Georgia Axle Weight Limits

Maximum Legal Weight Allowed

Interstate Highway Systems

Lift axles may not be used in computing the maximum total gross weight authorized for any vehicle or load. Lift axles are any axles manufactured after July 1, 1978, which may be raised or lowered with respect to the horizontal plane of the vehicle.

• Legal axle weight is 20,340 pounds.
• Tandem axle is any two or more axles within 96 inches.
• If gross weight is less than 73,280 pounds and length is less than 55 feet, the tandem weight is 40,680 pounds.
• If gross weight is greater than 73,280 pounds or length is greater than 55 feet, the tandem weight limit is 34,000 pounds.

Federal Bridge Formula

W = 500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36),

Where:

State Route Gross Weight:

• The maximum gross weight allowed on 5 axles is 80,000 pounds.
• The maximum gross weight on 2 or 3 axles is the number of axles times 20,340 pounds.
• The maximum gross weight on 4 axles is 70,000 pounds.

Vehicles with an actual total gross weight between 73,280 pounds and 80,000 pounds, the maximum total gross weight authorized for the vehicle and load shall be determined by the State Bridge Formula.

State Bridge Formula

W = 500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36),

Where: 

• Legal axle weight limit is 20,340 pounds.
• Legal tandem weight limit on all trucks is 37,340 pounds, i.e., any two or more axles within 216 inches on the unit, not including steering axle.
• Legal tandem weight on tractor semi-trailer combinations on state highways is 40,680 pounds as provided in O.C.G.A. 32-6-26 (j).

Non-Interstate Route Exemptions

On non-interstate routes, the weight limitations may be exceeded except on posted bridges without a permit when the load on a single axle does not exceed 23,000 pounds and the maximum total gross weight does not exceed 80,000 pounds when

• Hauling forest products from the forest where cut to the owner's place of business, plant, plantation, or residence;
• Hauling live poultry or cotton from a farm to a processing plant;
• Hauling feed from a feed mill to a farm;
• Hauling granite, either block or sawed for further processing, from the quarry to a processing plant located in the same or an adjoining county; or
• Hauling solid waste or recovered materials from points of generation to a solid waste handling facility or other processing facility;
• Hauling unhardened concrete from plant to customer.

County Road Gross Weight

The maximum gross weight allowed is 56,000 pounds unless making a pickup or delivery. If a delivery or pickup is being made evidence such as a bill of lading, shipping orders, etc. must be provided on demand.

Maximum Permit Weight Allowed

Single Trip Permits

May only be used once for movement during the times specified on permit; must include a description of the load; name of transporter; origin and destination, routes of travel and insurance provider information.

Standard Single

• Weight Limit of 150,000 lbs.

Superload Single

• Weight Limit 150,001 to 180,000 lbs.
  Note: May take up to three (3) days for approval.

Superload Plus

• Weight over 180,000 lbs.
• Requires Bridge Analysis
  Note: May take up to three (3) weeks for approval.

Mega Load

• Weight 300,000 lbs and above
• Requires outside Engineering
  Note: Please allow at least 30 business days for GDOT’s review and coordination of the move from the date that the submittal is received from the engineering firm before a permit can be issued. Please see attached document below for a detailed explanation of the requirements.

Continuous travel allowed for loads with a gross weight of 125,000 lbs. and no dimensions except during weather conditions and holidays listed in 672-2.03(b).

Annual Permits

All annual permits must have a load specific description that matches the type of load that is being transported. This means that heavy equipment permits are only issued for drivable equipment. Non-divisible load types such as pre-stress concrete, steel trusse, concrete beams etc. will be issued their own specific type of annual permit that matches the item shown on the permit.

Are good for one (1) year from date of purchase; are interchangeable within the same company, as long as the original is in the transport vehicle at the time of movement; may be used for any load type that is not divisible, and does not exceed any dimension. Required to maintain $1 Million dollars in Automobile liability, combined single limit insurance with the Georgia Department of Public Safety as the certificate holder and must be on file with said Department for the duration of the permit.

Standard Annual

• Weight Limit-100,000 lbs.
  Note: Containerized freight allowed 100,000 pounds on 5 axles.

NHS Annual

• Weight Limit-100,000 lbs.
  Note: Travel on NHS routes only - see map.

Annual Commercial Wrecker Emergency Tow Permit

Effective July 1, 2013, due to the passage of HB218, Georgia will offer a new emergency tow permit replacing the old permit. Upon renewal, the new permit will be issued. Permits will be issued for 135,000 lbs. on 7 axles.

Pursuant to this code section, the commission may issue an annual permit for vehicles towing disable, damaged, abandoned or wrecked commercial vehicles, including combination vehicles, even though such wrecker or its load exceed the maximum limits specified in this article. An annual commercial wrecker emergency tow permit shall not authorize the operation of a vehicle:

1. Whose single axle weight exceeds 25,000 pounds
2. Whose load on one tandem axle exceeds 50,000 pounds and whose load on any secondary tandem axle exceeds 38,000 pounds; or
3. Whose total load exceeds 125 feet

Special Permit Limits

Source of information: http://www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Permits/OversizePermits#tab-4