Question

When you see a sign indicating a "Load Limit per Axle (8 tons)," what does it mean?

a) Maximum weight for a single axle on the road is 8 tons.
b) Maximum total vehicle weight allowed is 8 tons.
c) Minimum weight for vehicles with multiple axles is 8 tons.
d) There is no weight limit specified by this sign.

Answer 1

A sign with "Load Limit per Axle (8 tons)" means the maximum weight for a single axle on the road is 8 tons, protecting the infrastructure from damage due to excessive loads.

Step-by-step explanation:

Federal law controls maximum gross vehicle weights and axle loads on the Interstate System. Federal limits are 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, 20,000 pounds on a single axle, and 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle group. When you see a sign indicating a "Load Limit per Axle (8 tons)," it means that the maximum weight that a single axle on the road can support is 8 tons.

Hence, the correct answer is (a) Maximum weight for a single axle on the road is 8 tons. The sign is there to protect the road or structure, like a bridge, from potential damage due to excessive loads. Each axle of a vehicle must comply with this limit to ensure safety and avoid infrastructural damage.