Truck Weight Limits in Europe: A Country-by-Country Guide

Truck weight limits vary across Europe, making it important for drivers and fleet managers to understand the regulations before travelling internationally.

While 40 tonnes is the standard maximum weight for many five- and six-axle truck combinations operating internationally within the EU, some countries permit heavier vehicles on domestic journeys. Sweden, for example, allows qualifying truck combinations of up to 74 tonnes on designated roads.

Understanding Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), axle weight limits and national regulations can help operators avoid overloading, reduce the risk of fines and plan compliant journeys.

This guide compares truck weight limits across nine European countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Poland, Spain, Romania, Lithuania, Sweden and Bulgaria.

Truck weight limits in Europe: Quick comparison

The table below provides an overview of standard international weight limits and selected domestic allowances for truck and trailer combinations.

These are general reference figures, primarily for conventional five- or six-axle combinations. They are not universal maximum weights. Exceptions and additional requirements apply depending on vehicle configuration, transport operation and route. The UK is not part of the EU.

The European Commission’s guidance on vehicle weights and dimensions explains the common requirements for international truck transport. Individual countries may permit different weights for certain domestic operations.

What is Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)?

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) refers to the total actual weight of a vehicle when loaded, including the vehicle itself, fuel, driver, passengers and cargo.

For example, a rigid truck with an unladen weight of 12 tonnes carrying 14 tonnes of cargo would have a gross vehicle weight of 26 tonnes.

It’s important to distinguish between a vehicle’s actual weight and its maximum authorised weight.

The maximum authorised weight is the highest loaded weight at which a vehicle is legally permitted to operate, subject to its technical specifications and applicable regulations.

GVW vs Gross Combination Weight (GCW)

For articulated trucks, operators must also understand Gross Combination Weight (GCW).

GCW refers to the total actual weight of the towing vehicle, trailer and their loads.

A truck can comply with its overall weight limit but still exceed the permitted weight on an individual axle.

For this reason, both total weight and axle load distribution must be considered.

Truck weight limits by country

United Kingdom: Truck weight limits

In Great Britain, maximum permitted truck weights depend on vehicle configuration, number of axles and technical requirements.

Common HGV maximum weights include:

These figures are subject to applicable suspension, axle, vehicle-plating and construction requirements.

A 44-tonne truck permitted on British roads cannot automatically operate at the same weight when travelling internationally.

For further information, see the UK government’s HGV maximum weights guidance.

Germany: Truck weight limits

Germany generally applies a maximum weight of 40 tonnes for standard truck and trailer combinations with more than four axles.

However, qualifying intermodal transport operations may permit heavier combinations.

Certain intermodal combinations can operate at up to 42 or 44 tonnes, depending on axle configuration and applicable conditions.

Drivers travelling through Germany should check their vehicle’s permitted combination weight alongside any restrictions affecting their route.

France: Truck weight limits

France permits qualifying truck combinations to operate at up to 44 tonnes on domestic journeys, subject to technical and operating requirements.

Since 1 October 2025, combinations operating above 40 tonnes on qualifying domestic journeys must meet updated vehicle-age or emissions requirements. The towing vehicle must generally have first entered service after 1 January 2014 or meet Euro VI standards, alongside other applicable technical conditions.

The higher allowance applies to qualifying domestic transport and does not automatically permit a 44-tonne cross-border journey.

For international operations, drivers should check the applicable EU weight limits and any exemptions before travelling.

Poland: Truck weight limits

Poland generally follows the EU’s standard 40-tonne limit for conventional five- and six-axle truck combinations operating internationally.

The applicable maximum weight depends on the number of axles and the vehicle’s configuration.

Operators must also consider axle load restrictions and any local road limitations.

For more information, see the Polish national road authority’s guidance on truck weights.

Spain: Truck weight limits

Spain increased its maximum authorised weight for qualifying truck combinations in 2025.

The new rules allow qualifying articulated trucks with five or more axles to operate at up to 44 tonnes, subject to the relevant technical requirements.

The general increase was introduced through legislation published in July 2025, with implementation beginning in October 2025.

This is an important change for fleets operating within Spain, but it does not automatically permit 44-tonne international journeys.

For more information, see the Spanish traffic authority’s explanation of the 44-tonne regulations.

Romania: Truck weight limits

Romania generally follows the EU’s 40-tonne standard for conventional five- and six-axle truck combinations operating internationally.

However, operators must consider the applicable axle configuration, road category and restrictions affecting their route.

Special transport operations may require separate authorisation.

Lithuania: Truck weight limits

Lithuania generally follows the EU’s 40-tonne standard for conventional international truck combinations.

Permitted weights depend on vehicle configuration and applicable national requirements.

Fleet managers should also check axle weight restrictions and whether any special rules apply to their operation.

Sweden: Truck weight limits

Sweden permits heavier truck combinations than many other European countries, with maximum weights depending on the road’s classification.

Under Sweden’s road bearing capacity classification system:

• BK1 roads: Up to 64 tonnes for qualifying truck combinations.

• BK2 roads: Lower limits apply depending on axle spacing and vehicle configuration.

• BK3 roads: More restrictive weight limits apply.

• BK4 roads: Up to 74 tonnes for qualifying truck combinations.

These higher allowances are particularly relevant to domestic freight transport. They do not automatically apply to international journeys.

Drivers should check the road’s bearing capacity classification (bärighetsklass) before planning routes, as not all Swedish roads permit 64-tonne or 74-tonne combinations.

The Swedish Transport Agency’s vehicle weight guidance provides further information on permitted weights for different road classifications.

Bulgaria: Truck weight limits

Bulgaria generally follows the EU’s 40-tonne standard for conventional five- and six-axle truck combinations operating internationally.

The permitted weight can depend on the vehicle’s axle arrangement and the roads being used.

Operators should check national requirements and route-specific restrictions before travelling.

What are the axle weight limits in Europe?

Maximum truck weight is only one part of vehicle weight compliance.

Axle weight limits determine how much weight can be carried by individual axles or groups of axles.

Under the EU’s common rules, general limits include:

These figures are subject to technical conditions, including axle spacing, suspension and tyre arrangements.

For example, an articulated truck might be within its permitted total combination weight but exceed the limit on its drive axle because the cargo has been distributed incorrectly.

Fleet operators should ensure that loads are positioned appropriately and that individual axle limits are not exceeded.

The European Commission’s weights and dimensions guidance provides an overview of the common framework.

Can a 44-tonne truck travel across Europe?

Not automatically.

Some European countries permit 44-tonne truck combinations for domestic transport, but these national allowances do not necessarily extend to international journeys.

For conventional five- and six-axle truck combinations, the general EU international limit is 40 tonnes.

There are exceptions, including certain qualifying intermodal transport operations where higher weights may be permitted.

Before travelling internationally, operators should check:

• The permitted gross combination weight in each country

• Whether the journey qualifies for any exemptions

• Individual axle weight limits

• Vehicle and trailer technical specifications

• Road, bridge and route-specific restrictions

A truck’s maximum technically permitted weight does not override the legal limits applying to the journey.

What are the fines for exceeding truck weight limits in Europe?

Overloading a truck can result in fines, delays and restrictions on continuing a journey. However, there is no single fine for overweight trucks across Europe. Each country sets its own penalties, which may depend on how much the vehicle exceeds its permitted gross or axle weight.

UK fines for overloaded trucks

In Great Britain, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can issue fixed penalties for overloaded vehicles.

The DVSA normally allows a 5% enforcement tolerance before issuing a fixed penalty, unless the vehicle exceeds the relevant limit by one tonne or more. This is not permission to exceed the legal weight limit.

Serious cases can lead to prosecution rather than a fixed penalty. An overloaded vehicle may also be prohibited from continuing its journey until the excess weight has been removed or redistributed.

For more information, see the DVSA’s official guidance on fines and financial penalties.

Fines for overloaded trucks in other European countries

Across Europe, penalties vary by country and the severity of the offence. Enforcement authorities may:

• Issue fines to drivers or transport operators.

• Prevent an overloaded truck from continuing its journey.

• Require cargo to be removed or redistributed.

• Take further enforcement action for serious or repeated offences.

For international fleets, an important consideration is that complying with one country’s weight limits does not guarantee compliance in the next.

How can fleets avoid overloading fines?

Fleet managers and drivers can reduce the risk of penalties by checking the vehicle’s gross combination weight, verifying individual axle loads, distributing cargo correctly and reviewing national weight restrictions before departure.

The UK government’s guide to preventing HGV overloading provides practical advice on vehicle weighing and load distribution.

Planning international truck routes

When planning journeys across Europe, fleet managers need to consider more than the distance between collection and delivery points.

Vehicle weight can influence route suitability, particularly where roads, bridges or other infrastructure have specific restrictions.

Operators should also account for national tolling requirements, permitted vehicle dimensions and available stopping facilities.

SNAP supports international haulage operations through its European network of truck parking and other participating service locations.

Drivers and fleet managers can use the SNAP map to find participating locations when planning journeys.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum truck weight in Europe?

For many conventional five- and six-axle truck combinations operating internationally within the EU, the standard maximum weight is 40 tonnes. Some countries permit higher weights for qualifying domestic operations, including Sweden, where qualifying combinations can operate at up to 74 tonnes on designated BK4 roads.

What does GVW mean on a truck?

GVW stands for Gross Vehicle Weight. It refers to the total actual weight of a loaded vehicle, including the vehicle itself, fuel, occupants and cargo.

What is the difference between GVW and GCW?

GVW refers to the weight of an individual vehicle, while Gross Combination Weight (GCW) includes the combined weight of a towing vehicle and its trailer, together with their loads.

Are 44-tonne trucks allowed in Europe?

Yes, some countries permit qualifying 44-tonne truck combinations for domestic transport. However, a domestic allowance does not automatically permit international operation at the same weight.

What is the maximum truck weight in Sweden?

Sweden permits qualifying truck combinations of up to 64 tonnes on BK1 roads and 74 tonnes on BK4 roads, subject to axle configuration, technical requirements and route restrictions.

What is the maximum truck weight in the UK?

Qualifying six-axle articulated trucks can operate at up to 44 tonnes in Great Britain, subject to applicable technical and legal requirements.

What are the fines for an overloaded truck in the UK?

DVSA fixed penalties for overloaded vehicles can range from £100 to £300, depending on the percentage by which the vehicle exceeds its permitted weight. More serious cases may result in prosecution.

Do truck weight limits include the trailer?

For an articulated truck, the gross combination weight includes the tractor unit, trailer and their loads. The tractor unit’s individual GVW is a separate measurement.

Are axle weight limits the same across Europe?

EU legislation establishes common axle weight requirements for international transport, but the permitted weight depends on axle configuration, spacing and other technical conditions. National and route-specific restrictions may also apply.