Weight limitIndia

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


1. 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.

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

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.

🔗 morth.gov.in • India — Driving Regulations 3–5, 6–16, 22 and 24: actual controls and safe circulation

🔗 morth.gov.in • MoRTH — GSR 38(E), 15 January 2024, clause 12: indirect-vision devices

🔗 simpliance.in • GSR 586(E), 25 September 2020 — full government gazette reproduction, Regulations 37–38

🔗 pib.gov.in • PIB/MoRTH — official confirmation of the 2020 driving-regulation amendment

🔗 indiacode.nic.in • India Code — Motor Vehicles Act, base text; read with subsequent amendments, not represented as a current consolidation

🔗 prsindia.org • Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 — full enacted gazette reproduction hosted by PRS

🔗 dgma.gov.in • Official government Jan Vishwas Act 2026 — schedule entry 51, relevant amendment text read through web retrieval

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — official mandatory, cautionary and informatory sign groups

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — mandatory signs, actual signs and accompanying instructions

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — cautionary signs, actual hazard guidance

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — direction and facility information

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — vehicle length, vehicle weight and axle-load sign explanations