If you mean what is the maximum weight a vehicle can carry and tow, then that is down to a) the GVW plate fiited by the manufacturer, b)the limits set out in the Road Traffic Act (which is where VOSA could help and c) the category of licence the driver holds.

Do you mean by 'times on the road' restrictions (e.g for vehicles over 7.5t in London) on when they can be driven or from the perspective of for how long, e.g. Drivers' hours.

Neither are able to be summarised briefly I think, but I'd suggest your first port of call for some clarity is maybe an organisation like the Freight Transport Association www.fta.co.uk/ or one of the other Haulage expert bodies.

Don't forget the company may need an 'O' licence and the new driver CPC requirements come into effect this September if you are talking commercial vehicles with a combined weight over 3.5 tonnes.

Good luck!

Anyone requiring the rules for goods vehicle drivers there is a free to download guide.
Rules for drivers hours and tachographs.

If the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle or combination exceeds 3.5 tonne you may require at tachograph to be fitted. See the flow chart on page 11 of the pdf document.

www.dft.gov.uk>home>publications>manual and guides

If you want any assistance contact me on 01179543257.

Sorry Birchall31628 forgot to mention if the combination is capable of of carrying 3.5 tonne then you must fit a tachograph and the driver is required to use it. The consequences for the driver are a £200 graduated fixed penalty.

So if using a Ford Ranger or Transit van with a trailer the combined potential vehicle carrying capability whilst used for business may exceed the 3.5 tonne and therefore require a tacho to be fitted. The trailer does not have to be loaded only to have the capability.