LGV Load Securing & Weight Limits 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum gross weight for a standard two-axle rigid goods vehicle?
- 18 tonnes (Correct answer)
- 24 tonnes
- 26 tonnes
- 32 tonnes
Correct answer: 18 tonnes
A standard two-axle rigid goods vehicle has a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes in the UK. Exceeding this limit is an offence and can cause road damage and safety hazards.
Question 2: What is the maximum gross weight for a standard five-axle articulated lorry in the UK?
- 44 tonnes (on roads suitable for higher weight vehicles, otherwise 40 tonnes) (Correct answer)
- 40 tonnes
- 38 tonnes
- 50 tonnes
Correct answer: 44 tonnes (on roads suitable for higher weight vehicles, otherwise 40 tonnes)
The maximum gross weight for a five-axle articulated vehicle is 40 tonnes on most roads, or 44 tonnes when operating on roads approved for that weight and often when using ISO containers on rail/road combined transport.
Question 3: Under the load securing guidelines, what is the minimum friction coefficient (μ) assumed for cargo on a dry flatbed?
- 0.3 (Correct answer)
- 0.5
- 0.2
- 0.4
Correct answer: 0.3
UK load securing guidelines (based on EN 12195-1) assume a friction coefficient of 0.3 for cargo placed directly on a flatbed without additional friction-enhancing materials. Higher friction mats can improve this.
Question 4: What is the minimum forward restraint required for cargo under UK load securing guidelines?
- At least 80% of the cargo weight (Correct answer)
- At least 100% of the cargo weight
- At least 50% of the cargo weight
- At least 60% of the cargo weight
Correct answer: At least 80% of the cargo weight
UK load securing guidelines require a minimum forward restraint force of 80% of the cargo weight. In an emergency stop, the forward force on cargo is significant and must be adequately restrained.
Question 5: What does 'plating weight' on an LGV refer to?
- The maximum weight shown on the manufacturer's plate, which the vehicle is designed to carry (Correct answer)
- The weight of the chassis only
- The weight of the cab and engine
- The recommended load weight
Correct answer: The maximum weight shown on the manufacturer's plate, which the vehicle is designed to carry
The plating weight (shown on the manufacturer's plate or Ministry plate) is the maximum gross weight the vehicle is legally permitted to operate at. Exceeding it is an offence.
Question 6: What happens if a police officer or DVSA examiner finds a vehicle is overloaded at a weigh bridge?
- They can issue a prohibition, require weight to be removed before continuing, and impose a fine (Correct answer)
- They can only issue an advisory notice
- They must allow the vehicle to continue to its destination
- The load must be transferred to another vehicle immediately in all cases
Correct answer: They can issue a prohibition, require weight to be removed before continuing, and impose a fine
An overloaded vehicle can be prohibited from continuing until excess weight is removed. The driver and operator can be prosecuted and fined. The examiner decides whether weight must be removed at the site or whether the vehicle can proceed to a depot.
LGV Load Securing & Weight Limits 1
What is the maximum gross weight for a standard two-axle rigid goods vehicle?