California Truck Axle Weight Limits [2024 Updated]

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) provides extensive guidance for California truck axle weight limits. The weights are not only for the vehicle, as the weight limits apply to the ‘weight on the pavement’ of the combined total of the vehicle plus its load.

The CVS doesn’t provide weight limits for the load since the load limits can depend on several factors, such as:

• The load’s weight distribution
• The weight of a specific vehicle

Why Are Certain Trucks Banned in the United States?

Noise complaints generally have led to many requests to ban trucks. Yet, trucking remains the primary method of transporting goods throughout the United States. Restricting commerce remains difficult because trade and commerce have both federal and state protections. In order to restrict commerce further, it would require substantial supportive information like statistical evidence of increased accidents or proof of reasonable alternate routes.

Which CVC Codes Address Vehicle Weight?

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) sections that relate to vehicle weight are CVC Weight Sections 35550 – 35558.

For trucks to be operating lawfully, their truck height must be 14 feet or less. Under the CVC, the width of a truck must be 8.5 feet or less. Also, the length limit for any single unit vehicle is 40 feet or less, but there are some exceptions for motorhomes and buses on certain U.S. routes.

What Is the Overall Maximum Weight Limit for a Vehicle?

Specific to truck weight, under California Vehicle Code 35550 the overall maximum weight limit for a legally-operating vehicle is 80,000 pounds.

Single-axle vehicles are limited to 20,000 pounds, and tandem-axle vehicles equipped with appropriate capacity ratings for tire weight are 34,000 pounds. The gross weight allowed upon a single wheel or multiple wheels supporting the single end of a vehicle axle may not exceed 10,500 pounds.

Under CVC 35550, the total limit for any one wheel (the gross weight limit) does not apply to vehicles transporting loads of livestock.

What Is the Maximum Lawful Wheel Load?

In addition to the axle weight information above, it’s important to know that the lawful maximum wheel load is the lesser of the following:

• On the tire sidewall, it typically contains information about the load limit as set by the manufacturer of the tire, or
• A legal load of 620 pounds per lateral inch of the width of the tire

What Else Is Relevant to Maximum Wheel Load Limits?

Following the CVC, two tandem axles may carry 34,000 pounds each, subject to certain distance requirements for the tandem axles, provided the gross weight of two consecutive sets does not weigh more than 68,000 pounds. The weight limits only apply to vehicle combinations that have a semi-trailer or a trailer.

What Gross Weight Is Lawful for Single-Axle Vehicle?

CVC 35551.5. (b) states the gross weight shall not exceed 18,000 pounds for the amount imposed upon the roads by the wheels of any single axle of a vehicle on one end of the axle. Also, the gross weight inflicted by the front steering axle may not exceed 12,500 pounds.

The front-axle weight limits do not apply to the following:

• Trucks transporting loads of livestock
• Vehicles transporting other vehicles
• Cranes
• Dump trucks
• Buses
• Cement trucks or transit mix concrete vehicles
• Trucks that mix cement or concrete for a job site
• Non-commercial vehicles
• Public utility vehicles, like electricity, water, gas, or the telephone service
• Vehicles transporting garbage or recycling
• Trucks with a 1,500-gallon or more cargo capacity
• Trucks with an additional (or fifth) wheel and are towing a semi-trailer
• Vehicles carrying bulk livestock feed or grains in bulk
• Fire trucks
• Log haulers
• Truck tractors or other vehicles with a front axle that’s at least four feet to the rear of the principal part of the truck tractor or vehicle (not including the vehicle’s front bumper)

Where Can I Get My Truck Weighed?

The California Dept. of Food & Agriculture has a list of public weigh scales where, for a fee, you can have your truck weighed. Some may provide weight certificates.

FAQs

What Is the Maximum Weight Limit on Axles in California?

The maximum lawful weight limit in California depends on the total number of axles and if the truck is operating on an interstate highway. On the federal highway system and for a vehicle transporting in California, 20,000 pounds is the maximum for a single-axle, and 34,000 pounds is the maximum for a tandem-axle group. Of note, 80,000 is the maximum gross weight limit.

Can My Steer Axle Weigh Over 12,000 Pounds?

A steer axle can’t be over 12,000 pounds since that is the legal maximum weight limit. The steer axle can be found at the front of a semi-truck, and it controls the direction of a vehicle. If a truck’s load goes over the weight limit for any axle group, a driver needs a permit for every road along their route.

What Is the Maximum Weight for a 53-Foot Trailer in California?

The maximum weight for a five-axle vehicle in California is 80,000 pounds. For a 53-foot trailer, the weight maximum depends on the type of trailer:

• A dry van: 43,000 to 46,000 pounds
• A refrigerated trailer: 43,000 to 45,000 pounds
• A flatbed trailer: 45,000 to 48,000 pounds

Does California Have Any Other Weight Limits?

Other weight limits apply in California, such as:

• Manufacturer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) specifies the weight limits in order to properly preserve your vehicle, which can be found within an owner’s manual or obtained directly from the vehicle manufacturer
• Declared Operating Weight is a declaration that determines the fees to be paid to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and you may not lawfully exceed the declared weight amount

Contact Us Today

At the Corrales Law Group, an attorney can help discuss any weight limit maximum for a vehicle that you operate and whether the lawful limits for your vehicle load in California may be in jeopardy. Reach out to contact our office at any time to schedule a confidential consultation.