“The Mark of C”: Decoding Traffic Violations for Truck Drivers in Vietnam

“Be careful of getting ‘marked with a C’ when driving a truck,” my friend, a seasoned truck driver, winked knowingly when he saw my brand new Hyundai Mighty 75S truck from the Hyundai Truong Chinh dealership. “‘Marked with a C’? Sounds mysterious. What does it mean?” I asked curiously. My friend chuckled, poured a cup of hot tea, and began his story…

“The Mark of C”: A Multifaceted Analysis of a Trucking Term

“The Mark of C” is a figurative expression used among truck drivers in Vietnam, referring to being pulled over and fined by the Traffic Police for traffic violations. The “C” can be interpreted as “Cong An” (Police) or “Chup Anh” (Taking Pictures), implying that the Traffic Police will photograph the violation as evidence for the fine.

Why “The Mark of C”?

The origin of this term likely stems from the past practice of Traffic Police marking a “C” on certain sections of violation reports. Gradually, “The Mark of C” became a dreaded symbol for truck drivers, synonymous with fines, wasted time, and effort.

Common Traffic Violations Leading to “The Mark of C”

Some common violations that can lead to a truck being “marked with a C” include:

• Overloading: This is the most common violation, especially for heavy-duty trucks like Howo 4-axle dump trucks or American tractor-trailers.
• Exceeding Size Limits: Trucks carrying bulky goods that exceed permitted dimensions.
• Entering Restricted Roads or During Restricted Hours: Many inner-city roads prohibit truck traffic during certain hours.
• Documentation Errors: Missing or incomplete vehicle registration, driver’s license, etc.
• Speeding, Drunk Driving, etc.

Consequences of “The Mark of C”

Receiving “The Mark of C” not only causes financial losses for drivers and vehicle owners but also affects their reputation and potentially even their transportation business licenses. More seriously, deliberate traffic violations can lead to unfortunate accidents.

Fine Schedule for Common Road Traffic Violations (Reference)

Note: The table above is for reference only. Specific fines may vary depending on the severity of the violation and the prevailing legal regulations.

Tips to Avoid “The Mark of C” When Driving a Truck

• Understand and obey traffic laws.
• Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before operating.
• Do not overload or exceed size limits.
• Follow traffic signs and signals.
• Drive carefully and safely.
• Ensure all vehicle documents are complete and available.

Frequently Asked Questions about “The Mark of C” and Trucks

1. What to Do When Pulled Over by Traffic Police?

• Remain calm and comply with the officer’s instructions.
• Present all required vehicle documents and driver’s license.
• Cooperate with the officer during the inspection and violation processing (if any).

2. Do Fines for “The Mark of C” Change Over Time?

Yes. Traffic violation fines are updated and adjusted according to legal regulations.

3. Where to Buy Reliable Trucks in Hanoi?

XE TẢI HÀ NỘI – a trusted address for customers purchasing trucks in Hanoi and the Northern provinces. With a wide range of trucks from renowned brands such as Hyundai, JAC, Howo, etc., XE TẢI HÀ NỘI is committed to providing quality products, competitive prices, and dedicated after-sales service.

Address: XE TẢI HÀ NỘI showrooms are located in various districts of Hanoi such as Cau Giay, Long Bien, Ha Dong, etc.

Truck Feng Shui: Choosing Colors Based on Your Element

Vietnamese people value feng shui, believing it influences luck and fortune. Choosing a truck color that aligns with one’s element is also a concern for many drivers. For example, people of the Metal element should choose white, yellow, or silver vehicles; those of the Water element are suited to blue or black vehicles, etc.