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Weight limitAustria

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Austria. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Austria

34. Weight limit

A weight limit prohibits vehicles or vehicle combinations whose mass exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel or other structure. Depending on local law, the restriction may concern the vehicle’s actual loaded mass, maximum authorised mass or load on an individual axle.

Drivers must know which type of mass the sign refers to and must include the vehicle, passengers, cargo and any trailer where required. A vehicle that exceeds the limit must use another suitable route.

Weight limit
Weight restriction at the bridge over the Drau near Nikolsdorf railway station. (Tyrol, Austria)
Wikimedia.org • Herzi_Pinki • CC BY-SA
Does every weight-limit sign measure the same kind of vehicle weight in Austria?

No. Check whether the particular sign concerns actual loaded mass, authorised maximum mass, axle load or another specified vehicle class. These are different measurements; do not interpret every weight-restriction sign as the same type of limit.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 52(6d,7a,7f,9a–9d,10c)

Do cargo and trailers matter for a posted weight restriction in Austria?

Yes, whenever the rule is based on actual loaded mass or the total mass of a combination. Cargo, passengers and the trailer affect that figure; weight on individual axles may be limited separately. If the sign instead uses authorised maximum mass, an empty vehicle may still be prohibited.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 52(6d,7a,7f,9a–9d,10c)

What should you do if your vehicle exceeds a bridge weight limit in Austria?

Do not drive onto the bridge. Follow the signed alternative route and check the vehicle’s gross and axle loads as applicable. A general heavy-vehicle permit does not automatically authorise crossing every restricted bridge.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 52(6d,7a,7f,9a–9d,10c)

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