What is the permissible payload?

The permissible payload refers to the maximum weight that a vehicle can safely and legally carry, based on its construction and design specifications. In German traffic regulations, this is determined by taking the permissible gross mass of the vehicle and subtracting its unladen mass.

Therefore, the two correct options are:

1. The maximum permissible load - this essentially refers to the same concept as the permissible payload.
2. The difference between the permissible gross mass and unladen mass - this correctly describes how to calculate the permissible payload.

The third option, the permissible gross mass, refers to the total weight that the vehicle is allowed to have when fully loaded, including the vehicle itself and all cargo, which is a different concept. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance with German traffic laws, as exceeding these limits can lead to penalties and increased risks while driving.