What does the total mass on the driving license refer to?
3 Answers
The total mass on the driving license refers to the vehicle's curb weight + approved load capacity + approved passenger capacity (number of passengers in the driver's compartment × average weight of 65kg per person). The relevant introduction to curb weight is as follows: Introduction to curb weight: Curb weight refers to the weight of the vehicle when it leaves the factory with complete technical conditions and all fluids filled. Curb weight is the vehicle's own weight: It is an important parameter affecting the vehicle's fuel consumption. The larger the curb weight, the more fuel the vehicle consumes. Under the same conditions, better design methods, higher industrial standards, and superior production levels will result in a lower curb weight for the vehicle.
When I first got my driver's license and took to the road, I was immediately pulled over by the police to check my vehicle registration. The officer pointed out a number and explained that the gross vehicle weight is the car's own weight plus the maximum allowed weight of passengers or cargo. My small car was marked with a gross weight of 1800 kg, including a curb weight of 1200 kg and a maximum load capacity of 600 kg. This means if my car is fully loaded with family and luggage beyond the limit, it could easily skid or suffer brake failure, which is very dangerous. Later, I saw news reports about the increase in accidents caused by overloading, and how traffic police often use this data to issue fines or deduct points. So, before driving, I've made it a habit to glance at the registration to ensure I don't exceed the load limit, protecting both myself and the car.
With years of experience in traffic management, I can confirm that the total mass indicated on the vehicle license represents the maximum approved gross weight of the vehicle, encompassing both the vehicle body and its maximum load capacity. This figure is crucial for road safety, as engineers design vehicles with braking capabilities and suspension strength calibrated to this value. Overloading accelerates tire and chassis wear while increasing accident risks. Drivers should regularly check their vehicle licenses, especially before transporting goods or traveling at full capacity, using weighing equipment to compare actual vehicle weight. Traffic authorities establish checkpoints at fixed locations, enforcing laws by determining overload ratios based on total mass. This practice not only maintains road conditions but also minimizes damage to bridges and culverts—never underestimate this small detail.
