Check weight and axle loads before departure

Record the vehicle's own permitted gross weight and axle load from the registration certificate. These must never be exceeded — regardless of what the order's general limits allow for the vehicle type.

The limits in the registration certificate always take precedence over the general table values.

Look up the axle limits in BEK 1447/2025: single axle max. 10,000 kg, drive axle (twin wheels + road-friendly suspension) max. 11,500 kg. The gross weight depends on the number of axles — e.g. 2-axle lorry 20,000 kg.

For the largest vehicle combinations (7+ axles, vehicle + registrable trailer), the actual gross weight is 56,000 kg in 2026 and will be raised to 58,000 kg from 1 January 2027. Use the current value so the payload is not overestimated.

Drive the whole vehicle onto a weighbridge for the gross weight, and weigh each axle or axle group separately on an axle weighing system where possible. An actual weighing is always safer than a calculation.

If you cannot weigh, calculate the axle loads from the position of the load: front axle load = Σ(weight · distance to rear axle) / wheelbase, rear axle load = total weight − front axle load. Use the «Axle load & load distribution» calculator.

Try moving the load's centre of gravity in the calculator — you will immediately see how the axle loads change.

Aim for the load's centre of gravity to lie at around 40–50 % of the wheelbase from the front axle. If you put a heavy load right at the back, the front axle is unloaded — which impairs both steering and braking.

Calculate payload = permitted gross weight − kerb weight, and residual capacity = payload − actual load. If the residual capacity is negative, the vehicle is overloaded. Use the «Payload & weight check» and «Max. gross weight» calculators.

Record the date, place, driver and the weighed gross and axle weight, and keep the documentation. Overloading and incorrect load distribution are punishable offences and increase both braking and accident risk.