Tennessee Truck Weight Limits
Tennessee holds the federal 80,000, 20,000 single, 34,000 tandem (T.C.A. 55-7-203). The fine formula is simple: $25 plus 3 cents a pound for weight up to 10% over the limit, then 5 cents a pound on anything above that, capped at $5,000 (55-7-206). Twelve thousand pounds over an 80,000 limit works out to about $465.
Some figures on this page are flagged medium confidence. The weight limits are solid, but a specific fine or permit ceiling should be confirmed with the state DOT before you rely on it.
How much a truck can weigh in Tennessee
Tennessee holds the federal 80,000, 20,000 single, 34,000 tandem (T.C.A. 55-7-203). The fine formula is simple: $25 plus 3 cents a pound for weight up to 10% over the limit, then 5 cents a pound on anything above that, capped at $5,000 (55-7-206). Twelve thousand pounds over an 80,000 limit works out to about $465.
Axles, off-Interstate, and permits
- Off the Interstate: 80,000 lb
- Single axle: 20,000 lb
- Tandem axle: 34,000 lb
- With a permit: Nothing routine above 80,000. Heavier loads move by oversize/overweight permit only.
- The two-tier per-pound formula (3 cents to 10% over, 5 cents beyond) applies to gross and axle violations alike. Hard $5,000 ceiling on a single overweight fine.
Posted bridge and road limits
Tennessee posts load-limited bridges and roads on MUTCD R12 signs. WEIGHT LIMIT X TONS is short tons (2,000 lb), so 15 TONS means 30,000 lb. A posted limit overrides the legal max: a legal 80,000-lb truck cannot cross a bridge posted below its weight and must detour. Crossing a posted structure over the limit is a separate offense and can carry liability for damage to the bridge.
What running heavy costs
A weight violation is a Class C misdemeanor (T.C.A. 55-7-206). Tennessee's code does not set the graduated cents-per-pound schedule some guides quote; the court sets the penalty. Confirm the current amount with the court.
Tennessee Truck Weight Limit FAQ
What is the truck weight limit in Tennessee?
How much can a truck weigh with a permit in Tennessee?
What is the overweight fine in Tennessee?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-55/chapter-7/part-2/section-55-7-206/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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