According to DOT standards, what is the total gross weight a truck cannot exceed?

The correct answer is based on established guidelines from the Department of Transportation (DOT), which set the maximum gross vehicle weight limit for trucks. According to federal regulations, the total gross vehicle weight (GVW) for a single vehicle cannot exceed 80,000 pounds. This regulation helps ensure road safety, prevents infrastructure damage, and provides a standard for both interstate and intrastate transportation operations.

Each state might have specific regulations regarding the distribution of that weight and the weight for certain types of vehicles, but the federal standard caps the total at 80,000 pounds. Understanding this weight limit is crucial for compliance with DOT standards and for the safe operation of commercial vehicles.

Smaller weight limits, like those mentioned in the other options, do not align with federal standards for heavy trucks, which is why they are not correct in this context.