Most pickup trucks face nighttime-only access to inner Hanoi

Hanoi residents and pickup truck owners have sparked a heated online debate over the city’s new traffic rules, which limit most pickup trucks to nighttime operation in the inner city.

From early 2026, popular double-cabin pickup trucks in Vietnam such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Mitsubishi Triton have officially been classified as common cargo vehicles and must operate within restricted hours in Hanoi’s inner city.

Under Decision 01/2026 on traffic management issued by the municipal People’s Committee, which came into effect on January 15, 2026, light-duty trucks with a total weight under two tons are prohibited from entering the inner city during peak hours (6 p.m. - 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.).

Trucks weighing tww tons or more are only allowed to operate from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. The regulation now covers the area within Ring Road 3, expanding the restricted zone to most central urban streets that previously allowed cargo traffic.

In recent days, thousands of comments on forums and social media highlight concern about how the rules will affect daily commutes and deliveries. Many owners express concern.

One user, Hong Quang, wrote: “My truck is registered as a cargo vehicle. The rules ban trucks over 2 tons during daytime, and most pickups exceed the weight limit when carrying passengers and cargo. If applied strictly, we would only be allowed to drive at night.”

Several other owners echoed this, sharing experiences of being warned by traffic authorities while driving pickups on streets with truck prohibition signs.

Conversely, some argue that fears are exaggerated. User Minh Tuan commented: “Pickups are registered as trucks, but on the road, they are treated as passenger vehicles. There’s no ban preventing them from driving in the city.”

Another user Pham Luan added: “I’ve been driving a pickup in the city for five years. I do pay attention to truck restriction signs, and not all pickups are banned. What matters is the type of restriction sign and the actual vehicle weight.”

This divergence in experience has intensified debate - some feel restricted, while others say proper understanding of signage allows normal use.

Pickup trucks fall under common cargo vehicle rules

The issue causing debate is whether pickup trucks are considered trucks under the new rules. According to Circular 53/2024 issued by the Ministry of Transport, pickup trucks can be classified either as passenger pickups or cargo pickups. This classification is recorded on each vehicle’s registration certificate.

Most popular pickups in Vietnam, such as the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, and Nissan Navara, are classified as “double-cabin cargo pickups,” meaning they are considered common cargo vehicles and must comply with Decision 01/2026.

Under Circular 39/2024, the total weight of a vehicle is calculated including the vehicle itself, the driver, and cargo. By this calculation, most common pickups exceed 2 tons in total weight and therefore can only operate between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. A few rare models, such as the Ford Ranger Raptor or Ram TRX 1500, are classified as passenger pickups and are not subject to time restrictions.

Legal basis for classifying pickups

Experts note that clarification should be based on Vietnam’s current vehicle classification regulations, particularly Road Traffic Sign Standards QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT, effective from July 1, 2020.

Specifically, Article 3.24 states that pickups and VAN trucks with a permitted payload under 950 kilograms are considered passenger vehicles. Only pickups with a payload of 950 kilograms or more are classified as trucks, making them subject to Decision 01/2026 when driving in the inner city.

In reality, most popular pickups in Vietnam, including Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota Hilux, Mazda BT-50, and Isuzu D-Max, have payloads below 950 kg and are classified as passenger vehicles.

Only a few versions of older or upgraded models, such as Ford Ranger XLS 2013-2015 (957-991 kg), Mitsubishi Triton MT pre-2020 (950-1,000 kg), or Mazda BT-50 2.2 Luxury AT 2018-2020 (1,000 kg), are classified as trucks. Vehicle owners can check their registration certificate for precise payload information.

Impact on drivers

Under Decree 168/2024, entering prohibited roads may incur fines of VND4-6 million ($152-228), increasing to VND20-22 million (over $835) if an accident occurs. In practice, Hanoi traffic police have not fined pickup trucks entering the inner city.

A representative from Hanoi’s Department of Construction said the department is coordinating with Hanoi Police, the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), and automakers to evaluate the impact of Decision 01/2026 on pickups. On average, Hanoi registers about 1,000 pickups annually, including both single- and double-cabin models.

Nationwide in 2025, 27,093 pickups were sold, accounting for roughly 4.5% of the market, with 10,642 units in the North (40%). No specific sales figures for Hanoi are available.

Under the new regulation, pickup users who transport goods may need to adjust their logistics plans, consider alternative vehicles during daytime hours, or reschedule deliveries to allowed hours.

In essence, Decision 01/2026 does not change vehicle classification but enforces stricter operating hours for trucks. Recent social media dissemination has revived long-standing concerns among pickup owners.

Vehicle owners should understand their vehicle type based on registration certificates and follow traffic signs accordingly. While the legal framework is clear, what is most needed now is straightforward, consistent guidance to reduce confusion and help drivers navigate Hanoi’s inner city safely.