Pickup Truck Registration: Procedures, Costs & Experience

Pickup truck inspection is a mandatory administrative and technical procedure as prescribed by the Ministry of Transport, to ensure technical safety and environmental protection for vehicles in circulation. This process is not simply a periodic inspection, but also an important factor to help vehicle owners maintain optimal operating condition of the vehicle, while complying with national technical regulations on traffic safety.

Research by the Committee for International Motor Vehicle Inspection (CITA) shows that vehicles that undergo periodic inspections every 12 months have a 13% lower failure rate than vehicles with longer inspection intervals.

With the number of pickup trucks in Vietnam increasing (with more than 250.000 vehicles in circulation by 2023), understanding vehicle registration regulations is more urgent than ever.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of pickup truck registration process, from steps to prepare documents, necessary costs, to important notes and practical experiences. In particular, the article will update the latest changes in registration regulations, helping car owners to be more proactive and confident in the process of carrying out this procedure.

What is pickup truck inspection and why is it necessary?

Pickup truck inspection is a periodic inspection process to ensure that the vehicle meets technical safety and environmental protection standards as prescribed by law. This is a mandatory requirement for all types of motor vehicles, including pickup trucks, when participating in road traffic.

1. The importance of pickup truck registration?

Pickup truck inspection helps ensure safety during operation, increases legality and enhances environmental protection.

• Safety: Vehicle inspection helps detect and promptly fix potential technical errors, ensuring that the vehicle is always in good working condition, minimizing the risk of traffic accidents. For example, checking the braking system, steering, lights, tires, etc. to ensure they are working effectively.
• Legal: The vehicle registration certificate is a mandatory document that vehicle owners must have when participating in traffic. If the certificate is not available or the certificate has expired, the vehicle owner may be fined according to the law.
• Environmental protection: Vehicle inspection checks vehicle emissions to ensure vehicles do not pollute the environment beyond permitted levels.

2. Types of pickup trucks that need to be inspected

All types of pickup trucks, regardless of their purpose of use (carrying goods, carrying people, etc.) must be inspected according to regulations.

Detailed pickup truck inspection process

The pickup truck registration process includes the following main steps:

Step 1: Prepare documents

Circular 30/2024/TT-BGTVT has amended regulations on documents required when registering a car:

• Vehicle registration (original or certified copy).
• Copy of frame number, engine number (if changed).
• Valid certificate of civil liability insurance.
• Old certificate of technical safety inspection and environmental protection (if any).
• Declare the corresponding information specified in Appendix I issued with Circular 30/2024/TT-BGTVT.

Step 2: Submit application and pay fee

• Submit prepared documents at the inspection center.
• Pay inspection fees and certification fees.

Step 3: Check the car

The inspector will check the following items:

• Check the entire vehicle.
• Check the top of the car.
• Check the bottom of the car.
• Check each vehicle part.
• Check emissions.

Step 4: Issuance of certificate and inspection stamp

If the vehicle meets the requirements:

• The staff will issue a new inspection certificate.
• Stick the inspection sticker on the windshield.
• Return documents and papers to the vehicle owner.

Latest pickup truck registration fees

According to the latest regulations, the latest pickup truck registration fees are as follows:

Pickup truck registration fee:

• Inspection fee: 280.000 VND
• Certificate fee: 50.000 VND
• Total cost: 330.000 VND

This fee applies to pickup trucks with a load capacity of up to 2 tons. This is the latest updated fee according to Circular 55/2022/TT-BTC.

Pickup truck inspection cycle:

In addition to costs, pickup truck owners also need to pay attention to the new inspection cycle applied from January 01, 01:

First cycle: 30 months.

Next cycle:

• Vehicles under 7 years old: every 18 months.
• Vehicles from 7-12 years old: every 12 months.
• Vehicles from 12-20 years old: every 6 months.
• Cars over 20 years old: 3 months/time.

Vehicle owners need to comply with the inspection cycle to ensure safety when traveling and avoid being fined. On-time inspection also helps detect technical problems of the vehicle early, contributing to environmental protection and improving traffic safety.

What should be noted when registering a pickup truck?

4 cases to note when registering pickup trucks include modified pickup trucks, pickup trucks that are refused registration, vehicles with lost or damaged registration stickers, and installment registration of pickup trucks.

1. Tuned pickup truck

Modified pickup trucks must comply with the provisions of the law on vehicle modification. Modification items must not change the structure, size, or function of the vehicle. When registering, the vehicle owner must present documents proving the legal modification of the vehicle.

2. Pickup trucks are refused registration

Some common errors that cause pickup trucks to be refused registration:

• Brakes, steering, lights not working or not working properly.
• Tires worn, damaged.
• Emissions exceed permitted levels.
• Vehicle modified improperly.

To fix this, the car owner needs to repair or replace damaged parts and bring the car in for re-inspection.

3. How to handle when the registration stamp is lost or damaged

When the inspection sticker is lost or damaged, the vehicle owner must contact the nearest inspection center to have it reissued. The procedure for reissuing the inspection sticker includes:

• Submit documents: Vehicle registration, inspection certificate (if any), identification documents.
• Pay the fee for re-issuance of registration stamp.
• Get new registration stamp.

4. Vehicle inspection for installment purchase

In addition to the usual documents, the owner of a pickup truck paying by installments needs to bring the installment purchase contract when going for vehicle inspection.

What experience helps to quickly register a pickup truck?

To quickly register a pickup truck, you need to proactively check the vehicle before registration, choose the appropriate registration time and have experience in handling arising situations promptly.

1. Check the vehicle before registration

Before bringing the vehicle to the inspection center, the vehicle owner should carefully check the following items:

• Lighting system: Make sure all lights (headlights, turn signals, taillights, brake lights…) are working properly.
• Brake system: Check brake pad wear, brake fluid, ensure effective brake operation.
• Steering system: Check the steering wheel for play, ensure smooth steering, no deviation.
• Tires: Check tire wear, tire pressure, make sure tires are not damaged.
• Exhaust: Check the exhaust pipe for leaks, make sure the exhaust does not exceed the allowable level.
• Appearance: Make sure the car is not dented or scratched too much.

2. Tips for queuing and saving time

Choose a time when there are few people, arrive early, prepare all documents and proactively contact the inspection center to save maximum time.

• Choose a time when there are few people checking in: Checking in should be done at the beginning or middle of the week, avoid weekends or holidays.
• Arrive early: You should arrive at the inspection center early to line up and avoid long waiting times.
• Prepare all necessary documents: Prepare all necessary documents before coming for inspection.
• Proactively contact the inspection center: Call in advance to ask about the inspection status and make an appointment (if any).

3. Responding to emerging situations

Situations that may arise during the pickup truck inspection process include defective vehicles, overloaded centers, and extortion from inspection staff.

• Vehicle failure: If the vehicle has a failure, it must be repaired on the spot or taken to a reputable repair shop.
• Overloaded center: If the center is overloaded, it can be moved to another inspection center.
• Being bribed: Resolutely refuse all acts of bribery and extortion.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about pickup truck registration

1. Can pickup trucks be inspected at any center nationwide?

Vehicle owners can register at any place. registration center Any vehicle nationwide is not required to be inspected at the place of vehicle registration.

2. If the pickup truck fails the inspection, what should be done?

Car owners need to take the car for repair, fix the errors according to the inspection results, then take the car for re-inspection.

3. How long is the registration stamp and certificate of pickup truck valid for?

Stamps and registration certificates are valid from 6-24 months depending on the age of the vehicle.

4. Do pickup trucks and vans have different registration regulations?

Cargo trucks and vans have different inspection regulations regarding load and size. See detailed instructions on the process, procedures, and costs. Van inspection current latest.

5. Are the registration fees for trucks and pickup trucks different?

Billing truck inspection and pickup trucks are charged based on the same rate schedule based on gross weight and fuel type, so there is no significant difference.

6. Can a pickup truck be inspected ahead of schedule? 

Vehicle owners can register their pickup trucks ahead of schedule, but no more than 30 days.

7. Which garage repairs and maintains pickup trucks before inspection with prestige in HCM?

In Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh Phong Auto is famous as a trusted address specializing in repairing and maintaining pickup trucks, accompanying customers on every road. With a team of skilled and experienced technicians, Thanh Phong Auto is committed to providing your pickup truck with the best care, ensuring the vehicle is always in perfect working condition, meeting all inspection standards.

Services at Thanh Phong Auto:

• General inspection: Comprehensive inspection and evaluation of vehicle components, from engine, brake, steering, to power system, lights, horns…
• Regular maintenance: Perform regular maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer to help keep your vehicle running smoothly and prolong its life.
• In-depth repairs: Fix all damages, from minor faults to serious problems, ensuring safe vehicle operation.
• Car tuning: Consulting and performing car tuning according to customer's request, ensuring the car is both beautiful and meets legal regulations. Read the article now: How to modify your car to avoid failing the vehicle inspection?
• Car cleaning and care: Interior cleaning, exterior, polish, 9H ceramic coating… keeps your car clean and shiny.

Advantages of Thanh Phong Auto:

• Professional technician team.
• Modern equipment.
• Genuine spare parts.
• Competitive price.
• Dedicated advice.

If you are looking for a reputable garage to repair and maintain your pickup truck, come to Thanh Phong Auto. We will help you take the best care of your car, so you can always feel secure and comfortable on every journey.