Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), also known as articulated lorries, play a vital role in the commercial transport industry. However, understanding and adhering to legal weight limits is crucial for ensuring safety, legal compliance, and efficient transportation. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about HGV weight, including the weight categories, dimensions, and regulations that govern how heavy a lorry can be in the UK.
What is an HGV?
An HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) refers to large vehicles that transport goods across long distances. The UK commonly calls these articulated lorries. Articulated lorries consist of a prime mover (the tractor unit) and a trailer, both designed to carry large loads. To ensure road safety, both drivers and operators must understand and comply with weight regulations, including limits on the lorry weight, axle weights, and total HGV weight.
How Much Do Lorries Weigh?
The weight of a lorry varies depending on its type, size, and load. On average, a standard articulated lorry weighs around 44 tonnes (44,000 kg) when fully loaded. However, several factors can influence the overall weight, including the load carried and the type of vehicle.
- Empty weight (unladen weight): This refers to the lorry’s weight without any cargo.
- Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): This is the combined weight of the vehicle and its load.
- Payload: This is the maximum weight a lorry can carry.
For example, a typical articulated HGV weight can range from 3.5 tonnes for smaller vehicles to 44 tonnes for the largest vehicles allowed on UK roads.
Lorry Weight Limits in the UK
In the UK, strict legal limits govern how much an HGV can weigh. These limits ensure safety, protect road infrastructure, and reduce the environmental impact of heavy traffic. The key weight categories for lorry weight in the UK include:
1. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
This is the total weight of the vehicle plus its load. The GVW represents the maximum weight the vehicle can legally operate with. Exceeding this limit results in an offense and can lead to fines, penalties, or prosecution for the driver and operator. For articulated lorries, the GVW typically reaches up to 44 tonnes.
2. Gross Train Weight (GTW)
The GTW refers to the maximum permissible weight of an articulated vehicle when towing a trailer. It includes both the weight of the vehicle and the trailer, along with its load. The GTW is also clearly marked on the Ministry Plate (VTG), located in the cab of the vehicle. Exceeding the GTW can lead to serious legal consequences.
3. Axle Weight
The axle weight limit refers to the maximum weight that can be placed on a specific axle. Distributing the load evenly is crucial to avoid exceeding the weight limit for any single axle. Each axle’s weight limit appears on the vehicle’s Ministry Plate, which ensures safe operation and compliance with the law.
Factors Influencing Lorry Weight
Several factors influence the overall weight of a lorry, including:
- Cargo Load: The weight of the goods being transported directly affects the total lorry weight.
- Fuel and Water: The weight of fuel and water onboard also contributes to the overall HGV weight.
- Vehicle Design: Different types of articulated lorries have varying weight capacities depending on their design, number of axles, and other structural features.
For example, if a lorry carries unusually wide or heavy cargo, it may exceed the standard weight limits. In such cases, special permits and route planning may be required to comply with road regulations.
Dimensions of Articulated Lorries in the UK
In addition to HGV weight, it is equally important to consider the dimensions of the vehicle. Adhering to these dimensions is necessary for navigating UK roads safely and ensuring compliance with infrastructure restrictions.
1. Vehicle Height
The maximum permissible height for an articulated lorry is typically 3 meters. Vehicles exceeding this height must display a height warning in the cab. Drivers must plan their routes carefully, especially when driving through tunnels or under bridges with height restrictions. If a lorry strikes a bridge, the driver must notify the police and relevant authorities immediately.
2. Vehicle Width
The maximum width for an HGV is typically 2.55 meters. However, if the cargo exceeds this width, drivers must arrange for special marking provisions and route planning. Vehicles with loads exceeding the standard width must display appropriate warning markers.
Consequences of Overweight Lorries
Operating an overweight lorry can have serious consequences. Overloading can negatively affect a lorry’s steering, braking performance, and fuel efficiency. Overloaded axles contribute to excessive wear and tear on both the vehicle and road infrastructure, leading to costly repairs and road damage.
In addition to road safety risks, an overloaded lorry can result in legal penalties, including fines, loss of operator’s license, and potentially dangerous accidents. Insurance coverage may also become void if the lorry is overloaded, as insurance companies typically do not cover illegal activities.
How to Calculate the Weight of a Lorry
To ensure compliance with HGV weight regulations, regularly check and calculate the weight of your lorry and its load. Weighbridges can measure the vehicle’s weight and ensure that the gross vehicle weight (GVW), axle weight, and gross train weight (GTW) are within legal limits.
Checking these weights before embarking on a journey helps avoid legal issues and road safety risks.
What Are the Legal Weight Limits for Lorries in the UK?
The UK government has specific regulations regarding the maximum weight of lorries. For most standard HGVs, the legal weight limits are:
- Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): 44 tonnes
- Maximum Gross Train Weight (GTW): Dependent on the vehicle and trailer combination
- Axle Weight Limits: Varies by axle, but typically between 8 to 12 tonnes per axle
Vehicles exceeding these limits are classified as “abnormal loads” and must adhere to special permits, route planning, and notification requirements.
FAQ
A typical articulated lorry weighs about 44 tonnes when fully loaded, but the weight can vary depending on the type and cargo.
The maximum HGV weight in the UK is generally 44 tonnes for articulated vehicles.
No, exceeding the lorry weight limit is illegal and can result in fines, penalties, and safety hazards.
Overweight lorries can lead to fines, prosecution, and possible damage to infrastructure. Overloading can also impact vehicle performance and safety.
The unladen lorry weight (empty weight) typically ranges between 7-15 tonnes, depending on the type of vehicle.
Conclusion
Understanding HGV weight limits and the various weight categories for articulated lorries is critical for both legal compliance and road safety. Drivers, operators, and transport managers must all familiarize themselves with the regulations concerning lorry weight, axle limits, and vehicle dimensions. Overloading or failing to comply with these laws can lead to serious legal, financial, and safety consequences.
To ensure safe and efficient operation, always check the gross vehicle weight (GVW), gross train weight (GTW), and axle weights of your lorry before hitting the road. By doing so, you help protect your business, ensure the safety of all road users, and maintain compliance with UK transport laws.
Looking for FURTHER INFO ON TRAINING?
If you want to find broker free HGV training providers near your area in UK, you can use our locator for further information.