Mass limits

Heavy vehicle mass limits are set for safety and to minimise the impact on roads and infrastructure, to provide for continued productivity. All vehicles are subject to prescribed mass limits. A vehicle or combination's mass limit is governed by several factors

• Manufacturer’s mass limits or registration authority.
• General Mass Limits
• Mass exceptions which includes:
  • Concessional Mass Limits (CML)
  • Higher Mass Limits (HML)
  • Quad axle group limits (QML)
  • 1 Tonne Tri-axle Mass Transfer Allowance (1TMTA)
  • Euro VI vehicle mass transfer allowance
• Other mass limits such as sign-posted limits or mass exemptions.

Performance Based Standards vehicles may have a mass limit provided in a PBS Vehicle Approval that exceeds the prescribed mass requirement.

Common Heavy Freight Vehicle Configurations chart (PDF, 1.1MB)

This chart shows some of the common heavy combinations used in Australia. It is not a comprehensive list and other heavy vehicle configurations are used which are not represented. The mass and length limits provided in this chart are based on the limits set out in the MDL Regulation and are provided for general guidance only.

One of the major contributors to road damage is overloaded trucks. Overloading heavy vehicles causes unnecessary wear to roads and infrastructure. Operating vehicles beyond their GVM limits poses significant risks and can lead to the failure of critical vehicle components and compromise brake performance. Ensuring your vehicle operates within its designated GVM is crucial for maintaining safety and reliability on the road.