What is the maximum permissible total mass of an articulated motor vehicle (two-axle truck tractor, three-axle semitrailer, not combined traffic)?

The maximum permissible total mass for an articulated motor vehicle consisting of a two-axle truck tractor and a three-axle semitrailer, when not used in combined (intermodal) traffic, is 40 tonnes. This limit is set by German regulations to ensure road safety and protect infrastructure like bridges and road surfaces. The 44-tonne limit only applies when the combination is used in combined transport (for example, when containers are transported on road and rail), not in regular road traffic. The 38-tonne option is too low for this vehicle combination. Knowing these differences is important for determining the correct maximum weight allowed for specific vehicle combinations on German roads.