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Vehicle
weights
explained
As
well
as
your
age,
the
different
vehicle
categories
on
your
driving
licence
tells
you
what
type
of
vehicle
you
are
able
to
drive.
These
categories
are
also
determined
by
the
weight
of
the
vehicle.
Unladen
Weight
The
unladen
weight
of
any
vehicle
is
the
vehicles
own
weight
when
not
carrying
any
goods
or
burden.
This
is:
- inclusive
of
the
body
and
all
parts
which
are
necessary
to
or
ordinarily
used
with
the
vehicle
or
trailer
when
working
on
a
road
- exclusive
of
water,
fuel
or
accumulators
used
for
the
purpose
of
the
supply
of
power
for
the
propulsion
of
the
vehicle
Maximum
authorised
mass
The
term
maximum
authorised
mass
(MAM),
which
is
also
known
as
gross
weight
and
permissible
maximum
weight,
is
the
maximum
weight
of
the
vehicle
that
may
be
used
on
the
road
including
the
maximum
load
the
vehicle
may
safely
carry.
This
is
normally
shown
on
a
plate
fitted
to
the
vehicle.
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If
a vehicle is unlikely to be used at its potential
maximum weight most vehicles may be downplated, i.e.
the vehicles springs or other components can be changed,
so that only a lighter load can be carried. The maximum
authorised mass or gross weight is a factor in determining
what driving entitlement is required.
Plated
weight
The
maximum authorised mass should be shown on the departments
manufacturing plate fitted to the vehicle. This means the
marking on a goods vehicle, by means of a ministry Plate,
showing the maximum weights for that particular vehicle eg
maximum authorised mass, and in certain cases, train weight.
Train
weight
Train
weight is the combined MAM of the vehicle and the trailer
it is pulling.
Further
information
All
enquiries concerning maximum weights of rigid vehicles, trailers
and articulated combinations should be referred to:
Vehicle
Standards and Engineering Division
Great
Minster House
76
Marsham Street
London
SW1P
4DR
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