Weight limitWorldwide

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Worldwide. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


53. Weight limit

A weight limit prohibits vehicles or vehicle combinations whose mass exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel or other structure. Depending on local law, the restriction may concern the vehicle’s actual loaded mass, maximum authorised mass or load on an individual axle.

Drivers must know which type of mass the sign refers to and must include the vehicle, passengers, cargo and any trailer where required. A vehicle that exceeds the limit must use another suitable route.

Weight limit of 3.5 tonnes. (Saxony, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Bybbisch94 • CC BY
What does a weight-limit sign mean?

It prohibits vehicles or vehicle combinations whose relevant mass exceeds the value displayed on the sign.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section C II.1(e), dimensions, laden mass and axle mass; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), sections 2B.64–2B.65, weight limits and weigh stations; US example

Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited. Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited.

How can you recognise a weight-limit sign?

It is commonly a circular regulatory sign showing a mass in tonnes, kilograms or another local unit.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section C II.1(e), dimensions, laden mass and axle mass; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), sections 2B.64–2B.65, weight limits and weigh stations; US example

How can a driver determine the actual mass?

Use a suitable weighing facility to establish the vehicle’s current loaded mass, or axle loads where those are relevant. Check the vehicle documents for rated capacities and legal limits; those figures are not necessarily its actual mass on the journey.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section C II.1(e), dimensions, laden mass and axle mass; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), sections 2B.64–2B.65, weight limits and weigh stations; US example

Can a temporary weight limit apply?

Yes. Temporary restrictions may protect a damaged bridge, weakened road, roadworks structure or road affected by flooding or thawing.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section C II.1(e), dimensions, laden mass and axle mass; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), sections 2B.64–2B.65, weight limits and weigh stations; US example

Does the sign change priority?

No. Traffic lights, priority signs and ordinary priority rules remain applicable.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section C II.1(e), dimensions, laden mass and axle mass; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), sections 2B.64–2B.65, weight limits and weigh stations; US example

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