Transport Department Directs Clear Mention of Load Capacity in Blue Books

Kathmandu. The Department of Transport Management has directed transport management offices across the country to clearly mention the load-carrying capacity in the blue books (vehicle registration books) of goods vehicles.

The department has issued such a clear directive because in the past, when only 'gross weight' was written in the blue book, there was confusion regarding the actual load-carrying capacity (load-bearing capacity) of the vehicle.

According to the circular issued by the department, from now on, when determining the load-carrying capacity of goods vehicles, it should be mentioned that rigid trucks should have a maximum of 35 tons and trailers or semi-trailers should have a maximum of 49 tons.

The department has stated that this decision has been made in accordance with Section 16, Sub-section 3 of the Transport Management Act, 2049, and the 'Directive on Regulation of Load-Carrying Capacity of Goods Vehicles, 2074'. According to the directive, the total permissible load will be calculated by adding the load-carrying capacity per axle ton, tandem, and tridem.

According to the department, due to the lack of clear mention of load-carrying capacity in the blue book, there have been disputes between traffic police and vehicle owners on the road, and there have been problems in technically regulating load-carrying capacity. The department has directed that the load-carrying capacity should be clearly stated not only in newly issued blue books but also in previously issued blue books during renewal or other processes.

The department has corresponded with all transport management ministries and offices of all seven provinces to implement this rule immediately.