Truck weight limits
Virginia
✓ Sources verifiedEditorial review pending credentialed reviewer2 primary sources
Virginia sets gross weight by an axle-spacing table rather than a single figure, running from 34,000 lb for two consecutive axles up to 80,000 lb at the widest spacings. Section 46.2-1126 states no general single-axle limit; see § 46.2-1128 for exceptions.
At a glance
Max gross weight80,000 lb
Max single axle—
Max tandem axle34,000 lb
Permit (width)—
Permit (height)—
vs. federal gross0 lb
1 Limits and thresholds
| Property | Value | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Max gross weight | 80,000 lb[1]Table maximum; actual limit varies with axle spacing and count. | § 46.2-1126 |
| Max tandem axle | 34,000 lb[1]Two consecutive axles spaced 4–8 ft, per the statutory table. | § 46.2-1126 |
| 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
- Va. Code § 46.2-1126 — Maximum gross weights by axle spacing — Virginia Law Portal
- 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.