What defines a gross weight?

Gross weight is defined as the total weight of a vehicle when it is loaded with its cargo. This includes not only the weight of the vehicle itself but also any additional weight from the cargo that the vehicle is carrying. Understanding this definition is crucial, especially for regulatory and safety considerations, as it impacts vehicle limits for safe operation on public roads and compliance with legal weight restrictions.

While the weight of the vehicle alone or the weight of the vehicle plus its passengers might seem relevant, these measurements do not account for the cargo component, which is essential for determining gross weight. The inclusion of the driver in some definitions may also be influenced by specific regulations, but it is not comprehensive in terms of what constitutes gross weight since it primarily focuses on the vehicle's overall load capacity. Therefore, the most accurate definition that aligns with standard terminology and regulations in motor vehicle law is the weight of the vehicle along with its cargo.