Understanding and adhering to axle load and gross vehicle weight (GVW) limits are crucial for ensuring road safety and protecting infrastructure in Vietnam. For trucking companies and drivers, compliance with these regulations not only extends the lifespan of their vehicles and prevents damage but also helps avoid costly fines. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình provides a comprehensive overview of axle load limits, GVW calculations, and relevant legal regulations, helping you operate your trucks safely and legally.
What Is Axle Load?
According to Article 3 of the National Technical Regulation QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT, issued with Circular 54/2019/TT-BGTVT, axle load is defined as the portion of the vehicle’s total weight distributed on each axle. Axles include single axles, tandem axles, and tri-axles. Simply put, the axle load is the maximum weight each axle of a truck can bear while the vehicle is in motion.
Today, trucks are designed with various configurations, from 2-axle and 3-axle to 4-axle trucks. The axle system is also divided differently to ensure adequate support for each designed load capacity.
What Are the Axle Load Limits for Trucks?
Axle load limits represent the maximum weight an axle is allowed to bear when driving on roads. This value includes the vehicle’s own weight and the weight of the cargo it carries. Each truck axle, whether front or rear, has its own specific load limit. The primary purpose of these limits is to ensure traffic safety, prevent accidents, and minimize damage to the road system.
How to Calculate Axle Load
To accurately determine the axle load, consider the following factors:
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the vehicle, including both the vehicle itself and the cargo it carries. This is the first and most important step in calculating the load distribution on each axle.
GVW Calculation Formula:
GVW = Unladen weight of the vehicle + Weight of cargo
Axle Load Calculation Formula:
Axle Load = Total weight of the vehicle as measured – Weight of occupants (driver and assistant) – Unladen weight of the vehicle.
Load Distribution on Axles
The load distribution on each axle may vary depending on the vehicle’s design and the arrangement of the cargo. To determine the load on each specific axle, it is necessary to understand the center of gravity of the cargo and the distribution of weight on the axles.
Formula for Calculating Front and Rear Axle Loads
Formula for calculating front and rear axle loads for trucks
Alt text: Illustration of the formula for calculating load distribution on the front and rear axles of a truck, showing the dependence on axle distance and the center of gravity of the cargo.
Axle Weighing
The most accurate and direct method for determining axle load is using an axle weighing system. Specialized truck scales allow for precise measurement of the load on each axle, ensuring compliance with legal regulations and effective traffic safety.
Axle Load Regulations
In addition to axle load limits for each type of vehicle, the Ministry of Transport has issued many strict and clear regulations related to axle load. These regulations include road clearance limits, the transportation of oversized and overweight goods, and the use of tracked vehicles on roads. Article 16 of Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT specifies axle load limits as follows:
Single Axle Load
Regulations for single axles focus on the maximum allowable weight limit for each single axle of the vehicle. For example, in many countries, the single axle load must not exceed 10 tons.
Vietnam Regulations: The load of a single axle ≤ 10 tons.
Tandem Axle Load
For trucks with tandem axles (two axles close together), the load limit is usually higher than for a single axle. The tandem axle load can be up to 18-20 tons, depending on the regulations of each country. In Vietnam, the load of a vehicle with tandem axles depends on the distance between the two axle centers, specifically:
- If the distance between the two axle centers is less than 1m: The axle load must not exceed 11 tons.
- If the distance between the two axle centers is from 1m to 1.3m: The axle load must not exceed 16 tons.
- If the distance between the two axle centers is greater than 1.3m: The axle load must not exceed 18 tons.
Tri-Axle Load
For tri-axles, the axle load is regulated based on the distance between two adjacent axle centers, specifically:
- If the distance between two adjacent centers is ≤ 1.3m: The allowable axle load is less than 21 tons.
- If the distance between two adjacent centers is > 1.3m: The allowable axle load is less than 24 tons.
Special Axle Configurations
Some types of trucks have special configurations, such as multi-axle trucks or oversized and overweight vehicles, which often have separate load regulations. These vehicles usually require special permits to operate and must comply with strict operating conditions. This is to ensure the safety of other vehicles and protect transport infrastructure during the transportation of bulky goods.
Penalties for Exceeding Axle Load Limits:
Regulations regarding axle load are mandatory legal requirements that all truck drivers must strictly adhere to when participating in traffic. Complying with regulations not only ensures the safety of the driver and vehicle but also contributes to the safety of other vehicles on the road.
When violating axle load regulations, whether intentionally or unintentionally, drivers will face administrative penalties corresponding to the level of violation:
- Exceeding axle load limits by 10% to 20%: A fine of 2,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND. In addition, the driver’s license will be suspended for 01 month.
- Exceeding axle load limits by 20% to 50%: A fine of 3,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND. The driver’s license will be suspended for 02 months.
- Exceeding axle load limits by more than 50%: A fine of 5,000,000 VND to 7,000,000 VND. The driver’s license will be suspended for 02 months.
Additional Information about Vehicle Weight
How to Calculate Excess Load
A vehicle is considered overloaded when it carries goods exceeding the permissible weight, based on the technical safety and environmental protection inspection certificate (vehicle registration). To calculate the excess load, you can use the following formula:
Excess Load = Total weight measured at the time of inspection – Unladen weight of the vehicle – Maximum allowable cargo weight of the vehicle.
Example: A small truck has an unladen weight of 3.5 tons and a permissible cargo weight of 6 tons. During inspection, the total weight measured is 10 tons. Thus:
Excess Load = 10 – 3.5 – 6 = 0.5 tons.
The penalty will be calculated based on the percentage of overload compared to the permissible load. The formula for calculating the percentage of overload is as follows:
Percentage of Overload (%) = (Excess Load / Maximum Allowable Load) x 100%.
According to the example above, the percentage of overload would be:
Percentage of Overload = (0.5 / 6) x 100% = 8.3%.
Drivers should note that the penalty will be applied based on this overload percentage, so controlling the weight of goods is crucial to avoid violations.
Current Vehicle Weight Regulations
According to regulations of the Ministry of Transport, all trucks carrying goods must comply with the specified weight limits. Specifically, during transportation, trucks with a weight of less than 5 tons are only allowed to exceed the permissible weight by no more than 10%, while trucks over 5 tons are only allowed to exceed by no more than 5%. Therefore, calculating the vehicle weight before operation is essential for every driver.
Each type of truck has its own weight and characteristics, suitable for different transportation needs. Therefore, depending on the volume, type of goods, or items to be transported, you should choose the appropriate truck to ensure efficient operation and compliance with regulations.
Current regulations on vehicle weight are detailed in Articles 28 and 33 of Decree No. 171/2013/ND-CP of the Prime Minister, issued on November 13, 2013, specifically as follows:
Article 28. Penalties for violations of regulations on road transport and road transport support services
| Violation | Individual | Business |
|---|---|---|
| Loading goods onto a vehicle exceeding the designed weight specified in the Vehicle Registration Certificate or the Technical Safety and Environmental Protection Inspection Certificate of the vehicle. | 500,000 VND – 1,000,000 VND | 1,000,000 VND – 2,000,000 VND |
| Loading goods onto a vehicle without signing confirmation of the loading of goods onto the Transport Document as prescribed. | 500,000 VND – 1,000,000 VND | 1,000,000 VND – 2,000,000 VND |
| Failure to list the name and phone number of the transport business unit, the vehicle’s unladen weight, and the vehicle’s permissible load on the outside of both sides of the truck’s cab door as prescribed. | 1,000,000 VND – 2,000,000 VND | 2,000,000 VND – 4,000,000 VND |
Article 33. Penalties for drivers of tracked vehicles, overweight vehicles, and vehicles exceeding the size limits of bridges and roads (including passenger cars)
| Violation | Individual | Business |
|---|---|---|
| Driving a vehicle where the total weight of the vehicle or the axle load (including goods loaded on the vehicle and people carried on the vehicle) exceeds the permissible load of the bridge or road by 10% to 20%, unless there is a valid Circulation Permit. | 2,000,000 VND – 3,000,000 VND | 2,000,000 VND – 3,000,000 VND |
| Driving a vehicle with a valid Circulation Permit but the total weight of the vehicle or the axle load (including goods loaded on the vehicle, if any) exceeds the regulations in the Circulation Permit; | 3,000,000 VND – 5,000,000 VND | 3,000,000 VND – 5,000,000 VND |
| Failure to list the name and phone number of the transport business unit, the vehicle’s unladen weight, and the vehicle’s permissible load on the outside of both sides of the truck’s cab door as prescribed. | 1,000,000 VND – 2,000,000 VND | 2,000,000 VND – 4,000,000 VND |
Penalties for overloaded vehicles (based on % overload) are as follows:
| Subject / % Penalty | Vehicle Driver | Vehicle Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 10 – 40% | Fine of 800,000 to 1,000,000 VND. | Fine of 2,000,000 – 4,000,000 VND for individual owners, 4,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND for organizations. |
| 40 -60% | Fine of 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND, suspension of driver’s license from 01 to 03 months. | Fine of 12,000,000 – 14,000,000 VND for individual owners, 24,000,000 – 28,000,000 VND for organizations. |
| 60 – 100% | Fine of 5,000,000 – 7,000,000 VND, suspension of driver’s license from 01 month to 03 months. | Fine of 14,000,000 – 16,000,000 VND for individual owners, 28,000,000 – 32,000,000 VND for organizations. |
| Overload over 100% | Fine of 7,000,000 VND, suspension of driver’s license from 03 – 05 months. | Fine of 16,000,000 – 18,000,000 VND for individual owners, 32,000,000 – 36,000,000 VND for organizations. |
Compliance with axle load and gross vehicle weight regulations is a shared responsibility of every individual and organization involved in transportation activities. Understanding these regulations and regularly checking the vehicle’s weight before each trip not only helps you avoid legal and financial risks but also contributes to building a safe, civilized, and sustainable transportation environment. If you have any questions regarding vehicle weight regulations, seek advice from legal experts or reputable transport units for timely support and answers.
