Limiting a truck’s height, width, or length is part of an attempt to make sure that it does not weigh too much as it is driving on a public road. Overweight trucks can cause accidents and put other people in danger. If you are a truck driver, this page contains vital information regarding Connecticut’s weight laws. Refer to this information to make sure that your truck is in compliance with these laws.
Proper truck weight gets determined by how many axles the truck has and how far apart the axles are. Axles support the weight of a truck, so it is important to regulate the weight that each axle will bear. The weight laws related to axles for trucks in Connecticut are as follows.
Two Axle Vehicle
For a two axle vehicle:
- The weight limit for a two axle vehicle with no axle weight restrictions is 32,000 pounds.
- If the axle weight is limited to an 18,000 pound maximum, the weight limit for the vehicle is 36,000 pounds.
- If you use a Federal Bridge Formula, a two axle truck can carry up to 40,000 pounds of weight.
- When a four-wheel construction vehicle is operating within 25 miles of a construction site, it can carry up to 40,000 pounds.
Three Axle Vehicles
For a three axle vehicle that is a straight truck, not a combination tractor-trailer:
- The weight limit for a three axle vehicle is 53,800 pounds.
- If you use a Federal Bridge Formula, a three axle truck can carry up to 60,000 pounds.
For a three axle combination truck, trailer, or semitrailer:
- The weight limit for this type of truck is 58,400 pounds.
- You have an option to use a Federal Bridge Formula, in which case this truck can carry up to 60,000 pounds.
Four Axle Vehicle
For a four axle truck that is transporting material to a construction site or that is engaged in construction work:
- The weight limit is 73,000 pounds.
Additional Vehicles
For a vehicle trailer combination or a straight vehicle with four or more axles:
- The weight limit is 67,000 pounds, if the wheelbase is less than 28 feet.
- The weight limit is 73,000 pounds, if the wheelbase is at or above 28 feet.
For a vehicle trailer combination or a straight vehicle with five or more axles:
- The weight limit is 73,000 pounds.
- You have the option to use a Federal Bridge Formula, in which case such a vehicle could carry up to 80,000 pounds.
Other factors, such as axle spacing and tires, can impact the weight limits for certain trucks. These laws are explained below:
- When axles are spaced fewer than six feet apart, the weight limit is 18,000 pounds per axle.
- When axles are spaced six or more feet apart, the weight limit is 22,400 pounds per axle.
- The load per inch width of a tire has a 600 pound maximum.
Regardless of the size of the vehicle, the maximum axle weight is the same for all Connecticut trucks. This limit is 22,400 pounds for one axle or over 18,000 pounds when axles are spaced less than six feet apart. A tandem axle has a 34,000 pound limit.
If you have additional questions about the weight limits for Connecticut trucks, you can contact our office.