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Weight limitFrance

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of France. 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
France

50. 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.

3.5-tonne weight-limit sign at the D2–D1206 interchange. (Annemasse, Haute-Savoie, France)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Does every weight-limit sign measure the same kind of vehicle weight in France?

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.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R411-25; 1967 order B11–B13

Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited. Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited.

English • Traffic sign B13 • No vehicles, articulated vehicles, double road trains or vehicle combinations whose maximum authorised laden mass or maximum authorised combination mass exceeds the indicated value.

Français • Panneau B13 • Accès interdit aux véhicules, véhicules articulés, trains doubles ou ensemble de véhicules dont le poids total autorisé en charge ou le poids total roulant autorisé excède le nombre indiqué.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-04-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

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

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.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R411-25; 1967 order B11–B13

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

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.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R411-25; 1967 order B11–B13

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