What are the new regulations classifying pickup trucks as passenger vehicles?
2 Answers
Pickup trucks have not yet been classified as passenger vehicles. The following are the 2021 new regulations for pickup trucks: 1. Road access relaxation: Pickup trucks still retain their commercial vehicle attributes, but they can now drive on roads that were previously prohibited. However, they still cannot enjoy the same privileges as passenger vehicles, such as toll-free highways. 2. Vehicle type relaxation: Pickup trucks are about to be classified as passenger vehicles. From the previous "Proposal for Passenger Vehicle Classification of Pickup Trucks" during the Two Sessions to recent national meetings, it can be seen that the current trend for pickup trucks is moving towards "vehicle type relaxation," but it still requires a significant amount of time for testing. If officially implemented, pickup trucks will be completely classified as passenger vehicles. 3. Abolition of the 15-year scrappage rule for pickup trucks: The abolition of the 15-year scrappage rule for pickup trucks is only a new regulation in some regions. However, vehicles that fail annual inspections or reach 600,000 kilometers in mileage will still be scrapped. Currently, most regions still enforce the 15-year scrappage rule.
I'm an ordinary pickup truck owner who has been using my pickup for transportation for several years, and I find the new regulations particularly practical. In the past, pickup trucks were classified as commercial vehicles, facing severe restrictions when entering urban areas—permits were required, and we were frequently checked, which gave me a real headache. However, around 2020, the government introduced new policies. The Ministry of Public Security directly issued a notice reclassifying pickups as passenger vehicles, and the State Council followed up by pushing to remove urban entry restrictions. Now, driving a pickup is as free as driving a private car—whether it's delivering goods in the city or picking up the kids, there are no issues, saving a lot of hassle. I’ve also noticed that insurance rates have been adjusted to be closer to those of passenger vehicles, with safety assurances as long as regular maintenance is done. This change has made life much more convenient for owners like me. Being able to carry small loads in the city has greatly improved practicality, and the key thing is that I no longer have to worry when traveling. It’s a really good step forward.
