Truck transport

Axle weight limits in Europe

The axle weight limit is an essential component of traffic regulations. These limits are designed to protect road infrastructure from excess weight and ensure traffic safety.

The variety of regulations in each country often poses a challenge for carriers operating international routes. This article examines the limitations imposed in European countries and the implications they have for transportation companies operating in the European Union.

Axle weight limit in Europe:

Poland

In Poland, the maximum permissible load for a single drive axle of a vehicle traveling on public roads is 11.5 tons. However, according to Article 41 of the Law on Public Roads, road managers may impose restrictions on specific road sections or zones, lowering the limit to 10 tons or 8 tons, in order to protect road infrastructure. These restrictions are clearly marked with appropriate road signs. Additionally, on roads with surfaces other than bituminous, concrete, stone, or clinker, the allowable load of a single drive axle is limited to 8 tons. In justified cases, such as providing access to properties or carrying out construction work, the road manager may raise this limit.

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Germany

In Germany, the permissible vehicle axle loads are regulated by the Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO), which is the set of regulations that governs the approval of vehicles for road use. According to §34 of the StVZO, the maximum permissible axle loads are as follows:

  • Single non-driven axle: Up to 10 tons.
  • Single drive axle: Up to 11.5 tons.
  • Double axle (tandem): Depending on the wheelbase, the maximum permissible axle load ranges from 11.5 tons (for wheelbases less than 1.0 m) to 19 tons (for wheelbases between 1.3 m and less than 1.8 m, subject to specific criteria).
  • Triple axle (tridem): Depending on the wheelbase, the maximum permissible axle load ranges from 21 tons (for wheelbases less than 1.3 m) to 24 tons (for wheelbases between 1.3 m and less than 1.4 m).

France

1. Single-unit vehicles:

  • Single drive axle: The maximum axle load is 13 tons.
  • Double (twin) axle:
    – If the distance between axles is less than 1.00 m: 11.5 tons.
    – If the distance between axles is between 1.00 m and less than 1.30 m: 16 tons.
    – If the distance between axles is between 1.30 m and less than 1.80 m: 18 tons.
    – If the distance between axles is 1.80 m or more: 19 tons.

2. Vehicle combinations (e.g., tractor with semitrailer):

  • Triple axle (tridem):
    If the distance between the extreme axles is between 1.30 m and less than 1.40 m: 21 tons.
    If the distance between the extreme axles is between 1.40 m and less than 1.80 m: 24 tons.
    If the distance between the extreme axles is 1.80 m or more: 27 tons.

For the most up-to-date and detailed information, it is recommended to consult official sources, such as the French Ministry of Ecological Transformation and Territorial Cohesion.

Italy

Italian road regulations specify the permissible axle loads for trucks. The maximum values are as follows: 11.5 tons for a single drive axle, 10 tons for a single non-drive axle, and up to 19 tons for a double axle, depending on the wheelbase. For longer vehicles, such as combinations, the pressure on individual axles can vary, but must still remain within these limits. Additional information is available here.

Spain

In Spain, the maximum allowable load on a single drive axle is 11.5 tons. For double axles, the axle load varies depending on the wheelbase, ranging from 16 tons for wheelbases less than 1 meter to 20 tons for wheelbases exceeding 1.8 meters. For triple axles, axle loads range from 21 to 24 tons, depending on the configuration. For more information, please refer to the Spanish Ministry of Transportation website.

Check also article: What can result from overloading an axle?

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