Truck weight limits
Delaware
✓ Sources verifiedEditorial review pending credentialed reviewer2 primary sources
Delaware splits its rules by road class. On Interstate and federal-aid primary routes (§ 4503) it tracks the federal 20,000 / 34,000 / 80,000. Everywhere else (§ 4502) axle limits are more generous at 22,400 lb, but gross weight is capped by axle count — 40,000 lb for two axles, 73,280 for four — and by the manufacturer’s GVWR in every case.
At a glance
Max gross weight80,000 lb
Max single axle20,000 lb
Max tandem axle34,000 lb
Permit (width)102 in
Permit (height)13.5 ft
vs. federal gross0 lb
1 Limits and thresholds
| Property | Value | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Max gross weight | 80,000 lb[1]Five-or-more-axle tractor-semitrailer, or the combined manufacturer GVWR, whichever is less. Lower § 4502 caps apply by axle count off the Interstate: 40,000 (2-axle) to 73,280 (4-axle). | § 4502(c)(6) |
| Max single axle | 20,000 lb[1]Interstate and federal-aid primary. Other highways: 22,400 lb — § 4502(c)(7). | § 4503(c)(2) |
| Max tandem axle | 34,000 lb[1] | § 4503(c)(3) |
| Oversize permit above (width) | 102 in[1] | § 4503(b)(6) |
| Oversize permit above (height) | 13.5 ft[1] | § 4502(b)(2) |
| CDL disqualification — first major | 1 year for a first conviction while operating a CMV or a non-CMV; 3 years if operating a CMV transporting placarded hazardous materials. Applies to alcohol/controlled-substance influence, 0.04+ BAC in a CMV, test refusal, leaving the scene, using the vehicle in a felony, driving while disqualified, and causing a fatality by negligent operation.[2]Federal floor. A state may impose longer periods but may not go below this; verify state law before relying on it. | § 383.51(b), Table 1 |
| CDL disqualification — lifetime | Life for a second conviction of any combination of the Table 1 major offences in a separate incident. A state MAY reinstate after 10 years following an approved rehabilitation programme — § 383.51(a)(6) — but not after a subsequent disqualifying conviction. Felony manufacture/distribution of a controlled substance, and severe forms of human trafficking, draw life with NO 10-year reinstatement.[2]Federal floor. The 10-year reinstatement is permissive — states are not required to offer it. | § 383.51(a)(6), (b) Table 1 items (9)–(10) |
2 Sources
- 21 Del. C. §§ 4502, 4503 — Weight and size limits — Delaware Code Online
- 49 CFR § 383.51 — Disqualification of drivers — U.S. Government Publishing Office
Review record
Every figure above was transcribed from the primary source cited beside it and carries a pinpoint locator. Editorial review by a credentialed reviewer is pending.