Can Pickup Trucks Drive in the City?
2 Answers
Pickup trucks can drive in the city, but some cities may have restricted driving hours. For personal-use pickup trucks entering urban areas with cargo, the load must not exceed the approved capacity specified on the vehicle registration, and the length and width of the cargo must not extend beyond the truck bed. Additionally, the toll charges for pickup trucks carrying cargo on highways are calculated according to the standards for cargo trucks. A pickup truck is a light-duty cargo vehicle with an open cargo area behind the cab, where the side panels of the cargo area are integrated with the cab. It is also a dual-purpose passenger and cargo vehicle with a front resembling a sedan and a rear cargo compartment. The characteristics of pickup trucks include sedan-like comfort without sacrificing powerful performance, along with better cargo capacity and off-road capability compared to sedans.
As someone who frequently drives a pickup truck in the city, I can confidently say it's completely fine. My Chevrolet Silverado runs on the streets of Beijing every day, with no special restrictions on urban roads as long as it's not a heavy-duty truck. The only challenge is the smaller parking spaces, which require some skill—like slowly backing into narrow alleys. Fuel consumption is relatively high in congested city traffic, averaging 11L/100km, but its cargo capacity is excellent, and I often carry tools to save time. Some central areas have emission restrictions for older models, but newer ones like the Great Wall Poer meet the standards. Safety-wise, the high chassis provides a great view, reducing blind-spot accidents. I recommend opting for a mid-size or compact model for better maneuverability in tight spaces. Overall, driving is quite liberating—just watch your fuel and parking space. On weekends, it's super handy for moving furniture!
