Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the manufacturer-specified maximum loaded mass of a vehicle. It covers the vehicle itself plus occupants, cargo, accessories, and other loads assigned to the vehicle under the applicable rules.
A rating, not a scale reading
GVWR is a design and certification limit. The vehicle's actual mass at a particular moment is its gross vehicle weight, which changes as people and cargo are added or removed. A vehicle should not be loaded beyond its GVWR even if there is still physical room inside.
GVWR also does not replace the separate gross axle weight ratings. A vehicle may remain below its total rating but still overload one axle because the load is distributed poorly. Trailer towball download can contribute to both the vehicle total and the rear-axle load.
In European documents, the related term is often “technically permissible maximum laden mass.” Do not compare it with curb weight or mass in running order unless the figures cover the same variant and measurement basis. See Vehicle Dimensions and Mass for the complete relationship.