Teorio
Gross weight limit
The prohibition applies to vehicles where the actual gross weight is higher than indicated. For vehicle combinations, the prohibition applies to each individual vehicle. 318.2 318.2 for vehicle combinations The prohibition applies to vehicle combinations where the combined actual gross weight is higher than indicated. The prohibition also applies to individual vehicles where the actual gross weight is higher than indicated.
When you see the sign
Check the vehicle’s actual gross weight—that is, what it actually weighs at that moment with people, load and equipment. You must not drive past the sign if the actual gross weight is higher than the weight shown on the sign.
Rules
- The prohibition applies to vehicles with an actual gross weight higher than the stated limit.
- Actual gross weight is the vehicle’s actual weight while driving, including the driver, passengers, load and equipment.
- If the actual gross weight is exactly equal to the stated limit, the vehicle is not subject to the prohibition.
- For a vehicle combination, the towing vehicle and trailer are assessed separately; the limit applies to each individual vehicle, not the combined weight of the entire vehicle combination.
- The sign applies regardless of vehicle type as long as the vehicle’s actual gross weight is above the limit.
Tips
- Do not look only at the permitted gross weight in the vehicle registration document; the actual weight on that journey is what matters.
- Include the weight of passengers, luggage and other cargo when deciding whether the vehicle can pass.
- When driving with a trailer, assess the car’s and the trailer’s actual gross weight separately.
- If you are unsure of the weight after loading heavily, have the vehicle weighed or choose another route.
Common misconceptions
- Many people think the sign refers to the vehicle’s permitted gross weight in the vehicle registration document, but it is the actual gross weight that determines whether the prohibition applies.
- Some people add the weight of the car and trailer together. With this sign, each vehicle in the vehicle combination must be assessed separately.
- The sign is confused with a prohibition applying to lorries, but a passenger car or trailer may also be covered if its actual gross weight is too high.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign mean?
- AVehicles with a permitted gross weight higher than that indicated are prohibited.
- BVehicles with an actual gross weight higher than that indicated are prohibited.
- CAll motor vehicles, regardless of weight and vehicle type, are prohibited.
- DTrucks and tractor units with a weight higher than that indicated are prohibited.
Medium
The sign shows 12 tonnes. The truck has a permitted gross weight of 14 tonnes, but currently weighs 11.5 tonnes with its load, driver and fuel. What do you do?
- AI may continue because the actual gross weight is below the limit.
- BI must turn around because the permitted gross weight is above the limit.
- CI must turn around because the sign prohibits all trucks on the section of road.
- DI may continue only if the vehicle is driven completely without a load.
Hard
The sign shows 12 tonnes. You are driving a lawful vehicle combination in which the vehicle has an actual gross weight of exactly 12 tonnes, and the trailer has an actual gross weight of 8 tonnes. What applies?
- AThe vehicle combination may pass because each vehicle is assessed separately and neither is above the limit.
- BThe vehicle combination may not pass because the vehicle's weight equals the limit.
- CThe vehicle combination may not pass because the vehicle and trailer together weigh 20 tonnes.
- DThe vehicle combination may pass because such weight limits only apply to trucks and tractor units.
Theory test tip
A typical trap is to use the permitted gross weight shown in the vehicle registration document or to add the car and trailer together. Look for the word “actual” and assess the car and trailer separately.
Did you know
The sign is often used where a bridge or section of road has limited load-bearing capacity. The fact that each vehicle in a vehicle combination is assessed separately distinguishes sign 318.1 from a limit applying to the combined weight of the entire vehicle combination.
Frequently asked questions
What does actual gross weight mean?
It is what the vehicle actually weighs at that particular time. The weight includes the vehicle itself as well as the driver, passengers, load and equipment.
Can I pass if the actual gross weight is exactly equal to the number on the sign?
Yes. The prohibition applies when the actual gross weight is higher than the stated limit.
How does the sign apply to a car with a trailer?
The car and trailer are assessed separately. Both may pass if neither has an actual gross weight higher than the limit, even if their combined weight is higher.
Does the sign apply only to lorries?
No. The sign applies to all vehicles with an actual gross weight higher than the stated limit, including passenger cars and trailers.
Practise for the theory test
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