Overloaded and over-dimensional vehicles on roads are serious concerns for traffic safety,
Overloaded and over-dimensional vehicles on Indian roads are serious concerns for traffic safety, infrastructure integrity, and efficient transportation and need to be controlled.
What is Overloading of Vehicles
When a vehicle carries more weight than its legally permitted Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) it is termed as overloaded.
Consequences:
Road damage: Excessive weight leads to quicker wear and tear of roads and bridges.
Reduced braking ability: Heavier vehicles take longer to stop, increasing accident risk.
Tyre bursts: Overloaded tyres are more likely to fail.
Environmental impact: Increases fuel consumption and emissions.
Structural damage: Can shorten the life span of vehicles due to strain on axles, engines, and suspensions.
Over-Dimensional Vehicles (ODVs)
Vehicles carrying loads that exceed standard legal dimensions in terms of height, width, or length. Common Examples are Large construction equipment (cranes, excavators), Wind turbine blades, Oversized industrial machinery.
Legal Provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act (India)
Overloading of Vehicles 1. Section 113 – Limits of weight and restrictions on use
The Central Government sets the maximum safe laden weight and maximum axle weight for each category of vehicle. The RTO ensures that no vehicle is registered or permitted if it exceeds these limits.
2. Section 114 – Power to have vehicle weighed
RTOs or authorized officers can direct a vehicle to a weighing station if they suspect overloading. If found overweight, the officer can:
Offload the excess weight.
Impose a penalty.
Detain the vehicle until compliant.
3. Section 194 – Penalty for overloading
Fines are imposed for overloading. As per recent amendments:
Fine of ₹20,000 plus ₹2,000 per extra ton of load.
The driver's license may be suspended for repeated offenses.
Transport permits may also be cancelled or suspended.
Axle Load Limits as per CMVR, 1989
(Selected Examples – actual may vary based on vehicle configuration)
Type of Axle
Maximum Safe Axle Load
Single axle with single wheel
3 tonnes
Single axle with dual wheels
6–10.2 tonnes
Tandem axle
19 tonnes
Tri-axle
27 tonnes
Note: Vehicle manufacturers must also specify the maximum safe laden weight, which cannot exceed the CMVR limits.
Over dimensional Vehicle
For vehicles exceeding dimension norms (length, height, width), special permissions are needed which is Governed by Rule 93 of CMVR.
RTOs issue ODC (Over-Dimensional Cargo) permits. Movement usually allowed during off-peak hours with escort vehicles, proper markings, and precautions.
The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, along with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989, specifies the permitted dimensions for different types of vehicles in India. These dimensions are important to ensure road safety and compatibility with Indian road infrastructure like bridges, tunnels, and flyovers.
Below is a simplified version of the permitted dimensions for standard motor vehicles under Rule 93 of CMVR, 1989:
Permissible Dimensions for Motor Vehicles in India
Vehicle Type
Max Length
Max Width
Max Height
Two-wheeler (motorcycle, scooter)
2.5 m
0.9 m
1.5 m
Three-wheeler
3.2 m
1.4 m
2.2 m
Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)
6.0 m
2.0 m
2.5 m
Medium/Heavy Goods Vehicle (Rigid)
12.0 m
2.6 m
3.8 m
Articulated Vehicle / Truck-Trailer
18.75 m
2.6 m
3.8 m
Bus / Passenger Vehicle (Rigid)
12.0 m
2.6 m
3.8 m
Double-decker Bus
12.0 m
2.6 m
4.75 m
Container Trucks (High Cube)
18.75 m
2.6 m
4.52 m
Key Notes:
Width limit for all motor vehicles is 2.6 meters (except agricultural tractors and combine harvesters).
Height may be extended up to 4.75 meters in specific cases (like double-decker buses or special transport vehicles with prior approval).
Vehicles carrying Over-Dimensional Cargo (ODC) must obtain special permits from the RTO and comply with additional safety and movement restrictions.
Articulated vehicles must not exceed 18.75 meters, though in some cases (multi-axle trailers), the length may go up to 22 meters with special permission.
Legal Provisions under the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002,
The Highway Administration Rules in India refer to rules framed under the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, which governs the management, control, and protection of land and traffic on national highways.
These are often called the National Highways (Land and Traffic) Rules, 2003, and they are administered by the Highway Administration under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) or by agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Key Provisions Under Highway Administration Rules (India):
1. Access Control and Encroachment Removal
No person is allowed to occupy, build on, or use the right of way (ROW) or land adjacent to a national highway without permission.
Encroachments (temporary or permanent) can be removed by the Highway Administration.
Notice is generally served before removal, except in emergency situations.
2. Control of Traffic
The Highway Administration has the authority to regulate, divert, or restrict the movement of vehicles on highways.
Special rules for over-dimensional and overloaded vehicles: May be restricted from using certain stretches unless permitted.
Can install signboards, signals, and traffic management systems for safe and smooth flow.
3. Permits for Use of Highway Land
Prior permission is needed for:
Laying pipelines, cables, electric or telecommunication lines.
Access roads, service roads, or ramps connecting to the highway.
Temporary use (e.g., hoardings, kiosks, or staging areas for construction).
Applications are made to the Highway Administration Authority (often the Project Director of NHAI or MoRTH representative).
4. Maintenance and Repairs
Only authorized agencies are allowed to carry out construction or repairs.
Maintenance includes road surface, signs, safety barriers, drains, lighting, etc.
5. Penalties and Enforcement
Unauthorized occupation or use of highway land can lead to:
Fines (amount as prescribed).
Demolition or removal of unauthorized structures.
Recovery of cost for damage or restoration.
Role of RTOs
Enforce weight and dimension limits.
Issue permits and monitor compliance.
Conduct roadside inspections and penalize violators
Role of Highway Administration
Appointed by MoRTH or NHAI.
Powers similar to an executive magistrate for enforcement purposes.
Can take police help for enforcement.
Provisions under National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008,
Under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, as amended, specific provisions address the handling of overloaded vehicles on national highways in India
Key Provisions for Overloaded Vehicles
Prohibition of Access: Overloaded vehicles are not permitted to use national highways or cross toll plazas until the excess load is removed. This measure aims to prevent road damage and ensure safety.
Penalty Fee: If an overloaded vehicle attempts to access the highway, the driver or owner is liable to pay a penalty equal to ten times the applicable toll fee for that vehicle category.
Weighbridge Enforcement: The weight of the vehicle, as recorded at weighbridges installed at toll plazas, is the basis for determining overloading. If no weighbridge is available, no overloading fee is levied, but the vehicle is still subject to standard toll charges.
Mandatory Offloading: Authorities are empowered to stop overloaded vehicles and require the removal of excess load at the owner's expense before allowing the vehicle to proceed.
Legal Penalties: In addition to toll-related penalties, overloading offenses may attract fines under Section 194 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
These regulations are to be enforced by toll operators and highway authorities to maintain road integrity and ensure public safety.
???? Related Laws
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 – for regulation of traffic.
National Highways Act, 1956 – for development and maintenance.
Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002 – for land use and traffic control.
???? Reference:
These dimensions are based on:
Rule 93, CMVR, 1989
AIS (Automotive Industry Standards)
Notifications issued by MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways)
Challenges:
Obstruction to traffic: Require more road space, often disrupt regular flow.
Infrastructure limitations: Bridges, tunnels, and overhead wires may not accommodate ODVs.
Maneuverability: Difficult to navigate sharp turns or narrow roads.
Escort requirements: Usually need police or private escorts and route planning in advance.
Regulations and Management:
Special permits: Required for both overloaded and over-dimensional loads.
Time restrictions: Movement may be allowed only during specific hours (e.g., nighttime).
Pilot vehicles: Used to alert oncoming traffic.
Route planning: Must avoid low-clearance bridges, narrow lanes, etc.
Solutions and Mitigation:
Weigh-in-motion systems to automatically check vehicle weight.
Strict enforcement of fines and vehicle detention.
Public awareness campaigns for transporters.
Designated corridors for ODVs with reinforced roads and infrastructure.
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