The gross vehicle weight rating, or gross vehicle mass is the maximum operating weight/mass
of a vehicle as specified by the manufacturer including the vehicle's chassis, body, engine,
engine fluids, fuel, accessories, driver, passengers and cargo but excluding that of
any trailers. The term is used for motor vehicles and trains.
The weight of a vehicle is influenced by passengers, cargo, even fuel level, so a number of terms
are used to express the weight of a vehicle in a designated state. Gross combined weight
rating refers to the total mass of a vehicle, including all trailers. GVWR and GCWR both
describe a vehicle that is in operation and are used to specify weight limitations and
restrictions. Curb weight describes a vehicle which is "parked at the curb" and excludes
the weight of any occupants or cargo. Dry weight further excludes the weight of all
consumables, such as fuel and oils. Gross trailer weight rating specifies the maximum
weight of a trailer and the gross axle weight rating specifies the maximum weight on any
particular axle.
Australia A car driver licence is limited to driving
vehicles up to a maximum GVM of 4,500 kg. Beyond this, a different class of licence
is required. A vehicle with a GVM under 4,500 kg is termed a light vehicle, while those over
4,500 kg are termed heavy vehicles. Many models of small truck are manufactured
to have a GVM rating of 5,000 to 7,000 kg but sold with the option of a GVM of just
under 4,500 kg so that they can be driven on a car licence. Often, the only difference
between the models is where the exhaust exits, with diesel engined heavy rated vehicles having
a vertical exhaust stack above the cabin and the light rated vehicles having the exhaust
exit under the side or rear like a car. Many minor roads, including some in rural
areas and some in suburban areas, have GVM restrictions such as 5,000 kg or 8,000 kg.
These restrictions may be applied for technical reasons such as load limited bridges, or as
a method of reducing the number of heavy vehicles on local roads.
United Kingdom A standard car driving licence issued by an
EU country limits the licence-holder to driving vehicles with a maximum GVWR of 3,500 kg.
This includes holders of UK class B driving licences who passed their driving tests on
or after 1 January 1997. A UK driving licence holder who passed his
or her class B driving test in or before 1996 is limited to driving vehicles with GVWR of
7,500 kg or less, including minibuses not used for hire or reward.
Anyone looking to drive a heavy goods vehicle with GVWR of over 7,500 kg must obtain a class
C truck licence. Anyone looking to drive a truck with GVWR of more than 3,500 kg, but
no more than 7,500 kg, must obtain a class C1 licence. Anyone with a class C licence
can drive class C1 vehicles. United States
In the United States, two important GVWR limitations are 2,700 kg and 3,900 kg. Vehicles over
6,000 lb are restricted from some city roadways. Vehicles over the 8,500 lb threshold are required
to have insurance under Section 387.303 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980.
Labeling On vehicles designed for the United States
market, the GVWR can be found alongside other vehicle technical specifications on the Vehicle
ID Plate that is usually located on the interior of the B-pillar.
Most U.S. and Australian commercial trucks are required by licensing authorities to have
this information printed on the outside of the vehicle, and for it to be clearly visible
from a specified distance. See also
References
External links What is GVWR? from about.com