What is the load limit for a 4.2-meter blue license plate truck on the highway?
3 Answers
The total mass of a 4.2-meter blue license plate truck after loading on the highway must not exceed 4.5 tons. Below are the regulations for oversized transport vehicles and precautions for driving on highways: Regulations for oversized transport vehicles: The total height of the vehicle and cargo from the ground exceeds 4 meters; the total width exceeds 2.55 meters; the total length exceeds 18.1 meters. Precautions for driving on highways: Maintain distance: A reasonable distance is a prerequisite for ensuring the safety of both vehicles. When driving on highways, try to stay away from large vehicles. Correct lane changing: Do not cross multiple lanes at once. Before changing lanes, carefully observe the traffic conditions, use turn signals, and honk to alert other vehicles. Emergency lane: The emergency lane is provided for vehicles in need. Unless under special circumstances, the emergency lane should not be used.
From my over 20 years of driving experience, let me talk about the load limits for blue-plate trucks on highways. Blue-plate light trucks generally refer to those with a total mass limit of around 4.5 tons, which means the maximum load capacity is approximately 1.5 to 2 tons. Specifically for your 4.2-meter-long truck, its size doesn't affect the weight limit; the license plate color determines the standard. On highways, the main load limit enforcement is at toll stations where they weigh your vehicle. Exceeding the limit by up to 1 ton results in a 200-yuan fine and 3 demerit points, while exceeding by more than 1 ton doubles the fine and may lead to temporary vehicle impoundment. Back when I was in transportation, I saw fellow drivers get into accidents due to overloading - it's especially dangerous when you can't brake in time. Regular maintenance should pay attention to tire pressure and the suspension system to ensure safety comes first. With regulations getting stricter these days, it's best not to take risks.
When I first got my driver's license, learning to drive included lessons about blue-plate trucks. For a small truck like the 4.2-meter one, the total weight limit on the highway is 4.5 tons, meaning you shouldn’t load more than 2 tons of cargo, or you’ll face fines if caught at the toll station. Beginners often forget that the vehicle’s own weight also counts—an empty truck weighs around 1 ton, so leave some margin. Before hitting the highway, it’s best to check the cargo weight or use a mobile app to estimate. On my first delivery, I almost exceeded the limit, but luckily, I checked beforehand and avoided a fine. Safety-wise, overloading shifts the center of gravity, increasing the risk of tipping over—light cases may damage the axles, while severe ones can lead to accidents. Always pay attention to toll station locations on your navigation and prepare in advance.
