Teorio
Axle load limit
The prohibition applies to vehicles with an actual axle load higher than indicated, an actual bogie load higher than 1,5 times the indicated axle load or an actual triple-bogie load higher than 2 times the indicated axle load.
When you see the sign
Check whether the vehicle’s actual axle load is within the figure shown on the sign. You must not pass the sign if the actual axle load, tandem-axle load or triple-axle load exceeds the permitted limit.
Rules
- The prohibition applies when the actual axle load is higher than the number of tonnes shown on the sign.
- For a tandem axle, the limit is 1.5 times the stated axle-load limit.
- For a triple axle, the limit is 2 times the stated axle-load limit.
- It is the vehicle’s actual load while driving—not just the permitted gross vehicle weight or permitted axle load stated in the registration certificate—that determines whether the prohibition applies.
Tips
- Check the registration certificate, load distribution and any weighing data before driving on a road with an axle-load limit.
- Distribute the load correctly, because placing too much weight over one axle can make driving illegal even if the vehicle’s total weight is within the permitted gross vehicle weight.
- Pay particular attention to the sign near weak bridges and roads with limited load-bearing capacity.
- Choose another route if you cannot document or reliably determine that the axle loads are within the limits.
Common misconceptions
- Assuming that the number indicates the vehicle’s maximum permitted gross weight. The sign applies to the load on an axle or group of axles.
- Comparing the limit only with the permitted axle-load information in the registration certificate. The actual load on the journey is what matters.
- Using the same number directly as the limit for a tandem axle or triple axle without calculating 1.5 or 2 times the stated axle-load limit, respectively.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign mean?
- AIt prohibits vehicles when the actual total weight is higher than the number on the sign.
- BIt prohibits vehicles when the actual load on an axle or axle group is too high.
- CIt prohibits all vehicles from continuing past the sign.
- DIt prohibits lorries and tractor units from continuing past the sign.
Medium
The number on the sign is 3 t. The car has only single axles, an actual total weight of 5 t, and a highest actual axle load of 2,8 t. The permitted axle load in the vehicle registration document is 3,4 t. What do you do?
- AYou continue driving because the highest actual axle load is lower than 3 t.
- BYou stop because the car's actual total weight is higher than 3 t.
- CYou stop because the permitted axle load in the vehicle registration document is higher than 3 t.
- DYou continue driving because the sign applies only to lorries and tractor units.
Hard
The number on the sign is 3 t. Which of these vehicles may continue driving?
- AA vehicle with an actual load of 6,0 t on a triple-axle group.
- BA vehicle with an actual load of 3,1 t on a single axle.
- CA vehicle with an actual load of 4,6 t on a tandem axle group.
- DA vehicle with an actual load of 6,1 t on a triple-axle group.
Theory test tip
In the theory test, you may be given both the gross weight and the axle load. The trap is to choose based on the gross weight; instead, compare the actual axle load with the number on the sign, and remember the factors of 1.5 for a tandem axle and 2 for a triple axle.
Did you know
The sign is often used to protect bridges or sections of road that cannot withstand a high load concentrated over a small area. Therefore, a vehicle with a permitted gross weight may still be prohibited if too much of its weight is concentrated on one axle.
Frequently asked questions
What is meant by actual axle load?
It is the load that an axle actually transfers to the road on the journey in question. It is affected by factors including the vehicle’s own weight, its load, passengers and how the load is distributed.
If the sign shows 3 tonnes, how high can the actual tandem-axle load be?
The tandem-axle load can be up to 4.5 tonnes because the limit is 1.5 times the stated axle-load limit. If the actual tandem-axle load is higher than 4.5 tonnes, the prohibition applies.
If the sign shows 3 tonnes, how high can the actual triple-axle load be?
The triple-axle load can be up to 6 tonnes because the limit is 2 times the stated axle-load limit. A higher actual triple-axle load is not permitted past the sign.
Can an ordinary passenger car be covered by the prohibition?
Yes, the sign applies to vehicles in general, not just lorries. An ordinary passenger car will normally be well below the limit, but a heavy or heavily loaded vehicle must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Practise for the theory test
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