Kerb Weight in the Registration Document

A vehicle's kerb weight (Leergewicht) appears in the German registration certificate part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I, colloquially still "Fahrzeugschein") in field G — "mass of the vehicle in running order". Anyone loading a van needs this value to calculate the permitted payload and avoid overloading.

Where exactly does it appear?

• Field G: kerb weight. For cars and many vans it already includes 75 kg for the driver and fluids filled to 90 % (fuel, oil, coolant).
• Field F.1: technically permissible maximum laden mass.
• Field F.2: maximum laden mass permitted in the country of registration — the limit that matters day to day.

Calculating the payload

The formula is simple:

Permitted maximum mass (F.2) − kerb weight (G) = maximum payload

Example van: 3,500 kg (F.2) − 2,400 kg (G) = 1,100 kg payload. Note: passengers, accessories, racking, and tools count towards the payload — not just the cargo. Since field G already includes the driver, don't subtract them twice.

Why this matters in transport

• Overloading is expensive: Mobile-scale checks are common; from about 5 % overload fines apply, and 3.5-tonne vans can be barred from continuing until unloaded.
• Safety: An overloaded vehicle brakes longer and handles worse — and the cargo must also be properly secured (see load securing).
• The 3.5-tonne limit: Many vans are deliberately rated at 3.5 t so they can be driven with a category-B car licence. Payload is correspondingly limited — for heavy single items, check field G before driving.

Practical: the right vehicle instead of maths

If you have furniture, machines, or pallets to move, you don't have to calculate anything: when booking a small transport, simply pick the right vehicle size — the driver brings a vehicle with sufficient payload.

Frequently asked questions

Does kerb weight include the driver? For EU-standard figures, yes — field G includes 75 kg for the driver.

Kerb weight vs. unladen mass? The same thing — "Leermasse" is the official term, "Leergewicht" the colloquial one.

How much can a 3.5 t van carry? Depending on equipment, usually between 800 and 1,400 kg. The exact value always follows from F.2 minus G of the specific vehicle.

Sources

• Registration certificate part I – field explanations (Federal Ministry of Transport)
• § 34 StVZO – axle load and gross weight