Limited Axle Load
The maximum permitted axle load is indicated on the sign.
When You See This Sign
When you see the sign you should immediately assess whether your vehicle has a bogie and whether the bogie load for that bogie exceeds the indicated value. If your bogie load is higher you must not pass — take a detour, unload, or weigh the vehicle before continuing.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign indicates the maximum permitted bogie load in tonnes (t) and the restriction applies per bogie/axle group as shown on the sign.
- Vehicles with a bogie (e.g., a truck or trailer with a tandem axle group) must not pass if their bogie load exceeds the indicated value.
- The restriction is a prohibition — you must choose another mode of transport, a different route, or unload before passing if the limit is exceeded.
- The limit applies regardless of the vehicle's total weight; it is the weight borne by the bogie that is compared to the sign.
Tips for Drivers
- Check the vehicle's bogie load in the registration certificate or on the data plate before traveling on roads where such signs may be present.
- If you are unsure about the bogie load, do not pass the sign — drive to the nearest road terminal or weighbridge to weigh the vehicle/bogies.
- Plan load distribution so that no bogies are overloaded — if necessary redistribute or unload before you pass.
- If the sign is on a bridge or ferry ramp, choose another route or contact transport management instead of attempting to pass.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign refers to the vehicle's total weight instead of the weight on the bogie.
- Confusing bogie load with single axle load — bogie load refers to the group of axles (the bogie), not a single axle.
- Assuming that reduced speed or changed tyre pressure will fix an exceeded bogie load (it will not).
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Limited Axle Load
How should you act when you see this sign?
- A Note that there is a limit for bogie load; the bogie load must not exceed the indicated value.
- B Stopping with bogie vehicles is prohibited here.
- C This is a recommended weight limit for the parking area.
- D A zone for weight control of the vehicle's total weight begins here.
Exam Tip
In the theory test you may be given a task where you must determine whether a vehicle may pass a C24 sign — add up the weight that loads the bogie (both axles in the bogie) and compare it to the sign's indicated value; do not compare with the total weight or just one axle.
Did You Know?
Restricted bogie load is often used on bridges, older road structures, or ferry ramps where the load from multiple axles can damage the structure. The sign always shows the value in tonnes and mainly appears on roads where local bearing capacity is a critical factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign also apply to passenger cars?
The sign specifically concerns bogies/axle groups. Ordinary passenger cars do not normally have bogies and are therefore not affected, but if the car has a trailer or a bogie the restriction must be considered.
How do I check my bogie load in practice?
The safest method is to weigh the vehicle at a road terminal or weighbridge and note the weight on each axle group. You can also check the registration certificate or vehicle manual for permitted load distribution.
Can I get a permit to pass if I'm slightly over the limit?
Normally you may not pass if the limit is exceeded. For special transports, permits can be applied for from the responsible authority, but this is not a general right and must be approved in advance.
Does slowing down reduce the damaging effect?
Lowering speed does not change the static load (weight) on the bogie, so it does not resolve an exceeded bogie load. The restriction is in place to limit high loads regardless of speed.
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