Gross vehicle weight rating

The permissible laden mass ( zGM ), in the German road traffic regulations and traffic regulations also permissible gross vehicle weight ( GVW ) called, refers to the sum of the tare weight plus maximum payload of a motor vehicle or vehicle combination. The legislature has the zGM here divided into different weight classes, which are also relevant for the driving license required for each part. Furthermore, the zGM for calculating the toll governs truck. In Germany, for example truck with a zGM are smaller than 12.0 t from the motorway toll free.

Situation in Germany

In Germany the maximum authorized mass of vehicles in the § 34 of the Road Traffic is described. A distinction between passenger cars ( zGM < 2.8 t), heavy cars and vans ( zGM <3.5 t), light trucks ( zGM < 7.5 t) and medium-duty trucks ( zGM < 18.0 t). In a vehicle having a maximum mass exceeding 18 tonnes we speak of a heavy truck. The bracketed figures in the table below refer to vehicles with air suspension.

Furthermore, the zGM is crucial for driving classes in the license law.

In the current regulatory texts of the Highway Code and traffic regulations, the two terms permitted total weight and the maximum authorized mass are used interchangeably.