Amid ongoing discussions on urban traffic management and vehicle classification policies, the regulatory treatment of pickup trucks has become an issue in Vietnam, where, under current regulations, most pickup trucks are classified as trucks and are restricted from circulating in the central areas of Hanoi.

However, whether this type of vehicle should be treated in the same manner as trucks remains under discussion. Pickups, positioned as a "hybrid" category between a truck and a passenger car, have long existed in a policy grey area, with inconsistent classification and circulation rights. With proposals to tighten management in major cities such as Hanoi, the central question is whether they should be restricted like trucks or whether a more clearly defined approach is required, taking into account both user obligations and rights.

Associate Professor Dr Tu Sy Sua, a senior lecturer at the University of Transport, stated that the classification and management of pickup trucks should be approached with caution, drawing on international experience. He noted that a clear roadmap should be established rather than adopting imitative regulations.

In many countries, pickup trucks are classified within a dual-use vehicle category, positioned between passenger cars and trucks. Management approaches are more flexible and are not applied as rigidly as they are for pure cargo trucks.

Instead of relying on classification by name or on whether a vehicle is used for carrying goods, regulatory authorities should establish criteria based on size, weight, and the level of impact on urban transport infrastructure to guide management decisions.

"Every policy adjustment must follow a clear roadmap. There must be a research phase based on data and international regulations suited to Vietnam's conditions. An immediate ban should be avoided," Sua stated.

He also noted that, due to their hybrid nature, pickup trucks have long been subject to "in-between" tax and fee policies. If the authorities decide to tighten restrictions or impose a ban on pickup trucks in urban areas at any point, the rights of citizens must be considered.

Options could include allowing vehicle owners to pay an additional fee to register their vehicles as standard passenger cars if required, or providing refunds for the difference in taxes and fees already paid between trucks and pickup trucks.

"All regulations are established by people; they must reflect actual conditions and require a clear implementation roadmap. Early communication of management direction will help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, thereby avoiding risks related to costs and usage requirements," the expert added.

Do pickup trucks place a burden on infrastructure?

Nguyen Minh Dong, an automotive technical expert, stated that restricting pickup trucks in urban areas is not fully supported when considering technical standards and real-world usage. He pointed out that most current pickup models comply with emission and safety standards such as Euro 4 and Euro 5, similar to modern passenger cars.

"If a vehicle fails to meet standards and contributes to pollution, restrictions are justified. However, if it complies with standards and offers more safety features than some passenger cars, there is no clear basis to impose a ban solely because it can carry goods," he stated.

Pickup trucks serve multiple functions. In addition to transporting goods, these vehicles also meet everyday mobility needs while allowing the transport of bulky items.

"For example, when transporting items such as a set of tables and chairs or a refrigerator, these can be placed in the cargo bed of a pickup truck instead of hiring a three-wheeler or tow truck, which may involve higher costs and lower safety. This may also reduce the number of vehicles on the road," the expert explained.

Regarding dimensions, Dong noted that the width of most pickup trucks is approximately 2 metres, which remains within standard lane limits. Their length exceeds 5 metres, which does not significantly exceed that of many seven-seater SUV models and is, in some cases, shorter than large luxury sedans. Therefore, the claim that pickup trucks place greater pressure on infrastructure than passenger cars lacks sufficient evidence.

"Most pickup trucks are shorter than a Rolls-Royce Phantom or a Cadillac Escalade, raising questions about the basis for allowing those vehicles while restricting pickup trucks," he stated.

Dong further added that most neighbouring countries and major cities worldwide do not impose bans on pickup trucks in urban areas.

"In Bangkok, despite high traffic density, pickup trucks operate without restriction. In Europe, there is no clear trend of banning this category of vehicle in urban areas," he noted.