The Payload (CU) of a vehicle, whether it is a car or a truck, is a crucial parameter when considering transporting large or particularly heavy objects. It indicates the maximum weight that one is authorized to load, in compliance with current regulations and for the sake of safety. But what exactly is payload and how do you calculate it? Is it indicated somewhere? Or, what are the penalties in case of overtaking? Find out all this in our article.
Let's start with a clear definition. La payload of a vehicle, whether a car or a truck, is the maximum weight that it is authorized to carry without exceeding the total authorized weight.The total authorized weight (PTAC or MMA) varies according to the type of vehicle and must under no circumstances be exceeded when driving. Determined by the manufacturer, it includes the weight:
It is essential to ensure that the payload is respected. Indeed, overloaded driving presents risks, such as the extension of braking distances or the deterioration of road holding.
With these two data in hand, calculating the payload is simple: it is a question of subtracting the national empty weight (line G.1.) from the MMTA (line F.2.) indicated on the registration certificate. The result represents the maximum authorized mass, including both people and goods transported.
Good to know: The Total Authorized Loaded Weight (GTAC) is now called the Maximum Allowable Mass (MMA). This is the maximum weight that a vehicle can legally reach, considering both the weight of the structure, the load and the additional equipment (such as bike carriers, roof boxes, etc.). This PTAC or MMA value can be found in section F.2 of the car registration document.
For a single vehicle (without a trailer), the formula for calculating the payload is quite straightforward: Payload (CU) = Total Allowable Weight (GVW) - Unloaded Weight (PV) Since they are established by the manufacturer according to the vehicle model, the GTAC and the PV are found on the vehicle registration cards.The empty weight (PV) The empty weight represents the weight of the vehicle itself, without cargo or passengers, but including the driver (estimated at 75kg). This information can be found in section G.1 of the car registration document. After locating these two values on the registration certificate, a simple subtraction operation will allow you to determine the weight you can allocate to your load.Let's take the example of a 2008 Peugeot 207:
207 payload = 1660 - 1186 = 474 kg You must therefore make sure that the weight of what you transport in your Peugeot 207 (passengers, luggage, animals, equipment, etc.) does not exceed 474 kg.
Are you planning to tow a trailer? It is therefore essential to also consider its payload to determine the maximum weight authorized to be carried there. The calculation formula remains the same as that of the vehicle.Trailer Payload = Total Authorized Loaded Weight (GTAC or MMA) of the trailer - Unloaded Weight (PV) of the trailer.It is the manufacturer who sets these values. These can be found:
Once this information is obtained, a simple subtraction will give you the weight that you can legally load into the trailer.Let's take the example of a trailer with a PV of 500 kg:
Payload = 700 kg - 500 kg = 200 kg So, the authorized payload for this trailer is 200 kg. Before acquiring a trailer, to ensure compliance with the regulations, check that the total weight of the car, trailer and their respective load does not exceed the PTRA.
The payload of a vehicle is not directly indicated on the registration certificate. However, some information on this document and related to the weight of the vehicle makes it easy to determine it.To perform this calculation, you will need to know two key elements: the Maximum Technically Permissible Mass (MMTA) as well as the national empty weight of the vehicle.
Formerly called Total Authorized Weight (GTAC), the MMTA represents the total weight that a vehicle is authorized to transport, including:
Note that this information is available on the vehicle registration certificate, more precisely on line F.2.
After finding the MMTA on the registration certificate, you need to determine the vehicle's national empty weight to calculate the payload. In addition, article R312-1 of the Highway Code states that this weight includes:
Therefore, the empty weight therefore represents the minimum total weight of the vehicle to drive. You will find it on line G.1 of the registration certificate.
If during a check, the police or the gendarmerie surprises you with a vehicle whose load exceeds the authorized limit, you are exposed to sanctions. In France, sanctions vary according to the degree to which the PTAC or the Maximum Technically Acceptable Mass (MMTA) is exceeded. Here are the consequences you could face if you drive an overloaded vehicle:
