SOUTH AFRICAN TRUCK DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT GUIDE
Simple, Practical Guide for Truck Drivers and Learners
INTRODUCTION
Every truck on South African roads must follow legal limits for weight and size.
These rules are there to:
Keep drivers safe
Protect roads and bridges
Prevent accidents and equipment damage
Ensure fair road usage for all transport operators
This guide explains the basics in a simple way so that any driver — experienced or new — can understand it easily.
LEGAL DIMENSIONS FOR ARTICULATED TRUCKS
In South Africa, standard legal limits for articulated vehicles are:
Maximum Length: 18.5 m (standard articulated truck)
Maximum Width: 2.6 m
Maximum Height: 4.3 m (loaded vehicle height)
Anything above these limits is considered an abnormal load and requires a special permit.
COMMON TRUCK COMBINATIONS
Tractor + Semi-Trailer
Max length: 18.5 m
Most common configuration in logistics and freight transportInterlink / Road Train
Max length: 22.0 m
Used for long-distance and high-volume freight
AXLE WEIGHTS AND GROSS LIMITS
Steering (Front) AxleLegal limit: 7 700 kg5% tolerance: 8 085 kg
Drive Axle Group
Legal limit: 18 000 kg5% tolerance: 18 900 kg
Trailer Axle Group
Legal limit: 24 000 kg5% tolerance: 25 200 kg
Gross Combination Mass (GCM)
Legal limit: 56 000 kg5% tolerance: 58 800 kg
This includes:
Truck
Trailer
Fuel
Cargo
Everything carried on the vehicle
WHAT IS THE 5% TOLERANCE?
The 5% tolerance is a small allowance sometimes used during weighing.
It exists because:
Weighbridges are not always 100% exact
Fuel and load movement can affect readings
Small variations can occur during measurement
IMPORTANT:
It is NOT a legal increaseIt is NOT permission to overloadIt is only used in enforcement discretion for small differences
IMPORTANT RULE – WHEN THE 5% DOES NOT APPLY
If a truck is found to be overloaded and must be corrected:
The load must be adjusted immediately
Cargo may need to be removed or redistributed
The truck must return to FULL legal limits
At this point:
No 5% allowance appliesNo tolerance is accepted
Full legal compliance is required
SIMPLE DRIVER EXPLANATION
“The 5% is only for small weighing differences.If you are over and must fix your load, you must come back to full legal weight — no exceptions.”
SAFETY AND LEGAL WARNING
Even if you are within limits or tolerance, you can still be penalised if:
Axles are unevenly loaded
Tyres are overloaded or unsafe
Load is not properly secured
Dangerous goods rules are not followed
Road conditions require stricter enforcement
FINAL DRIVER ADVICE
A professional driver always:
Loads evenly
Stays below legal limits
Plans trips properly
Prioritises safety over maximum payload
“A well-balanced truck is a safe truck — and a safe truck keeps you on the road.”