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
WeightThe
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 massThe
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. 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
weightThe
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
weightTrain
weight is the combined MAM of the vehicle and the trailer it is pulling. Further
informationAll
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 |
