Specifications of weight
An essential part of the data relevant for the approval of a car is the different weights.
- The kerb weight refers to the weight of the car in running order with the fuel tank 90 per cent full, without driver. Depending on the special equipment chosen, the kerb weight may increase, thereby reducing the payload.
- The payload is calculated from the difference between kerb weight and gross car weight.
- The permissible gross weight refers to the specified upper weight limit to which the car may be loaded. The roof load is the weight limit for the use of roof racks or roof boxes with which a car roof may additionally be loaded.
- The vertical load is the maximum weight load of a trailer coupling in the vertical direction.
In practice, any excess of weight may lead to serious restrictions on driving safety.
