Govt enforces strict freight vehicle load limits; Overloaded trucks to unloaded on the spot

KATHMANDU: The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has tightened enforcement of load regulations for freight vehicles across Nepal, directing provincial transport ministries to strictly implement axle-load and gross vehicle weight standards. Vehicles found carrying loads beyond permitted capacity will be required to unload excess cargo on the road before being allowed to proceed.

In a circular dated Magh 27, 2082 (BS) sent to transport ministries in all seven provinces, the department instructed immediate enforcement of existing legal provisions under the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049 and the Freight Vehicle Load Regulation Directive, 2074.

Road Damage and Safety Risks

Authorities said overloaded freight vehicles have long contributed to premature road deterioration and rising accident risks, including brake failures and loss of vehicle control. Stakeholders in the transport sector have repeatedly raised concerns about structural damage to highways caused by excessive axle loads.

Mandatory Weight Disclosure in Blue Book

Under the new enforcement push, every freight vehicle’s registration document (blue book) must clearly state:

Gross vehicle weight (GVW)

Permissible load capacity

Unladen weight

Section 16(3) of the Act makes this mandatory. The department noted that some transport offices had been arbitrarily assigning load capacities, prompting the latest corrective move.

Maximum Load Limits Defined

The directive sets firm upper caps:

Rigid trucks: Maximum 35 tons

Trailers / semi-trailers: Maximum 49 tons

Axle-based limits include:

2-axle, 4-wheel vehicles: 12 tons

2-axle, 6-wheel vehicles: 16.2 tons

3-axle trucks: 25 tons

4-axle, 12-wheel trucks: 31 tons

Axle configuration caps:

Single axle: 10.2 tons

Tandem axle: 19 tons

Tridem axle: 24 tons

Load calculations will consider axle spacing and tire numbers to improve pavement life and enforcement consistency.

Penalties and On-the-Spot Unloading

Vehicles exceeding limits will face legal penalties. Excess cargo must be unloaded immediately before the vehicle is allowed to move. However, up to 2.5% excess weight may be tolerated without penalty, depending on terrain and cargo type, with a warning issued.

Special Provisions

Vehicles transporting petroleum products and gas bullets may operate without weighbridge checks in special situations, but will be monitored through invoices and documentation.

Enforcement Measures

The department will monitor weighbridges nationwide and mobilize traffic police for load control. Transport offices must ensure manufacturer-specified GVW standards are followed during vehicle registration, route permits, and fitness certification. Where the manufacturer has not built the vehicle body, weight must be verified at an approved weighbridge.

Industry Response

Rajendra Baniya, General Secretary of the Nepal Truck Transport Entrepreneurs Federation, said operators have long demanded enforcement of capacity-based loading but warned that implementation remains the key challenge.

Saroj Sitoula, Acting Chair of the National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs Nepal, welcomed the directive, saying it would reduce accidents and extend road lifespan by preventing overloading.

The department maintains that strict enforcement will protect national road infrastructure and improve highway safety standards.