Maximum Authorized Weights in the European Union
This guide sets out the maximum authorized weights and dimensions laid down by Directive 96/53/EC for goods vehicles and the provision of Annex I from which each is taken. The figures are those against which MaxLoader checks a load.
Source Directive 96/53/EC, Annex IFigures verified against the published text on November 1, 2026
Scope
Council Directive 96/53/EC lays down, for certain road vehicles circulating within the Union, the maximum authorized dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorized weights in international traffic. Its purpose is to facilitate the free movement of goods: a Member State may not refuse a vehicle that complies with these limits for international traffic on the grounds of its weights or dimensions.
Member States may authorize higher weights for vehicles in national traffic. The weights below are therefore the common standard for international transport, not the national limit of each Member State.
Maximum authorized weights of vehicles
| Vehicle | Maximum authorized weight | Annex I |
|---|---|---|
| Articulated vehicle with five or six axles | 40 t | 2.2.2(a) and (b) |
| Road train with five or six axles | 40 t | 2.2.1 |
| Three-axle motor vehicle with semi-trailer, intermodal, up to 45 ft | 44 t | 2.2.2(c) |
| Two-axle motor vehicle with three-axle semi-trailer, intermodal, up to 45 ft | 42 t | 2.2.2(d) |
| Two-axle motor vehicle other than a bus | 18 t | 2.3.1 |
| Three-axle motor vehicle | 25 t, or 26 t where the conditions of Annex I on twin tyres and suspension are met | 2.3.2 |
The weights for intermodal combinations apply only where the vehicle carries one or more containers or swap bodies, up to a total maximum length of 45 ft, in an intermodal transport operation. In other operations, the same vehicle is subject to 40 t. The maximum authorized weight in tonnes of a four-axle motor vehicle may not exceed 5 times the distance in meters between the axes of its foremost and rearmost axles (Annex I 4.3).
Maximum authorized axle weights
The maximum authorized weight of a single non-driving axle is 10 t (Annex I 3.1), and that of a driving axle is 11,5 t (Annex I 3.4). In international traffic, the weight borne by the driving axle or axles may not be less than 25% of the total laden weight of the vehicle or vehicle combination (Annex I 4.1).
Maximum authorized weights of axle groups
The maximum authorized weight of a tandem or tri-axle group depends on the spacing between its axles.
| Axle group | Axle spacing | Maximum authorized weight | Annex I |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tandem axle of a trailer or semi-trailer | Less than 1 m | 11 t | 3.2.1 |
| Tandem axle of a trailer or semi-trailer | 1 m or more and less than 1,3 m | 16 t | 3.2.2 |
| Tandem axle of a trailer or semi-trailer | 1,3 m or more and less than 1,8 m | 18 t | 3.2.3 |
| Tandem axle of a trailer or semi-trailer | 1,8 m or more | 20 t | 3.2.4 |
| Tri-axle of a trailer or semi-trailer | Not more than 1,3 m | 21 t | 3.3.1 |
| Tri-axle of a trailer or semi-trailer | More than 1,3 m and not more than 1,4 m | 24 t | 3.3.2 |
| Tandem axle of a motor vehicle | Less than 1 m | 11,5 t | 3.5.1 |
| Tandem axle of a motor vehicle | 1 m or more and less than 1,3 m | 16 t | 3.5.2 |
| Tandem axle of a motor vehicle | 1,3 m or more and less than 1,8 m | 18 t, or 19 t where the conditions of Annex I on twin tyres and suspension are met | 3.5.3 |
Maximum authorized dimensions
| Dimension | Maximum | Annex I |
|---|---|---|
| Length of a motor vehicle or trailer | 12 m | 1.1 |
| Length of an articulated vehicle | 16,5 m | 1.1 |
| Length of a road train | 18,75 m | 1.1 |
| Width | 2,55 m, or 2,6 m for the superstructure of a conditioned vehicle | 1.2 |
| Height | 4 m | 1.3 |
| Distance from the kingpin to the rear of a semi-trailer | 12 m | 1.6 |
| Turning circle, outer and inner radius | 12,5 m and 5,3 m | 1.5 |
A conditioned vehicle is one whose superstructure has side walls, including insulation, at least 45 mm thick. Any motor vehicle or vehicle combination in motion must be able to turn within a swept circle of the outer and inner radius given above.
Exclusions
This guide does not cover the national limits of Member States, which may be higher for national traffic; the limits of countries outside the European Union; special permits for abnormal loads; or the weights and dimensions of buses and coaches, for which Annex I makes separate provision. The rules of each country on the route should be consulted for national journeys and abnormal loads.
Plan a load against these limits. See also Federal Truck Size and Weight Limits.