What is the maximum allowable total mass for a three-axle vehicle?
2 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.
