2013 Maryland Code
TRANSPORTATION
§ 24-108 - Load limits of axles

§24-108.

(a) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection and except as otherwise provided in this section, the gross weight imposed on the ground surface by the wheels of an axle of a vehicle may not exceed the following limits:

	Single Axle Weight
	Registered Gross	Gross
	Weight of Vehicle	Maximum
	(in Pounds)	Weight
		(in Pounds)
Single axle	73,000 or less	22,400
Single axle	More than 73,000	20,000

(2) Except for vehicles operated under a permit issued under § 24-112 of this subtitle, the gross weight imposed on the ground surface by the wheels of a front axle of a vehicle combination may not exceed either the lesser of:

(i) The sum of the rated load capacities for each tire on the axle, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section; or

(ii) The sum of the rated load capacities indicated by the manufacturer as to each tire on the axle with which the vehicle is currently equipped.

(3) (i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, any vehicle with a gross maximum weight in excess of 73,000 pounds may travel only on State highways, except while making a delivery or pickup, and then only when traveling by the shortest available legal route to or from the State highway for the purpose of making such delivery or pickup. In Baltimore City, the shortest available legal route shall be only on designated truck routes.

(ii) If approved by the local governing body and the State Highway Administration, in Dorchester County, a vehicle with a gross maximum weight in excess of 73,000 pounds may use the Linkwood Road when traveling between East New Market and Linkwood.

(iii) 1. The County Commissioners of Garrett County may, by ordinance, establish the authorized gross maximum weight of a vehicle that:

A. Has at least 6 axles;

B. Is a truck tractor and semitrailer combination; and

C. Is using any part of Table Rock Road and Wilson Run Road in Garrett County that is owned and maintained by the county.

2. The gross maximum weight established under this subparagraph may not exceed 87,000 pounds.

(b) Except on interstate highways, a vehicle carrying farm products as defined under § 10-601 of the Agriculture Article or forest products that have been loaded in fields or other off-highway locations is permitted an axle load limit tolerance of 10 percent.

(c) (1) In Anne Arundel County and Baltimore County, garbage and refuse trucks that make collections on a fixed route and are owned by or doing business with any governmental entity in the respective county are permitted rear axle load limit tolerances of 10 percent if:

(i) The overweight is due to bad weather; and

(ii) The truck does not exceed its registered gross weight limit.

(2) A privately owned truck is permitted this tolerance only while actually engaged in the business of the governmental entity.

(d) Any over-the-road bus or any vehicle that is regularly and exclusively used as an intrastate public agency transit passenger bus may not exceed:

(1) A single axle weight limit of 24,000 pounds; or

(2) The tire manufacturer’s rated load capacity for any tire on the vehicle.