Load Class
The road's load class is indicated on the sign.
When You See This Sign
When you see the sign, check whether your vehicle's bearing class is higher than the one shown. If it is higher you may not use the road and must choose an alternative route or wait until the restriction ends according to any time indication.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign shows the road's bearing class; vehicles whose bearing class is higher than the indicated number are not allowed to drive on the road.
- The prohibition applies regardless of the vehicle's total weight - it is the bearing class that determines whether passage is allowed.
- The signage is binding and may be temporary (e.g., during the spring thaw) if a supplementary sign indicates a time period.
- Violation of the prohibition may result in fines and liability for any damage to the road or bridge caused by driving on it.
Tips for Drivers
- Check your vehicle's bearing class in the vehicle registration certificate or through your employer/carrier before planning routes for heavy transports.
- If you are unsure about the vehicle's class, choose another route or contact the national road authority or the relevant road owner instead of guessing.
- Take note of supplementary signs that indicate times or exceptions; the restriction may apply only during certain months or days of the week.
- Plan transports so that load and axle loads are distributed correctly when possible, but never assume this changes the vehicle's official bearing class.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking the sign indicates a maximum total weight limit - it indicates the pavement's bearing class, not the vehicle's gross weight.
- Assuming the restriction only applies to trucks; a passenger car with a heavy trailer or special vehicle combinations can also be affected if its bearing class exceeds the indicated value.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Load Class
What applies at this road sign?
- A The road/bridge has a limited load-bearing class; vehicles that exceed the specified class may not drive there.
- B Maximum speed for vehicles on the bridge is indicated.
- C Ban on meeting for heavy vehicles starts here.
- D Parking is prohibited for vehicles over a certain weight.
Exam Tip
In the exam you may be asked to compare the bearing class sign with a weight limit sign; the point is that bearing class is determined by a classification (the vehicle's bearing class) while a weight limit indicates the maximum permitted total weight. Answer that you must check the vehicle's bearing class in the registration certificate.
Did You Know?
Bearing class signs are often used in connection with the spring thaw to protect roads and bridges from damage when the road's load-bearing capacity is reduced. The sign's purpose is specifically to prevent costly road damage during sensitive periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out my vehicle's bearing class?
The bearing class is usually stated in the vehicle registration certificate or can be obtained from the manufacturer/carrier. For heavy vehicles, the transport company or a workshop can calculate the class based on axle arrangement and loading.
Does the sign only apply to heavy traffic?
No, the sign applies to all vehicles whose bearing class is higher than the specified number. This can therefore include passenger cars with heavy trailers or special vehicle combinations.
What does a supplementary sign with dates under the sign mean?
A supplementary sign indicates the time period when the bearing restriction applies, for example during certain months in spring. Outside the indicated period the restriction does not apply, unless otherwise stated.
Can I drive if I reduce the load to lower the total weight?
Reducing the total weight does not necessarily change the vehicle's bearing class, which is based on construction, axle spacing and axle loads. Always check whether the vehicle's official bearing class is permitted before you drive.
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