What Do Gross Vehicle Mass and Curb Weight Mean?
2 Answers
Gross vehicle mass refers to the total weight of a fully equipped vehicle, including passengers (including the driver) and cargo as specified. Curb weight refers to the empty weight of a vehicle under normal operating conditions, ready to drive, without passengers (including the driver) or cargo. Violations: Transport authorities have pointed out that the following five scenarios should be identified as overloaded vehicles and must be corrected: two-axle vehicles with a total weight of the body and cargo exceeding 20 tons, three-axle vehicles exceeding 30 tons, four-axle vehicles exceeding 40 tons, five-axle vehicles exceeding 50 tons, and six-axle or more vehicles exceeding 55 tons. Traffic police departments will temporarily confiscate the driver's license if the cargo weight exceeds the permitted load capacity stated on the vehicle registration certificate by more than 30 tons, even if none of the above five scenarios apply. Vehicles that have already been penalized or unloaded on the same day and whose post-unloading weight matches the records on the relevant certificates provided should not be penalized or unloaded again. Notes: Curb weight affects a vehicle's fuel consumption. The heavier the curb weight, the higher the fuel consumption. For household car purchases, priority should be given to economical, small-displacement cars to achieve fuel efficiency.
As a seasoned driver who loves hitting the road, I often get asked about the difference between curb weight and gross vehicle weight. Simply put, curb weight is the factory weight of the car itself, excluding passengers, cargo, and any extras. Gross vehicle weight, on the other hand, is the maximum total weight the car can handle, which includes the curb weight plus all the stuff you load and people you carry. For example, my family car might have a curb weight of 1,500 kg, but a gross vehicle weight set at 2,000 kg, meaning I can carry 500 kg of passengers and cargo. Why does it matter? Exceeding the gross weight leads to faster tire wear, longer braking distances, and increased risk of losing control, especially in rainy conditions or on mountain roads. I must remind everyone to always check the data in the user manual before using the car—don’t overload just to save trouble. Regularly check your vehicle’s weight; a simple weighing tool can help prevent accidents. This knowledge isn’t just about safety—it also affects your car’s lifespan and fuel efficiency.
