KATHMANDU, July 28: Nepal’s overloaded freight trucks—often seen groaning under the weight of bricks, sand, cement and other construction materials—have long been a familiar but dangerous sight on the country’s highways. Now, the Nepal Police is drawing a firm line.
In a significant move to curb this widespread violation, the Nepal Police Headquarters has directed all provincial and Valley police units to take decisive action against trucks that exceed the legal load limit. No longer will drivers be able to get away with paying small fines. From now on, excess cargo will be offloaded at the spot and shifted to other vehicles, marking a shift toward stricter enforcement.
According to a circular issued by the Traffic Management and Highway Safety Division, vehicles carrying loads beyond prescribed limits will no longer be let off with fines alone. Excess cargo will be offloaded on-site and transferred to another vehicle.
Overloaded trucks take toll on Ghorahi-Holeri Road
Repeat offenders will be referred to the Transport Office for further legal action. The directive also calls for regular monitoring of enforcement and mandates action against police personnel failing to implement the rules.
The move follows a memorandum submitted to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deepak Thapa by a delegation led by Transport Entrepreneurs’ Federation Chair Hiralal Shrestha. The delegation complained that minor fines imposed during traffic checks were ineffective in curbing overloading.
In response, police have vowed stricter action, including enforcing the Freight Vehicle Load Regulation Directive, 2074 (with amendments), to ensure road safety and vehicle load compliance nationwide.
