What is the maximum allowable total mass for a three-axle vehicle?
3 Answers
For a three-axle truck, the maximum allowable total mass limit for road travel must not exceed 25 tons, and for a three-axle articulated vehicle, the total mass must not exceed 27 tons. The following are the hazards of overloading and exceeding limits: Damage to road facilities: Vehicle overloading severely damages road infrastructure, leading to pavement damage, bridge fractures, and a significant reduction in service life. High risk: Increased mass leads to greater inertia, longer braking distances, and higher risks, potentially causing various accidents. Operational errors: Drivers operating overloaded vehicles often experience increased psychological stress and mental pressure, making them prone to operational errors, affecting driving safety, and causing traffic accidents.
I've been driving three-axle trucks for freight transport on highways, knowing that the maximum allowable gross weight is usually around 25 tons, with slight variations in regulations across regions. I remember a decade ago when I was on a long-distance haul, I accidentally exceeded the limit by 2 tons without noticing. As a result, I kept getting tickets at weigh stations, and the brakes became less responsive, nearly causing an accident. Weight limits are in place to protect tires and road surfaces, as well as to prevent risks associated with fatigued driving. Overloading increases stress on the suspension and makes the truck more prone to rollovers on poor road conditions. Truck drivers often carry portable scales to weigh their loads before setting off, ensuring safety. 25 tons is a benchmark—don't gamble by trying to save trips.
From a traffic regulation perspective, the maximum gross weight of a tri-axle vehicle is set according to national standards, typically 25 tons in China, as referenced in the GB1589 regulation. This value is calculated based on axle load distribution, with limits of approximately 9 tons, 10 tons, and 12 tons for the front, middle, and rear axles respectively, to prevent road damage. Other countries may have higher or lower limits, with the primary purpose being to avoid accidents and fines. I've studied various regional provisions, such as stricter highway regulations where overloading results in penalty points and monetary fines. The core issue revolves around vehicle safety balance, so it's advisable to check the latest rules before driving.
