DOT Weight and Size Limit Regulations 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW) on Interstate highways under federal regulations?
- 80,000 pounds (Correct answer)
- 88,000 pounds
- 73,280 pounds
- 105,500 pounds
Correct answer: 80,000 pounds
Federal law sets the maximum gross vehicle weight at 80,000 pounds on the Interstate Highway System.
Question 2: Under the Bridge Formula (Formula B), what primary factor determines the allowable weight between any group of axles?
- The distance between the outer axles of the group (Correct answer)
- The number of tires on each axle
- The total number of axles on the vehicle
- The type of cargo being transported
Correct answer: The distance between the outer axles of the group
Bridge Formula B uses the spacing (distance) between the outermost axles of any axle group to calculate the maximum allowable weight.
Question 3: A vehicle with a single steering axle may carry a maximum of how many pounds under federal weight limits?
- 12,000 pounds (Correct answer)
- 20,000 pounds
- 17,000 pounds
- 15,000 pounds
Correct answer: 12,000 pounds
Federal regulations limit a single steering (front) axle to 12,000 pounds gross weight.
Question 4: What is the maximum allowable width for a commercial motor vehicle operating on National Network highways?
- 102 inches (Correct answer)
- 96 inches
- 108 inches
- 110 inches
Correct answer: 102 inches
The maximum vehicle width on the National Network is 102 inches (8.5 feet) excluding safety devices.
Question 5: A 'permit load' requires a special oversize/overweight permit when the vehicle exceeds which threshold for height on most state highways?
- 13 feet 6 inches (Correct answer)
- 14 feet
- 15 feet
- 12 feet 6 inches
Correct answer: 13 feet 6 inches
Most states require a special movement permit when a vehicle exceeds 13 feet 6 inches in height.
Question 6: Which federal regulation addresses the maximum length of a trailer allowed on the National Network?
- 23 CFR Part 658 (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 393
- 49 CFR Part 395
- 49 CFR Part 383
Correct answer: 23 CFR Part 658
23 CFR Part 658 governs truck size and weight limits on the National Network, including trailer length.
Question 7: During a roadside weight inspection, an inspector finds the tandem axle weight is 36,500 pounds. What action is required?
- Issue an out-of-service order; tandem limit is 34,000 lbs (Correct answer)
- Allow the vehicle to proceed; this is within federal limits
- Require the driver to shift cargo before proceeding
- Issue a warning citation and allow travel to nearest scale
Correct answer: Issue an out-of-service order; tandem limit is 34,000 lbs
A tandem axle exceeding the 34,000-pound federal limit requires an out-of-service order until the vehicle is brought into compliance.
DOT Weight and Size Limit Regulations 4
What is the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW) on Interstate highways under federal regulations?