Introduction. The article deals with the analysis and coverage of statistical data related to the development and application of temporary loads and the relevant norms for the design of bridge structures. Problem Statement. Over the past 5-7 years, the highway bridges of Ukraine have undergone significant changes in the intensity and composition of traffic flows. At the same time, the load, which is established by the current regulations, does not take into account the tendency to increase the weight of cars. At the same time, a significant part of the building's life cycle takes place under conditions of overload, which leads to premature destruction and overspending on repairs. In this regard, it is not always possible to unambiguously assign the type of calculated load, which can cause significant errors in the assessment of the strength and serviceability of bridge structures. Materials and methods. Comparison of estimated vehicle loads of models H-10, H-13, H-18, NK-80, Н-30, NK-100, NG-60, A11, A15, AB-51, AB-74, AB-151 (from 1931 to 2023) with the LM1 model of Eurocode EN 1991-2 shows that there is some balance between the two. The estimated load according to Ukrainian standards is intermediate between the standards of Europe and the USA. However, the level of characteristic loads is almost twice as low as in the Eurocode. This is a significant shortcoming of state building regulations, as it reduces the level of reliability of calculations.