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?

In this context, to determine whether the total mass of the truck tractor and semitrailer exceeds the permissible total mass, it is essential to consider the vertical load, which represents how much weight is applied to the hitch point by the semitrailer.

The correct method combines the permissible total mass of the truck tractor with the permissible total mass of the semitrailer and then subtracts the vertical load. This ensures that you account for the entire mass that the vehicle combination can legally transport without exceeding safety limits.

The importance of this calculation lies in compliance with the regulations set forth in the German Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO), which governs vehicle weights to enhance safety on the roads. Failing to consider the vertical load in this calculation can lead to overweight conditions, affecting braking, stability, and overall safety. Ensuring that you include all relevant factors helps maintain legal compliance and road safety.