Which traffic law does driving a forklift on the road violate?
2 Answers
Driving a forklift on the road violates Article 119 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China". Here are the details: Special vehicles: Special equipment includes the materials used, attached safety accessories, safety protection devices, and facilities related to safety protection devices. Forklifts belong to the category of in-plant vehicles under special equipment and are not allowed to operate on public roads outside the premises. Important notes: As special equipment, forklifts are strictly prohibited from road operation. If relocation is required, they must be transported to the destination by tow trucks or cranes. Forklifts are not classified as motor vehicles, making them ineligible for compulsory motor vehicle insurance or commercial insurance to share risks. In case of accidents causing personal or property damage, the forklift operator must bear the compensation costs personally.
Driving a forklift on public roads is illegal and typically violates Article 19 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, which explicitly states that all motor vehicles must be registered and licensed before being driven on roads. As special equipment, forklifts are only legally permitted for use within factory premises. They lack license plates and insurance, and their high center of gravity combined with slow speed makes them prone to tipping over or being rear-ended by cars. I’ve personally witnessed such an accident, which resulted in severe traffic congestion and injuries. Having driven trucks for many years, I know such issues are common. Therefore, factories must transport forklifts using trailers—never cut corners to save effort. Otherwise, a traffic police fine of a few hundred yuan would be the least of your worries; the potential safety risks are far more critical. Everyone should remember this: obeying regulations protects both yourself and others.
