Gov't Extends Anti-Overloading Suspension Enforcement on Certain Types of Trucks, Trailers

The government has once again extended the suspension of enforcement of the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW) for 18- to 22-wheeler trucks and trailers.

Secretaries Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Arthur Tugade of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) agreed to move the anti-overloading policy to June 30 this year.

The said move would allow haulers and truckers to acquire additional transport equipment to conform to the latest GVW.

The policy covers Code 12-2 and 12-3 which involves truck, semi-trailer with three-axles on the motor vehicle and two axles on the trailer for a total of 18 wheels, and truck semi-trailer with three axles on the motor vehicle and three axles on the  that are up to 22 wheels.

"Truck/trailer owners have sufficient time to upgrade their units to conform with latest maximum allowable GVW of 41,500 for code 12-2 and 42,000 kilograms for code 12-3 before July 1, 2019," Villar said.

Other truck/trailer codes must observe the current maximum allowable GVW under the anti-overloading policy.

The policy is meant to prevent early damage and deterioration to road pavements. This will also cut the road crashes attributed to overloaded vehicles.

Under Republic Act 8794 or 'An Act Imposing a Motor Vehicle User’s Charge on Owners of all Types of Motor Vehicle and for Other Purposes,' a fine worth 25 percent of the motor vehicle user's charge (MVUC) will be charged against overloaded trucks applicable at the time of infringement.