Weight limit sign: what it means

Weight limit sign: a white vertical rectangle with the words WEIGHT LIMIT 10 TONS in black
Drawing: Drivoku, based on MUTCD sign R12-1. Simplified; real signs follow the FHWA Standard Highway Signs specifications.

The WEIGHT LIMIT sign shows the most a vehicle may weigh on that road or bridge. Heavier vehicles must use another route.

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What does the weight limit sign mean?

MUTCD Section 2B.64 says weight limit signs are used to show a section of highway or a structure, such as a bridge, with a vehicle weight restriction. Units should be consistent within a state or region, in pounds or tons.

Quick quiz

What does the sign at the top of this page mean?

  1. The road is closed to all traffic.
  2. No vehicles over the weight shown.
  3. Trucks must keep to the right lane.

Show answer

B. No vehicles over the weight shown. It shows a vehicle weight restriction for the road or structure (MUTCD Section 2B.64). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.64, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

Where will you see it?

Before bridges and on local roads that cannot carry heavy loads.

What should you do?

Know your vehicle’s weight, including the load. If you are over the limit, take another route.

What do people get wrong?

Thinking only of the empty weight. The load counts too.

Common questions

Does the limit apply to every vehicle?

Yes, to any vehicle over the weight shown. The units may be tons or pounds.

What is an axle weight limit?

Section 2B.64 says AXLE WEIGHT LIMIT may be used where the limit is per axle rather than the gross load.

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Sources

Checked on 4 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Section 2B.64.

  1. MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.64, FHWA
  2. MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025

Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). Sources and image credits.

This text was written with AI help, checked against the MUTCD and approved by Fri Vei AS. Last updated .

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