What makes up a GVWR rating?
I am wondering what it is in the design of a trailer's frame and suspension or otherwise that gives it a particular GVWR rating. Is it the axles primarily? We have a trailer with a GVWR of 6800 lb...
Forum Discussion
myredracer wrote:
I just found this BC Government info. dated 2003:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/cvse/references_publications/pdf/MV3231(082003)GVWR.pdf
In looking at the link you provided, I note that the header across the top says;
"Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Division"
It may only apply to commercial vehicles and not personal vehicles unless you know different.
"Q. What are the penalties for driving a
vehicle loaded above its GVWR?
Regulations in B.C. were recently changed to
address consumer and industry concerns about the
GVWR.
If a vehicle, with a GVWR of 5,500 kilograms, or
less, that is manufactured before January 1, 2001 is
loaded in excess of its GVWR and an enforcement
officer deems it to be unsafe, the driver of that
vehicle may be given a Notice and Order."
Elsewhere it states;
"Q. What is the difference between a
violation ticket and a Notice and Order?
If you receive a violation ticket, you must pay a
fine. If you receive a Notice and Order, you are
asked to bring your vehicle into compliance within
a specified time. Or, if the vehicle is obviously
unsafe, it may be ordered off the road until the
defect(s) or situation is corrected."
So it appears there is no penalty, only an order to comply is issued.
Seems like a very gray area. It also may not be a good idea to read a FAQ because the answers are watered down and are only an interpretation of law, not the law itself.
