Vehicle Mass and Overloading
The vehicle mass and overloading laws is designed to create a reasonable balance between the efficient operation of the heavy motor vehicle, within the constraints imposed by the road network, while ensuring that heavy motor vehicles are operated safely. It does this by creating limits to the permitted dimensions and mass of vehicles, with particular emphasis on large combination vehicles.
What if my vehicle does not meet the mass or dimension limits?
If your vehicle exceeds any of the mass or dimension limits, then you will not be allowed to operate it on Fiji roads, unless it is eligible to be one of the following:
Over dimension vehicles or loads
If you want to carry an indivisible load that exceeds any of the dimension limits (i.e. an over dimension load) on a legally dimensioned vehicle, or to operate a special over dimension vehicle, read Vehicle dimension and Loads Vehicle Registration and Construction Regulation 79 and 80 or contact the Over dimension Permit Issuing technical (VEO) in all region.
Overweight vehicles or loads
If the vehicle or load exceeds the maximum weights described in the Registration sticker ( wheel tax ) , and you believe you’re eligible for an overweight permit or specialist vehicle permit, contact technical section (VEO) .
What are the general mass (weight) limits on Fiji roads?
The words ‘mass’ and ‘weight’ are sometimes used interchangeably though they mean the same thing. For example, a vehicle’s tare (in kilograms) is its unladen mass, but you would measure it by using a weighbridge.
There are two different types of mass limit that apply to your vehicle and its load.
First, there is the limitation imposed by the vehicle’s design and construction. You must not exceed the vehicle ratings specified by the vehicle manufacturer for the chassis, axles, tyres and other components of the vehicle. For example, you are not allowed to load your vehicle above the specified maximum gross vehicle mass (GVM), gross combination mass (GCM), brake code mass ;(BCM) or tow a load greater than the drawbar is rated for.
Second, limits to axle mass are imposed to protect the road infrastructure. This is because certain sections of roads in Fiji are not built to the same strength specifications as in other countries.
To find the operating gross mass (weight) of your vehicle add the tare mass of the unladen vehicle to the mass of the load the vehicle is carrying. You must take into account any mass transferred to the rigid vehicle by an attached trailer. You can also measure this mass by using a weighbridge. This total mass must not exceed any of the vehicle’s design limits or the road limits.
Axles can have different types of tyres fitted to them, and the allowed mass changes depending on which type you are using.
Single axle set means either one axle with single tyre or with dual tyre
Tandem axle set means there are two axles and
- all axles contain an equal number of tyres.
Tri-axle set means there are three axles and:
- all axles contain an equal number of tyres.
Twin-steer axle set means an axle set of two axles with single tyres, where both axles are connected to the same mechanism in order to steer similarly.
Quad-axle set means a set of four axles where:
- all axles contain an equal number of tyres, and
- none of the tyres is a single standard tyre.
Ways of preventing a vehicle becoming overloaded:
- Know the weights of your vehicle and load. If possible, weigh the vehicle to establish individual axle weights.
- Re-Distribute your load appropriately after any drop-offs to avoid overloading axles.
- Check the Gross Vehicle Weight before setting out, either using your own weighbridge, or one nearby. You are allowed to drive to the nearest available weighbridge to check your load and then go to a place where they can take off some of the load if the vehicle is overloaded.
- Do not automatically trust declared weights, invoices or delivery notes given to you by customers. Remember that you hold the responsibility for not overloading, not the customer.
- Remember that the GVW and GTW include the weight of the vehicle, load, trailer (for GTW) driver and any passengers. Also allow for the weights of any pallets or packing cases.
- Make sure that your lift / tag axle is used correctly. Not using this axle when the vehicle is loaded means that axles or gross weights could exceed their allowed limits.
The effects of overloading a vehicle:
- It makes the vehicle less stable, difficult to steer and take longer to stop. Vehicles react differently when the maximum weights which they are designed to carry are exceeded. The consequences can be fatal.
- Massive strain is put on vehicle tyres. Overloading can cause the tyres to overheat and wear rapidly which increases the chance of premature, dangerous and expensive failure (such as blow outs).
- Insurance cover is void. Overloading a vehicle is illegal and therefore insurance cover can be voided if the vehicle is involved in a crash. u It causes excessive wear and damage to roads, bridges and pavements at the expense of the tax payer.
- It is unfair on other operators. Exceeding weight limits is unfair competition as more load is moved per journey.
- Fuel consumption increases when carrying extra load, which will increase your costs.
Vehicle Maximum Permissible Weight Limits