Gross Vehicle WeightWorldwide
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370. Gross Vehicle Weight
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the actual total weight of a vehicle at a particular moment, including the vehicle itself, driver, passengers, fuel, luggage and other cargo. It changes as people or goods are added or removed.
GVW should not be confused with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), which is the maximum permitted total weight specified for the vehicle. The actual gross vehicle weight must not exceed that permitted maximum.
Wikimedia.org • Santeri Viinamäki • CC BY-SA
What does Gross Vehicle Weight include?
Gross Vehicle Weight includes the weight of the vehicle itself together with the driver, passengers, fuel, luggage, cargo and other items being carried at that moment.
What is the difference between GVW and GVWR?
GVW is the vehicle's actual weight at a particular moment. GVWR is the maximum total weight the vehicle is designed or legally permitted to have when loaded. The actual GVW must remain within the applicable maximum.
Why is Gross Vehicle Weight important?
Vehicle weight affects braking, handling, tyre and axle loading and legal weight limits. Overloading can reduce safety and may also cause the vehicle to exceed permitted axle or total-mass limits.

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