The maximum dimensions, axle weights and gross weights for lorries and articulated vehicles under the Dimensions Regulation (BEK 1447/2025), with a step table for axle group limits by axle spacing. Note: the articulated vehicle weight for 7+ axles is 56 tonnes in 2026 and rises to 58 tonnes from 1 January 2027.
Introduction
How large and heavy a vehicle may be is determined by the dimension regulation — the latest applicable is BEK no. 1447 of 27/11/2025. The figures change over time (e.g. the articulated train weight for 7+ axle trains is 56 tonnes in 2026 and rises to 58 tonnes from 1 January 2027), so always use the latest regulation for your specific vehicle and the current date.
Maximum dimensions
| Target | Limit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 2,55 m | 2,60 m for temperature-controlled bodywork |
| Height | 4.00 m | 4.20 m for truck/bus with trailer |
| Length, truck | 12,00 m | motor-driven vehicle |
| Road train | 18,75 m | car + trailer |
| Articulated lorry (tractor and semi-trailer) | 16,50 m | truck with semi-trailer |
| Modular road train | 25,25 m | special rules/scheme |
Axle load (motor-driven vehicle, § 14)
- 01Single axle: max. 10,000 kg.
- 02Drive axle (twin-mounted + road-friendly suspension): max. 11,500 kg.
- 03Axle group, 2 axles: up to 19,000 kg depending on spacing.
- 04Axle group, 3 axles: max. 24,000 kg.
Actual total weight (§ 21) — selection
| Vehicle / combination | Max. total weight |
|---|---|
| Truck, 2 axles | 20,000 kg |
| Motor-driven vehicle, 3 axles | 24,000 kg (28,000 kg with twin-mounted drive axle) |
| Motor-driven vehicle, 4 axles | 36,000 kg (with sufficient axle spacing) |
| Road train, 5 axles | 47,000 kg |
| Road train, 6 axles | 53,000 kg |
| Road train, 7+ axles (vehicle + registrable trailer) | 56.000 kg (58.000 fra 1/1-2027) |
| Other vehicle combinations | 44,000 kg |
Three types of total weight
When talking about weight, it is important to keep three concepts separate because the lowest of them is always the applicable limit:
- 01Technically permissible maximum weight — what the vehicle is designed to carry (manufacturer's limit).
- 02Registered/legal total weight — the weight the vehicle is registered for and legally may weigh on the road (may be lower than technically allowed).
- 03Actual total weight — what the vehicle actually weighs with load here and now.
You are illegally loaded if the actual weight exceeds either the registered total weight, the dimension regulation's limit or a single axle load — even if the others are complied with.
The EU basis (directive 96/53/EF)
The Danish limits are based on Council Directive 96/53/EC on the maximum permitted dimensions and weight in international traffic. The directive sets common maximum values (including 40 t for most articulated vehicles in international traffic, 2.55 m width and 4.00 m height), while member states may allow higher national weights for domestic transport — this is the background for the Danish 56/58 t.
Axle groups depend on the distance
For akselgrupper (boggi = 2 aksler, tridem = 3 aksler) er den tilladte samlede belastning ikke ét fast tal, men afhænger af afstanden mellem akslerne: jo større indbyrdes afstand, jo mere må gruppen bære. BEK 1447/2025 §§ 14–18 opstiller trinvise tabeller. Nedenstående er udvalgte overgrænser — slå den præcise værdi for din konkrete akselafstand op i bekendtgørelsen.
| Axle / group | Typical upper limit | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Single axle | 10.000 kg | — |
| Drive axle (motor vehicle) | 11.500 kg | twin mounting + road-friendly suspension |
| Bogie (2 axles), trailer | op til 19.000 kg | depends on axle distance |
| Tridem (3 axles), trailer | op til 24.000 kg | depends on axle distance |
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