When using trucks, it is necessary to comply with various regulations, including those related to service life. So, what is truck service life? How many years is it, and how is it calculated?
According to the latest regulations under Decree No. 89/2026/ND-CP, effective from 2026, the service life of cargo trucks and specialized vehicles must not exceed 25 years. The service life for passenger transport vehicles with more than 9 seats, school buses, kindergarten transport vehicles, and four-wheeled cargo vehicles must not exceed 20 years.
In addition, the Decree also stipulates that four-wheeled motor vehicles have a maximum service life of 15 years.
This means that a cargo truck manufactured in 2005 will reach the end of its service life in 2030 and will no longer be permitted to operate.
According to regulations, the service life of a truck is calculated from the date of manufacture to the expiration date. Under Circular No. 21/2010/TT-BGTVT, the service life of a truck is stated on the Vehicle Registration Certificate.
In cases where trucks are imported as gifts, donations, or aid from foreign organizations or individuals, the service life is determined in accordance with the laws of the country of origin.
When a vehicle reaches the end of its service life, the owner must carry out inspections and necessary upgrades in compliance with regulations to ensure safety and legal conformity.
Trucks that have exceeded their service life are not allowed to operate. If they are still used, fines of up to VND 12,000,000 may be imposed under Clause 9, Article 2 of Decree No. 123/2021/ND-CP, which amends and supplements Point b, Clause 7, Article 16 of Decree No. 100/2019/ND-CP.
Specifically, the act of “operating a vehicle (including trailers and semi-trailers) beyond its permitted service life for road traffic (for vehicles subject to service life regulations)” is subject to a fine ranging from VND 10,000,000 to VND 12,000,000.
In addition, violators may have their vehicles confiscated and their driver’s licenses suspended for 1 to 3 months.
The service life of a truck depends not only on legal regulations but also on various factors such as operating conditions, maintenance and repair, operating environment, load capacity, usage intensity, and overall vehicle quality.
Maintenance and repairs carried out periodically according to the manufacturer’s guidelines have a significant impact on truck service life. Proper and timely maintenance helps extend the vehicle’s lifespan while minimizing the risk of technical failures during operation.
Operating environment also plays an important role. Trucks operating in harsh conditions or complex terrains tend to have a shorter service life compared to those running in more favorable environments.
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Imported trucks follow the same service life regulations as domestically produced vehicles, meaning it is calculated from the year of manufacture, not from the year of import or registration.
For example, if an imported truck was manufactured in 2020, its service life will expire in 2045 (2020 + 25 years), even if it was only imported into Vietnam in 2026.
Vehicle modification does not extend or shorten the original service life. This means the service life is still calculated based on the original manufacturing year, with a maximum of 25 years for cargo trucks, regardless of any modifications to the body, function, or structure.
Currently, under the latest regulations, the service life of trucks cannot be extended beyond 25 years from the year of manufacture.
Once a truck reaches the end of its service life, it is no longer permitted to operate, and there is no mechanism to request an extension.
These are the latest updates on truck service life regulations. Hopefully, this information will help you better understand and manage truck usage.
If you have any further questions, please contact U-TRUCK via Hotline: 081 680 8899 or visit the website: https://u-truck.vn/.
