3 wheeler driving license

What is a three-wheeled vehicle?

A three-wheeled vehicle, also known as a "xe ba gác" in Vietnamese, is a convenient and cost-effective means of transporting goods, often considered more affordable than trucks. However, after years of operation, three-wheeled vehicles have sparked controversy regarding their impact on traffic.

Transporting large, bulky, or excessive items that extend beyond the carrying capacity of the vehicle's cargo box can significantly affect other road users.

According to Article 3, Section 18 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law:

"Motorized vehicles on the road (referred to as motor vehicles) include cars, tractors, trailers, or semi-trailers towed by cars or tractors, motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles, motorbikes (including electric motorcycles), and similar vehicles."

Based on this definition, three-wheeled vehicles fall into the category of three-wheeled motorcycles and are classified as motorized vehicles on the road.

Conditions for participating in traffic with a three-wheeled vehicle:

According to Article 53 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law, which specifies the conditions for motor vehicle participation in traffic:

"1. Motor vehicles must meet the following regulations regarding quality, technical safety, and environmental protection to be allowed to participate in traffic:
a) Have an effective braking system.
b) Have an effective signaling system.
c) The steering wheel of the vehicle must be on the left side. In the case of foreign vehicles registered abroad with the steering wheel on the right side, they must comply with the regulations of the Vietnamese government when participating in traffic in Vietnam

d) Have sufficient near and far lights, license plate lights, brake lights, and signal lights.
đ) Have tires of the correct size and meeting the technical standards for each type of vehicle.
e) Have sufficient rearview mirrors and other devices and equipment to ensure visibility for the driver.
g) Windshields and windows must be made of safety glass.
h) Have a horn with the appropriate sound level according to technical standards.
i) Have sufficient noise and smoke reduction systems and other devices and equipment to meet environmental standards for emissions and noise.
k) The structure must have sufficient durability and ensure stable operation.

2. Two-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles, and motorbikes must meet the quality, technical safety, and environmental protection regulations specified in points a, b, d, đ, e, h, i, and k of paragraph 1 of this Article.

3. Motor vehicles must be registered and have license plates issued by the competent state authority.

4. The government regulates the lifespan of motor vehicles.

Therefore, three-wheeled vehicles are allowed to participate in traffic if they meet the regulations regarding quality, technical safety, and environmental protection.

What type of driver's license is required to drive a three-wheeled vehicle?

According to Article 59, Section 2 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law, which specifies driver's licenses:

"2. Non-expiring driver's licenses include the following categories:
a) A1 category for driving two-wheeled motorcycles with engine displacement from 50 cm3 to under 175 cm3.
b) A2 category for driving two-wheeled motorcycles with engine displacement of 175 cm3 or more and other types of vehicles specified for A1 licenses.
c) A3 category for driving three-wheeled motorcycles, vehicles specified for A1 licenses, and similar vehicles."

Therefore, an A3 driver's license will be issued for driving three-wheeled vehicles, and it will be a non-expiring driver's license.

Regulations on cargo arrangement with three-wheeled vehicles during traffic

Based on Article 4, Clause 19 of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT, which regulates the width and length of cargo arrangement on road vehicles during traffic:

"4. Motorcycles and motorbikes are not allowed to arrange cargo or luggage exceeding the width of the cargo carrier design by the manufacturer on each side by 0.3 meters, and exceeding the rear of the cargo carrier by 0.5 meters. The height of the cargo arrangement, measured from the road surface, should not exceed 1.5 meters."

Therefore, when arranging cargo on a three-wheeled vehicle, it is necessary to comply with the following conditions:

- Regarding width, it should not exceed 0.3 meters on each side (according to the cargo carrier design by the manufacturer).
- Regarding the rear, it should not exceed 0.5 meters beyond the cargo carrier.
- Regarding height, it should not exceed 1.5 meters, measured from the road surface.

Therefore, to own and use a three-wheeled vehicle for traffic, basic requirements need to be met, including having the appropriate driver's license, ensuring vehicle quality, technical safety, and environmental protection. Especially when using a three-wheeled vehicle for transporting cargo, attention should be paid to the regulations for cargo arrangement