How can you check by calculation whether the combination of an articulated motor vehicle (semitrailer load = vertical load) exceeds the permissible total mass of the combination of vehicles?

The question involves assessing whether an articulated vehicle's total mass exceeds the legal limits set by German traffic regulations. To ensure compliance, you need to consider multiple factors:

1. The permissible total mass of both the truck tractor and the semitrailer must be evaluated.
2. The vertical load, which represents the weight transferred from the semitrailer onto the truck tractor, affects how much of the total permitted mass can be utilized.

In this context, the correct calculation combines the permissible total mass of both components (truck tractor plus semitrailer) and subtracts the vertical load, which helps determine if the actual load is within the allowed limits. If the calculated total exceeds the permissible mass, it indicates a violation of traffic regulations.

Understanding these components is crucial for safe and legal operation, ensuring the vehicle complies with the requirements set forth in the German road traffic regulations, thus preventing potential fines or safety hazards.