Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity

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Regulation

on

on Approval of Total Maximum Weight of Trucks

- Pursuant to the Law on Land Transport No. 24/NA, dated 24 December 2012;

- Pursuant to the Law on Main Roads No. 04/99/NA, dated 03 April 1999;

- Pursuant to the Law on Land Traffic No. 23/NA, dated 12 December 2012;

- Pursuant to the Prime Minister’s Decree No. 373/NA, dated 22 October 2007 on the Organization and Operation of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

The Minister of Public Works and Transport issues a Regulation:

CHAPTER I

General Provisions

Article 1     Objective

This Regulation defines regulations regarding the approval of the maximum gross weight of trucks travelling along land roads in the Lao PDR to fit with road conditions in each season, with the aim of protecting the roads to ensure their longevity, reduce accidents, and minimize state budgetary expenses in road maintenance.

Article 2     Definitions

The maximum gross weight of trucks refers to the weight of trucks and carried goods combined. The maximum gross weight of all kinds and sizes of trucks travelling along the land roads of the Lao PDR is stipulated in an appendix hereof, except for National Road No. 9 (from the second Friendship Bridge in Savannakhet Province – Dansavanh), National Road No. 3 (from the fourth Friendship Bridge in Huaysaiy – Boten), and National Road No. 4 (from Kanthao in Xayaburi – Xiengngern T-Junction).

CHAPTER II

Maximum Gross Weight of Trucks

Article 3     Maximum Gross Weight of Trucks in the Dry Season

In the dry season ranging from the first of December (01/12) to the thirty-first of May (31/05), all kinds and sizes of trucks are permitted to use roads such as: reinforced concrete roads, asphalt roads, pavement roads, rock pavement roads, red soil roads, and natural roads. The maximum gross weight is approved in accordance with Article 2 of this Regulation.

Article 4     Maximum Gross Weight of Trucks in the Rainy Season

In the rainy season ranging from the first of June (01/06) to the thirtieth of November (30/11) of each year, all kinds and sizes of trucks travelling along red soil and natural roads must reduce their maximum weight as stipulated in Article 2 of this Regulation by twenty percent (20%).

Article 5     Reduction of Maximum Gross Weight to fit some Technical Conditions of Trucks

For all kinds and sizes of trucks that have an axle with two pairs of wheels, if one pair is removed, damaged, or underinflated, the axle and maximum gross weight must be reduced by calculating the weight of the side on which the wheels have been removed, damaged, or are underinflated.

Article 6     Maximum Gross Weight of Trucks of National Defense and Public Security Forces and Special Transport Trucks

The axle and maximum gross weight of trucks of the National Defense and Public Security Forces driven along a road must comply with the regulations stipulated in Articles 3, 4, and 5 of this Regulation, except in case of emergency.

A special transport refers to the transport of an item which is larger, wider, higher, and longer than regulations as stipulated in Article 7 of this Regulation or which is very heavy and cannot be separated into pieces.

All special transports must be approved by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Where the two types of transport mentioned above have a maximum gross weight over the approved maximum and have to drive on a road-bridge, they must use a bypass. If there is no bypass, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport must be consulted for a resolution.

CHAPTER III

Traffic Regulations for Trucks

Article 7     Width, Height, and Length of Trucks

All kinds and sizes of trucks, besides the regulations stipulated in Articles 3, 4, and 5 above, when transporting goods or items shall also comply with the following regulations:

1. No vehicle may be wider than 2.5 meters;
2. No vehicles may be higher than 4.5 meters (measuring from the road surface to the highest point of the carried goods);
3. A twelve-wheel rigid truck may not be longer than 12.2 meters

(Please refer to Figure No. 8);

Exception: A rigid truck with fewer than twelve wheels is allowed to have its length as stipulated by the manufacturing factory (please refer to Figures No. 1 to 7);

1. A semi-trailer truck may not be longer than 19 meters

(Please refer to Figures No. 9 to 13);

1. A trailer truck may not be longer than 19 meters

(Please refer to Figures No. 14 to 17).

Article 8     Compliance with Traffic Regulations

Drivers of all kinds and sizes of trucks with any axle and gross weight, when travelling along the roads of the Lao PDR, must strictly comply with traffic signal systems, especially traffic signs such as weight limit signs for driving on a road-bridge and other signs.

CHAPTER IV

Management of Weight Inspection

Article 9     Vehicle Weight Management Authority

The vehicle weight management authorities consist of two levels:

- Central level: the Ministry of Public Works and Transport;

- Local level: the provincial and capital Divisions of Public Works and Transport.

Article 10   Rights and Duties of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport in Vehicle Weight Inspection

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport shall have following main rights and duties:

1. To issue additional instructions to clarify this Regulation if necessary;
2. To monitor, inspect, and encourage the actual implementation by the provincial and capital Divisions of Public Works and Transport;
3. To create a management and reporting system so that the inspection of transport is more effective and uniform countrywide;
4. To create a data collection and analysis system in order to develop the management of heavy trucks to be consistent with actual conditions.

Article 11.  Rights and Duties of the Provincial and Capital Divisions of Public Works and Transport

1. To set up vehicle weight inspection units at particular points in the province;
2. To recruit qualified officers with knowledge and capability to the weight inspection unit;
3. To manage and keep tools/equipment serving the weight inspection unit in good condition and without loss or damage;
4. To manage official fees, service charges, and fines in accordance with regulations issued by the government;
5. To report on situations and statistics regarding the implementation of weight inspection to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on a regular basis;
6. To publish materials and educate transport business operators to comply with this Regulation;
7. To perform other rights and duties as assigned by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

CHAPTER V

Policy toward Outstanding Performers and Measures against Violators

Article 12   Policy toward Outstanding Performers

A person or organization that effectively participates in truck weight management shall be complimented and awarded by other appropriate policies.

Article 13   Measures against Violators

A person or organization that violates this Regulation shall be subject to education measures, fines, or penal sanctions depending on the severity of each case, and shall be subject to suspension, withdrawal of corporate licenses regarding transport, and sequestration or seizure of vehicles used in such violations.

If a weight inspector conspires in violating this Regulation, they shall be subject to sanction in accordance with civil service regulations and prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations depending on the severity of each case.

CHAPTER VI

Final Provisions

Article 14   Implementation

The Vehicle Weight Management Authorities are assigned to effectively implement this Regulation.

Article 15   Effectiveness

This Regulation is effective from the date of signature and replaces the Regulation No. 849/MCTPC, dated 05/3/2002 and Notice No. 2205/MCTPC, dated 12 June 2006. Any provisions and regulations that conflict with this Regulation shall be null and void.

Minister of Public Works and Transport

[Signature and seal]

Sommad PHOLSENA