Capacity Limit: What's the maximum load a vehicle can carry?
In Germany, overloading a motor vehicle or trailer can lead to significant consequences, including financial penalties, potential delays, and restrictions on vehicle movement. As of 2025, penalties for overloading include fines ranging from €10 to €235 and the accumulation of penalty points.
The permitted payload of a motor vehicle can be found on the vehicle registration certificate Part 1, under point F.2. It's essential to be aware of this limit to avoid overloading and potential fines.
Overloading a motor vehicle by more than 5% can result in fines and the need for a vehicle weighing at the driver's expense. This risk is not only a financial burden but also poses an increased accident risk for the driver, passengers, and other road users, as well as increased vehicle wear.
Vehicles with a total weight of up to 3.5 tonnes can be driven with a passenger car driver's license (Class B) in Germany. However, overloading these vehicles can still lead to penalties.
Some vehicles suitable for increased payloads include utility vehicle models such as pickups, minivans, off-road vehicles, SUVs, station wagons, and sometimes even sedans. For instance, the Nissan e-NV200 Evalia has a trunk volume of approximately 2,000 liters, making it a popular choice for those needing to carry large loads.
Similarly, the Mercedes eVito Tourer and the Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E. offer trunk volumes of approximately 1,400 liters and 1,300 liters, respectively. The Mercedes EQV Extralong has a trunk volume of approximately 1,000 to 1,400 liters, depending on the type.
In addition to these electric vehicles, some current passenger car top models, according to towing load, include the BMW iX (2,500 kg), Kia EV9 (2,500 kg), Lotus Eletre S (2,250 kg), Tesla Model X (2,250 kg), Polestar 3 (2,200 kg), Volvo EX90 (2,200 kg), NIO EL7 (2,000 kg), NIO ET7 (2,000 kg), Zeekr 001 (2,000 kg), Polestar 4 (2,000 kg), BMW i7 (2,000 kg), and BMW i5 (2,000 kg).
It's crucial to remember that the total weight of luggage, roof or roof racks, bicycles, passengers, etc., must not exceed the determined permitted payload. Increased tire pressure is necessary if the payload exceeds the usual amount.
Germany is enhancing enforcement by installing fully digital, stationary weight checkpoints on busy motorways that use embedded measuring technology. Overloaded vehicles detected at these checkpoints will be stopped, and both drivers and operators fined. Vehicles that are too heavy may be barred from continuing their trip until they comply with weight regulations.
Thus, adhering to the permitted payload is not only a legal requirement but also a safety measure to ensure a smoother and safer journey for all road users.
- In the realm of lifestyle and transportation, being mindful of the permitted payload for cars, particularly utility and electric vehicles, is essential to avoid financial penalties and maintain road safety.
- Understanding the car-maintenance aspect, it's important to note that increasing the vehicle's load beyond the allowed limit may necessitate additional expenses for weighing and potentially rising costs for car-maintenance due to increased wear and tear.
- Juggling industries like finance and transportation, overloading motor vehicles not only incurs fines but may also lead to increased insurance premiums due to the higher risk of accidents.
