The permissible gross weight of a vehicle is a decisive factor for safety and legality on the road. It refers to the maximum weight that a vehicle may reach including its load. This weight is made up of the unladen weight of the vehicle and the permissible payload.
The unladen weight is the weight of the vehicle without load, but with a full tank, standard equipment and all operating fluids. The permissible payload, on the other hand, is the maximum weight that may be transported in addition to the unladen weight. This includes passengers, luggage and other cargo.
Compliance with the permissible gross weight is important for several reasons:
- SecurityAn overloaded vehicle can be more difficult to control, especially when braking and cornering. This increases the risk of accidents.
- Vehicle loadOverloading can lead to excessive wear on tires, brakes and suspension, which shortens the service life of the vehicle and increases maintenance costs.
- Legal regulationsIn many countries, there are strict regulations regarding the maximum permissible weight of vehicles. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines, points in Flensburg or even revocation of the driver's license.
- Environmental impactOverloaded vehicles consume more fuel and emit more pollutants, which has a negative impact on the environment.
Vehicle manufacturers state the permissible gross weight in the vehicle documents. It is important to know this information and to ensure that the vehicle is not overloaded. In the case of trailers or combinations, the permissible gross weight of the trailer and the permissible gross weight of the combination of towing vehicle and trailer must also be observed.
In summary, complying with the maximum permissible weight is not only a legal obligation, but also an important measure to ensure safety and efficiency in road traffic.
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