Axle load calculator for Indian trucks
Enter each axle group and its load to compare it with the maximum safe axle weight notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, see any overload, and check the gross vehicle weight. A guide only: your registration certificate states your vehicle’s limit.
Gross weight
28.9 t of 28 t allowed
Over by 0.9 t (3.2%)
- Sum of the axle limits
- 28 t
- Cap for a rigid vehicle
- 49 t
Group 1: Single axle, two tyres6.5 t of 7 t
Group 2: Tandem axle (two axles under 1.8 m apart)22.4 t of 21 t, over by 1.4 t (6.7%)
A guide to the notified limits, not advice. The weight on your registration certificate is the limit for your vehicle. Source: MoRTH 2018 advisory
Gross weight
28.9 t of 28 t allowed
How it is worked out
MoRTH notification S.O. 3467(E) of 16 July 2018, as amended by S.O. 3881(E) of 6 August 2018.
- Limit of an axle group (t)
- = the notified weight for its axle type, + 1 t for each axle when the vehicle has pneumatic suspension, where the notification allows it
- Overload (t)
- = load on the group − its limit, also as a share of the limit
- Allowed gross weight (t)
- = the lower of the sum of the axle limits and the cap: 49 t for a rigid vehicle, 55 t for a semi-articulated vehicle or truck-trailer
| Axle type | Entry | Limit | With pneumatic suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single axle, single tyre | 1.1 | 3 t | No change |
| Single axle, two tyres | 1.2 | 7 t | No change |
| Single axle, four tyres | 1.3 | 11.5 t | 12.5 t |
| Tandem axle (two axles under 1.8 m apart) | 2.1 | 21 t | 23 t |
| Tri-axle (outer axles under 3 m apart) | 3.1 | 27 t | 30 t |
Worked example
The example values the calculator opens with, worked through step by step. Gross weight: 28.9 t of 28 t allowed.
| Step | Working | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 limit | Single axle, two tyres, entry 1.2: 7 t | 7 t |
| Group 2 limit | Tandem axle (two axles under 1.8 m apart), entry 2.1: 21 t | 21 t |
| Group 2 overload | 22.4 t − 21 t, 6.7% over | 1.4 t |
| Allowed gross weight | the lower of 28 t (sum of the limits) and 49 t (rigid cap) | 28 t |
| Gross weight | 6.5 t + 22.4 t | 28.9 t, over by 0.9 t |
What it leaves out
A calculator answers the question it is given. These are the things to add, or check, yourself.
- The gross vehicle weight on your registration certificate, which can be lower than the notified maximum.
- The tolerance: the notification allows up to 5% over the gross vehicle weight when checking compliance with section 113(3) of the Motor Vehicles Act. This calculator does not add it.
- Puller tractors for hydraulic and pneumatic trailers, and modular hydraulic trailers, which have their own entries in the notification.
- How the load sits on each axle: enter the load per group from a weighbridge.
- The manufacturer’s limits for the axles and tyres fitted, which can be lower.
Questions
What is the permissible axle load in India?
By MoRTH notification S.O. 3467(E) of 16 July 2018, as amended by S.O. 3881(E) of 6 August 2018: 3 t for a single axle with a single tyre, 7 t with two tyres, 11.5 t with four tyres, 21 t for a tandem axle and 27 t for a tri-axle on rigid vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers.
How much extra is allowed with air suspension?
The notification allows 1 t extra for each axle when the vehicle has pneumatic suspension, on single axles with four tyres, tandems and tri-axles, which makes their limits 12.5 t, 23 t and 30 t.
What is the maximum gross vehicle weight?
No more than the sum of the permissible axle weights, and never above 49 t for a rigid vehicle or 55 t for a semi-articulated vehicle or truck-trailer (modular hydraulic trailers excepted).
Can I rely on this at a weighbridge?
No. It is a guide to the notified limits. Your registration certificate states your vehicle’s gross weight, and the current notification is the rule, so check both.
Sources
Opened and checked on 2 Nov 2026. Rules and published figures change: check the current version before you rely on one.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (copy on the Mizoram Transport Department website)
With the gazette copies of S.O. 3467(E) and S.O. 3881(E) and the table after the amendment.
Plan the routes, dispatch the work and see what each route costs.
Office hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00–18:00 IST+91 74158 85838