 3.0 meters, the total weight of the combination must be reduced by 2 tons for each meter shorter than the distances specified 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 permissible height of cargo stacking is the height limit within the truck bed according to the design recorded in the vehicle safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate.

2. For open-box trucks without a canopy, goods stacked on the vehicle exceeding the height of the truck bed according to the design recorded in the vehicle safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate must be securely fastened, supported, and braced to ensure safety when participating in road traffic. The permissible height of cargo stacking shall not exceed the following height regulations, measured from the highest point of the road surface:

a) Trucks with a designed carrying capacity of 5 tons or more recorded in the vehicle safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate: the height of cargo stacking shall not exceed 4.2 meters;

b) Trucks with a designed carrying capacity of 2.5 tons to less than 5 tons recorded in the vehicle safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate: the height of cargo stacking shall not exceed 3.5 meters;

c) Trucks with a designed carrying capacity of less than 2.5 tons recorded in the vehicle 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 of point đ of Clause 1 of Article 49 of the Road Traffic Safety Law.

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

Article 17. Width and length of cargo stacking on road transport vehicles

1. The permissible width of cargo stacking on road transport vehicles is the width of the truck bed according to the design recorded in the vehicle safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate.

2. The permissible length of cargo stacking on road transport vehicles shall not exceed 1.1 times the overall length of the vehicle according to the design recorded in the vehicle safety technical inspection and environmental protection certificate and shall not exceed 20.0 meters.

3. Passenger-carrying motor vehicles shall not stack goods or luggage protruding beyond the outer dimensions of the vehicle and shall not stack goods or luggage on the roof (except in cases where the design is certified by the inspection authority) to ensure traffic safety.

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

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

Article 18. Provisions on stacking loose cargo

1. When transporting loose cargo, appropriate means of transport with cargo compartments must be used to ensure that the cargo is securely covered and does not spill out. The height of cargo stacking shall comply with the provisions of Clause 4 of Article 16 of this Circular.

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

Article 19. Provisions on stacking packaged cargo

1. Heavier items with rigid packaging and stability shall be placed at the bottom.

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

3. Items that are tilted or skewed shall be placed in the middle to minimize shifting during transportation.

4. If there are gaps between items, devices or tools shall be used to prevent collision and movement during transportation. If there are still empty spaces in the cargo compartment after stacking, devices or tools shall be used to secure the cargo.

Article 20. Provisions on stacking cylindrical cargo

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

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

3. Column-shaped goods must be securely fastened to the sides of the means of transport and must use specialized cargo containers or use racks with wedging devices, wedges, securing devices, padding, and strapping to fix them firmly on the truck bed, ensuring stability and preventing lateral, longitudinal, and vertical movement of the goods during transportation.

4. For column-shaped goods with smooth surfaces, when stacked, cushioning materials must be placed between layers to prevent slipping.

5. The stacking and securing of column-shaped goods are guided by Appendix XIII issued together with this Circular.

Article 21. Provisions on loading goods into containers and stacking containers on vehicles

1. Loading goods into containers must comply with the following requirements:

a) Containers must be suitable for the type and characteristics of the goods;

b) Padding and wedging to ensure that the goods inside the container do not shift during transportation;
c) The maximum weight and the goods loaded into the container must comply with the provisions of National Standard TCVN 7553:2005 (ISO 668 : 1995) regarding container transportation type 1 - Classification, dimensions, and rated mass;

d) The loading of goods into containers is guided by Appendix XIV issued together with this Circular.

2. When transporting containers, it is necessary to use tractor-trailer combinations with semi-trailers or trucks designed to transport containers suitable for the type of container.

3. Containers must be designed and manufactured according to national technical standards for inspection and production of containers transported on vehicles. Containers must be securely fixed to the vehicle through locking mechanisms to prevent shifting during transportation.

LICENSE ISSUANCE FOR OVERSIZE AND OVERWEIGHT VEHICLES, TRACK-LAYER VEHICLES, AND SUPERDIMENSIONAL AND SUPERWEIGHT VEHICLE TRANSPORT ON ROADS

Chapter VI

. General Provisions on Issuance of Licenses for Oversize and Overweight Vehicles, Track-Layer Vehicles, and Superdimensional and Superweight Vehicle Transport on Roads

 Article 221. Oversized and overweight vehicles, track-layer vehicles, and superdimensional and superweight vehicle transport are granted road transport licenses in the following cases:

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

b) To serve defense and security tasks at the request of defense and security agencies or units;

c) To serve disaster prevention, control, and aftermath mitigation at the request of management agencies or organizations of works or People's Committees at district level or higher;

d) To perform urgent tasks at the request of management agencies or organizations of works or People's Committees at district level or higher;

đ) To transport superdimensional and superweight goods where the vehicle owner, transport unit, transport service user, or vehicle driver, after investigation and survey, submit a request clearly stating that other modes of transport such as rail, inland waterway, air, or sea transport are unsuitable or require combined road transport with another mode of transport.

2. The license for road transport is issued for specific road routes, one-way or two-way (from departure to destination and vice versa) for each trip or batch of trips (in cases of multiple trips with dimensions exceeding limits, total weight, and axle load on the same route).

3. A license for road transport will not be issued if the goods exceed the permissible carrying capacity as stated in the vehicle safety and environmental protection certification.

4. Validity period of the license for road transport:

a) For overweight and oversized vehicles, and vehicles transporting superdimensional and superweight goods when operating without having to comply with mandatory conditions such as driving in designated lanes, having personnel or equipment to assist the driver, warning other road users, or strengthening the road infrastructure: if operating on a road section that has been comprehensively improved and upgraded, the validity period of the license for road transport shall not exceed 90 days from the date of issuance; if operating on a road section that has not been comprehensively improved and upgraded, the validity period of the license for road transport shall not exceed 30 days from the date of issuance;

b) For overweight and oversized vehicles, and vehicles transporting superdimensional and superweight goods when operating and complying with mandatory conditions such as driving in designated lanes, having personnel or equipment to assist the driver, warning other road users, or strengthening the road infrastructure: the validity period of the license for road transport shall not exceed 30 days from the date of issuance;

c) For self-propelled track-layer vehicles operating on roads: the validity period of the license for road transport is the time taken for each round trip from departure to destination but shall not exceed 30 days from the date of issuance;

d) The validity period of the license for road transport specified in points a, b, and c of this clause must fall within the validity period of the vehicle's safety and environmental protection certification; if the validity period of the vehicle's safety and environmental protection certification is shorter than the period specified in points a, b, and c of this clause, the validity period of the license for road transport shall be equal to the remaining validity period of the vehicle's safety and environmental protection certification.

5. The format of the license for road transport is specified in Appendices III and IV issued together with this Circular.

5. The model of the circulation permit for vehicles prescribed in Appendix III and Appendix IV issued together with this Circular.

Article 23. Procedure for Issuing Vehicle Circulation Permit

1. Organizations and individuals shall submit one set of application documents directly, through the postal system, or via the online public service system to the competent authority as prescribed in Article 24 of this Circular.

2. Contents of the application documents:

a) Application form according to the model prescribed in Appendix I and Appendix II attached to this Circular;

b) A copy of the vehicle registration certificate or temporary registration certificate (for motor vehicles and special-purpose motorcycles as defined in Clause 5, Article 39 of the Road Traffic Safety Law);

c) A copy of the technical inspection certificate for vehicle safety and environmental protection or a copy of the technical specifications of the vehicle sent along with the vehicle by the manufacturer (for temporary registered vehicles);

d) Transport plan including the following contents: information on the transport route (fully and specifically indicating the starting point, destination, name of each section of the road, turning points); information on the transport means; information on the cargo being transported confirmed by the transportation lessee, including dimensions (length x width x height) in meters and weight; excerpts from the transport contract or the designated transport unit document of the transportation lessee; survey report; proposal of the competent authority (in cases prescribed in points b, c, and d, Clause 1, Article 22 of this Circular);

đ) Report on the completion of strengthening works on the road (in cases where road strengthening works are required).

3. Procedure for issuing the Vehicle Circulation Permit:

a) Receiving and checking the application documents

For direct submission: the competent authority shall check the documents on the same working day. In case the documents are incomplete, they shall be guided in writing to complete and perfect the documents; if the documents are complete as prescribed, they shall be accepted and a receipt for result delivery shall be issued.

For submission through the postal system or online, within two working days from the date of receiving the documents, the competent authority shall check the documents. If the documents are incomplete, they shall be guided in writing to complete and perfect the documents; if the documents are complete as prescribed, they shall be accepted and processed according to the provisions of point b of this clause.

b) Reviewing the application documents and delivering results

Within one working day from the date of receiving all the documents as prescribed, the competent authority shall issue the Vehicle Circulation Permit; if not issued, a written response stating the reasons must be provided.

4. On the surveyed, designed, and strengthened road sections, the competent authority issuing the Vehicle Circulation Permit as prescribed in Article 24 of this Circular may use the survey results and the report on the completion of road strengthening works within six months from the date of the report to serve the issuance of circulation permits for overweight vehicles, oversized vehicles, and vehicles transporting extra-long and extra-heavy goods with dimensions (including: external dimensions, total weight of the vehicle and axle load) equivalent to or smaller than those of the previously permitted vehicles when circulating on these road sections.

Article 24Authority to Issue Vehicle Circulation Permit

1. The Department of Transportation shall issue circulation permits for overweight vehicles, oversized vehicles, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting extra-long and extra-heavy goods on national roads for the following cases:

a) Organizations and individuals applying for circulation permits whose business registration or operation registration addresses are located within the province, except as provided in point c, Clause 2, and Clause 3 of this Article;

b) Vehicles or goods carried on vehicles applying for circulation permits where the departure or arrival locations are within the province, except as provided in point c, Clause 2, and Clause 3 of this Article;

c) Serving defense and security tasks; preventing, combating, and mitigating natural disaster consequences; performing urgent tasks; energy projects: the departure and arrival locations of vehicles or goods carried on vehicles applying for circulation permits are within the province.

2. The Highway Management Zone shall issue circulation permits for overweight vehicles, oversized vehicles, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting extra-long and extra-heavy goods on national roads for the following cases (except as provided in Clause 3 of this Article):

a) Organizations and individuals applying for circulation permits whose business registration or operation registration addresses are located within the management area of the Highway Management Zone;

b) Vehicles or goods carried on vehicles applying for circulation permits where the departure or arrival locations are within the management area of the Highway Management Zone;

c) Serving defense and security tasks; preventing, combating, and mitigating natural disaster consequences; performing urgent tasks; energy projects: the departure and arrival locations of vehicles or goods carried on vehicles applying for circulation permits are within the management area of the Highway Management Zone.

3. The Vietnam Highway Administration shall issue circulation permits for overweight vehicles, oversized vehicles, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting extra-long and extra-heavy goods on national roads for the following cases serving defense and security tasks; preventing, combating, and mitigating natural disaster consequences; performing urgent tasks; energy projects: the departure and arrival locations of vehicles or goods carried on vehicles applying for circulation permits are not within the same management area of a Highway Management Zone.

Article 25Responsibilities of the Competent Authority Issuing the Vehicle Circulation Permit

1. The competent authority issuing the Vehicle Circulation Permit shall be responsible for ensuring that the permit is issued correctly to the intended subjects, in accordance with the condition of the road and the transport means, and ensuring traffic safety.

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

3. When granting permission to operate on expressways, based on the dimensions of the vehicle, the combination of vehicles (including cargo), specific conditions ensuring safety when participating in traffic shall be recorded in the vehicle operation permit in accordance with the operational conditions of the road.

4. Provide the current status of sections of the road within the transportation route under management upon request from organizations or individuals with such needs or relevant agencies issuing vehicle operation permits.

5. The agency issuing vehicle operation permits as stipulated in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of Article 24 of this Circular shall have the responsibility to notify the Departments of Transport and Road Management Zones managing the business registration address or operating address of organizations or individuals granted vehicle operation permits; manage the areas where the vehicles or goods carried by the vehicles granted vehicle operation permits depart from or arrive at.

6. Immediately notify the Traffic Police Authority of the issued vehicle operation permit according to Clause 7 of Article 52 and Clause 5 of Article 53 of the Law on Traffic Order and Safety through postal services or data sharing to the Traffic Police Corps of the Ministry of Public Security and the Traffic Police Units along the routes or sections of roads that the vehicles pass through.

7. Revoke the vehicle operation permit for cases of violation of conditions specified in the vehicle operation permit or causing damage to road works 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. Record keeping of vehicle operation permit issuance files:

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

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

Chapter VII

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

Article 26Responsibilities of the Vietnam Highway Administration

1. Organize 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. Inspect and handle violations of regulations on cargo loading on road transport vehicles.

3. Organize training and guidance on the issuance of vehicle operation permits.

4. Inspect, handle, or recommend handling of violations by organizations or individuals issuing vehicle operation permits in accordance with the law.

Article 27Responsibilities of the Department of Transport

1. Organize 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. Inspect and handle violations of regulations on cargo loading on road transport vehicles.

3. Comply with inspections and supervision of the issuance of vehicle operation permits by competent authorities.

4. Report 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. Quarterly reports must be submitted before the 20th day of the last month of each quarter; annual reports must be submitted before December 15.

Article 28. Responsibilities Road Management Zone

1. Comply with inspections and supervision of the issuance of vehicle operation permits by competent authorities.

2. Report 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. Quarterly reports must be submitted before the 20th day of the last month of each quarter; annual reports must be submitted before December 15.

Article 29Responsibilities of transport units, drivers, and escorts

1. Responsibilities of transport units:

a) Adhere to regulations on the operation of oversized, overweight vehicles, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting extra-long and extra-heavy cargo on roads and cargo loading on road transport vehicles;

b) Before commencing transportation, provide full information to drivers, escorts, and loaders regarding: characteristics of the cargo, dimensions and weight of the cargo, packages, permissible total weight of cargo for the vehicle to participate in traffic, axle load limits and dimensional restrictions of roads throughout the transportation route; bear responsibility for the accuracy of the provided information;

c) Arrange sufficient covering, securing, strapping, padding equipment to facilitate cargo loading and ensure compliance with cargo loading regulations;

d) Disseminate and guide drivers, escorts, and loaders on cargo loading plans to ensure compliance with regulations.

2. Responsibilities of drivers and escorts:

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

b) Adhere to regulations on the operation of oversized, overweight vehicles, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting extra-long and extra-heavy cargo on roads and cargo loading on road transport vehicles;

c) Before undertaking transportation tasks, conduct checks on cargo on the vehicle to ensure it has been properly loaded, covered, secured, and padded, compare with the information provided by the transport unit and manufacturer's instructions to ensure it does not exceed the permissible total weight of cargo for the vehicle.

Article 30Responsibilities of the cargo consignor

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

2. Adhere to regulations on the operation of oversized, overweight vehicles, tracked vehicles, and vehicles transporting extra-long and extra-heavy cargo on roads and cargo loading on road transport vehicles.

3. Provide the transport unit with information about the characteristics of the cargo, dimensions, weight of the cargo, packages, and requirements for cargo loading on the vehicle, manufacturer's instructions (if any); bear responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the provided information.

Article 31Responsibilities of the person loading cargo onto the vehicle

1. Adhere to regulations on cargo loading on the vehicle.

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

3. Arrange goods on the means of transport for transportation to ensure that it does not exceed the permissible load capacity of the means of transport for participation in traffic. Do not load goods onto the means of transport when the transport unit arranges means of transport that are not suitable for the size and weight of the goods to be transported.

Chapter VIII

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 32. Effectiveness

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

2. Abolish the following Circulars:

a) Circular No. 46/2015/TT-BGTVT dated September 7, 2015, issued by the Minister of Transport, stipulating the load limit and width restriction of roads; operation of overloaded vehicles, oversized vehicles, and tracked vehicles on roads; transportation of extra-long and extra-heavy goods and the limits of loading goods on road transport vehicles when participating in road traffic;

b) Article 5 of Circular No. 36/2020/TT-BGTVT dated December 24, 2020, issued by the Minister of Transport, amending and supplementing certain articles of Circulars regulating periodic reporting systems in the field of roads;

c) Article 10 of Circular No. 06/2023/TT-BGTVT dated May 12, 2023, issued by the Minister of Transport, amending and supplementing certain articles of Circulars related to management, exploitation, use, maintenance, and protection of roads;

d) Circular No. 35/2023/TT-BGTVT dated December 13, 2023, issued by the Minister of Transport, amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 46/2015/TT-BGTVT dated September 7, 2015, issued by the Minister of Transport, stipulating the load limit and width restriction of roads; operation of overloaded vehicles, oversized vehicles, and tracked vehicles on roads; transportation of extra-long and extra-heavy goods and the limits of loading goods on road transport vehicles when participating in road traffic;

đ) Circular No. 41/2023/TT-BGTVT dated December 29, 2023, issued by the Minister of Transport, stipulating the loading of goods on road transport vehicles.

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

Article 33. Transitional Provisions

1. Applications for vehicle circulation permits submitted and accepted by the competent authority before the date this Circular takes effect shall be processed according to the legal provisions at the time of submission of the application.

2. Vehicle circulation permits issued by the competent authority before the date this Circular takes effect shall continue to be valid until their expiration date as stated in the permit./.