Michigan Weight
&
Axle Load Limits
A simple guide for maximum axle load limits.
Not intended for legal purposes.
Michigan Weight and Axle Load Limits
Understanding the axle and weight load limits can be very confusing. To better help you understand,
the following is a simple guide for maximum axle load limits that is not intended for legal purposes.
You are responsible for familiarity with the complete weight laws found in the Michigan Vehicle
Code, Section 257.722. Should you have questions about weight limits, please call our hotline at
(800) 682-4682.
General Information The bridge formula allows for:
Maximum load limits may depend on the fol- 20,000 pounds for an axle with at least 9 feet
lowing: of spacing on each side
What type of highway you are operating on 34,000 pounds for a tandem-axle assem-
(See page 28 for highway types) bly (allowed when two consecutive sets of
The number of axles and the distance (spac- tandem axles have axle spacing of 36 feet,
ing) between the axles or axle assemblies on measured for the first and last axles of the
which the vehicle or combination of vehicles consecutive sets; see definition on page 10)
is operated (spacing is the distance between Weights for groups determined by using the
axles, measured from the center of one bridge gross weight formula (see chart on
axle to the center of another axle) inside back cover)
The gross vehicle weight of the vehicle or
combination of vehicles Normal loading maximum general
Tire width (published by the manufacturer) information
MVC 257.722
Depending on the conditions above, your vehicle
may be subject to the maximums found under the Maximum loads shall not exceed the number of
bridge formula or the normal loading standards. pounds in the following provisions:
18,000 pounds on an axle with at least 9 feet
Federal bridge gross weight of spacing from any other axle
formula general information NOTE: Weight cannot exceed 700 pounds
The bridge formula applies to vehicles operating per inch of the width of the tire (“width”
on interstate highways and specially designated means as published by the manufacturer)
highways which: 13,000 pounds per axle when axle spacing is
Do not exceed 80,000 pounds gross weight less than 9 feet between two axles but more
Do not exceed the maximum allowed under than 3.5 feet
the formula Axles less than 3.5 feet apart shall not exceed
NOTE 1: A vehicle exceeding 80,000 9,000 lbs. per axle
pounds gross vehicle weight or exceeding It is your responsibility to be aware of frost law
the maximum allowed under the formula is restrictions along with county and city weight
subject to normal loading standards limits.
NOTE 2: Except five-axle, truck-tractor State Frost Law Information
semitrailers having two consecutive sets of (800) 648-8960
tandem combinations
Michigan Weight and Axle Load Limits
Frost law restrictions County and city weight limits
When spring weight restrictions are in effect on Allowable axle weights on local roadways must
frost-restricted routes, axle loadings are reduced be consistent with state law, but final weight
by 25 percent on rigid-based roads and 35 per- determinations are the responsibility of the local
cent on flexible-based roads. Most restricted jurisdictions. The limitation of 700 lbs. per inch
state highways and county roads reduce axle of tire width still applies. “Access” to/from state
loading by 35 percent. Speed limits on frost or federal highways on local roadways can-
restricted routes are reduced to 35 mph for every not be assumed. Local jurisdictions also apply
vehicle over 10,000 lbs. gross weight. width and length limitations to their roadways
and retain the authority to issue or deny special
For state frost law information, permits. You should contact the appropriate
call (800) 787-8960. jurisdiction for specific information prior to
movements upon local roadways.
(1)
(2) 12,000 34,000
32,000 (for tandem) 34,000
32,000 (for tandem)
Example (1) On a combination of truck tractor and semitrailer having not more than 5 axles, 2
consecutive tandem axle assemblies shall be permitted on the designated highways at a gross per-
missible weight of 16,000 pounds per axle, if there is no other axle within 9 feet of any axle of the
assembly.
*Steering axle weights can be a maximum of 18,000 lbs. (11,700 frost restriction) if equipped with
high pressure pneumatic or balloon tires.
Example (2) is federal law for interstate highways when the gross vehicle weight is 80,000 pounds
or less and the distance between the center of the two tandem assemblies is 36 feet or more. State
and local authorities may allow these weights on highways or sections of highways under their juris-
dictions.
NOTE: Weight cannot exceed 700 pounds per inch of the width of the tire (width as published by the
manufacturer). Weight cannot exceed the tire load limit rating that is marked on the sidewall of
the tire.
As previously stated, you should contact the appropriate jurisdiction for specific information
prior to movement upon local roadways.
Michigan Weight and Axle Load Limits
Examples of normal load maximums; frost law restrictions shown are at the 35 percent reduction.
Weights based
on 11:00 tires.
Steering axle weights can be
a maximum of 18,000 lbs.
(11,700 frost restriction) if
equipped with high pressure
pneumatic or balloon tires.
Michigan Weight and Axle Load Limits
Examples of normal load maximums; frost law restrictions shown are at the 35 percent reduction.
Weights based
on 11:00 tires.
Steering axle weights can be
a maximum of 18,000 lbs.
(11,700 frost restriction) if
equipped with high pressure
pneumatic or balloon tires.
Michigan Weight and Axle Load Limits
Examples of normal load maximums; frost law restrictions shown are at the 35 percent reduction.
Steering axle weights can be
a maximum of 18,000 lbs.
(11,700 frost restriction) if
Weights based equipped with high pressure
on 11:00 tires. pneumatic or balloon tires.
Michigan Weight and Axle Load Limits
Examples of normal load maximums; frost law restrictions shown are at the 35 percent reduction.
Steering axle weights can be
a maximum of 18,000 lbs.
(11,700 frost restriction) if
Weights based equipped with high pressure
on 11:00 tires. pneumatic or balloon tires.
Michigan Weight and Axle Load Limits
Examples of normal load maximums; frost law restrictions shown are at the 35 percent reduction.
Steering axle weights can be
a maximum of 18,000 lbs.
(11,700 frost restriction) if
Weights based equipped with high pressure
on 11:00 tires. pneumatic or balloon tires.
(Less than 42”)
*Note: For information about other vehicle combinations not shown here please contact our office at (517) 546-4250.
