Weight limitFlanders

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


38. 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-limit sign in Tilff. (Liège, Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Jeanhousen • CC BY-SA
Which Belgian sign indicates a weight limit?

Traffic sign C21 prohibits access for drivers of vehicles whose actual loaded mass exceeds the mass displayed on the sign.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.16–2.17, 6, 12 and 68.3 (C21/C23)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 2.16–2.17, 6, 12 and 68.3 (C21/C23)

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

English • Traffic sign C21 • No drivers of vehicles whose laden mass exceeds the indicated mass.

Français • Signal routier C21 • Accès interdit aux conducteurs de véhicules dont la masse en charge dépasse la masse indiquée.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord C21 • Verboden toegang voor bestuurders van voertuigen waarvan de massa in beladen toestand hoger is dan de aangeduide massa.

Sources

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org
Vascer • Public domain. Original SVG unmodified.

🔗 Wegcode.be • Artikel 68. Verbodsborden (NL)
🔗 Codedelaroute.be • Article 68. Signaux d'interdiction (FR)

Is a Belgian weight-limit sign based on the maximum authorised mass in the vehicle documents?

No. The weight-limit sign concerns the vehicle's actual mass while loaded, which may be lower than its maximum authorised mass.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.16–2.17, 6, 12 and 68.3 (C21/C23)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 2.16–2.17, 6, 12 and 68.3 (C21/C23)

What is the difference between actual mass and maximum authorised mass?

Actual loaded mass is what the vehicle currently weighs. Maximum authorised mass is the highest total mass for which the vehicle is legally approved.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.16–2.17, 6, 12 and 68.3 (C21/C23)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 2.16–2.17, 6, 12 and 68.3 (C21/C23)

How can a Belgian driver determine the actual mass?

The vehicle can be weighed on a suitable weighbridge. Registration documents normally provide technical and authorised limits rather than the current mass of the loaded vehicle.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.16–2.17, 6, 12 and 68.3 (C21/C23)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 2.16–2.17, 6, 12 and 68.3 (C21/C23)

Does a Belgian weight-limit sign change priority?

No. Drivers must continue to obey traffic lights, priority signs and the ordinary priority rules.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.16–2.17, 6, 12 and 68.3 (C21/C23)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 2.16–2.17, 6, 12 and 68.3 (C21/C23)

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