Weight limitMalaysia
Traffic rules
Malaysia
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.
Does every weight-limit sign measure the same kind of vehicle weight in Malaysia?
For a bridge restriction under Section 86 of the Road Transport Act, weight means the vehicle’s actual weight at the time, including every person and thing carried. A vehicle and its coupled trailer are treated as one vehicle for this provision. An axle-weight restriction concerns weight transmitted through the wheels to the road. Read the actual notice; do not substitute a foreign authorised-maximum-mass convention.
🔗 mot.gov.my • MOT — commencement on 16 October 2026; deferred compound ceiling distinguished
🔗 epsmg.jkr.gov.my • JKR — ATJ 2B/85 (Pindaan 2019), original manual endpoint; download unavailable
Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited.
Do cargo and trailers matter for a posted weight restriction in Malaysia?
For a bridge restriction under Section 86, include passengers, cargo and other things carried in the actual weight. A coupled trailer and towing vehicle count as one vehicle. Axle weights can be restricted separately. The section also provides an evidential presumption where maximum permissible laden weight is displayed on the vehicle, unless the defendant proves a lower actual weight; removing cargo is not by itself proof of compliance.
🔗 mot.gov.my • MOT — commencement on 16 October 2026; deferred compound ceiling distinguished
🔗 epsmg.jkr.gov.my • JKR — ATJ 2B/85 (Pindaan 2019), original manual endpoint; download unavailable
What should you do if your vehicle exceeds a bridge weight limit in Malaysia?
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.
🔗 mot.gov.my • MOT — commencement on 16 October 2026; deferred compound ceiling distinguished
🔗 epsmg.jkr.gov.my • JKR — ATJ 2B/85 (Pindaan 2019), original manual endpoint; download unavailable
