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Axle Balance Tandem hole rules by state California
California tandem hole rules: 40 ft kingpin to rear axle
For a 53 ft van, reefer or flatbed with a sliding tandem · Checked October 2026
Limit California limits the distance from the kingpin to the rearmost axle to 40 ft.
Where it applies: 53 ft trailers with 2 or more axles. Measured to the rearmost axle, not the tandem center. 38 ft if the trailer has a single axle.
How to read it
Measure from the kingpin to the center of the last axle on the trailer. On a tandem, that is usually about 2 ft farther back than the tandem center, so this rule is tighter than a center-measured rule of the same number.
Source
California Vehicle Code §35401.5. Rules checked October 2026. Laws and enforcement change, so confirm with the state before you rely on this.
Set it in the app
In Axle Balance, open State rules and tap California, or plan a route through it. Pro shows which tandem holes are legal for your trailer and warns you before a slide would put you over a state's limit. New to sliding? Read how to slide tandems.
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Know which way to slide before you get back on the scale. Axle Balance is a free calculator made by a trucker. Enter your scale ticket and it tells you which way to slide your tandems and how many holes, plus your fifth wheel. Works offline in the cab.
Open the free calculatorEstimates and general information only, not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies. Always confirm on a certified scale and with the state before you rely on it. See the Terms of Use.