Commission Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012Show full title

2. Mass distribution for vehicles fitted with bodywork

2.1. Calculation procedure

Notations:

‘M’

technically permissible maximum laden mass;

‘TM’

technically permissible maximum towable mass;

‘MC’

technically permissible maximum laden mass of the combination;

‘m_i’

the technically permissible maximum mass on the solo axle designated ‘i’, where i varies from 1 to the total number of axles of the vehicle;

‘m_c’

technically permissible maximum mass at the coupling point;

‘μ_j’

the technically permissible maximum mass on the group of axles designated ‘j’, where j varies from 1 to the total number of groups of axles.

2.1.1. Suitable calculations shall be carried out in order to make sure that the requirements set out in points 2.2 and 2.3 are fulfilled for each technical configuration within the type.

2.1.2. In the case of vehicles fitted with loadable axles, the calculations required under points 2.2 and 2.3 shall be carried out with the suspension of loadable axles in the normal running configuration.

2.1.3. In the case of vehicles fitted with lift axles, the calculations required under points 2.2 and 2.3 shall be carried out with the axles lowered.

2.2. General requirements

2.2.1. The sum of the technically permissible maximum mass on the solo axles plus the sum of the technically permissible maximum mass on the groups of axles shall not be less than the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle.

2.2.2. For each group of axles designated ‘j’, the sum of the technically permissible maximum mass on its axles shall not be less than the technically permissible maximum mass on the group of axles.

In addition, each of the masses m_i shall not be less than the part of μ_j applying on the axle ‘i’ as determined by the mass distribution for that group of axles.

2.3. Specific requirements

2.3.1. The mass of the vehicle in running order, plus the mass of the optional equipment plus the mass of the passengers, plus the mass of the coupling if not included in the mass in running order plus the technically permissible maximum mass at the coupling point shall not exceed the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle.

2.3.2. Where the vehicle is laden to its technically permissible maximum laden mass, the mass distributed on an axle ‘i’ shall not exceed the mass m_i on that axle, and the mass on the group of axles ‘j’ shall not exceed the mass μ_j.

2.3.3. The requirements of point 2.3.2 shall be complied with in the following load configurations:

2.3.3.1.

Uniform distribution of the pay-mass:

the vehicle shall be at its mass in running order plus the mass of the optional equipment plus the mass of the passengers located at the seating reference points, plus the mass of the coupling (if not included in the mass in running order), plus the maximum permissible mass at the coupling point, plus the pay-mass being distributed uniformly on the cargo area.

2.3.3.2.

Non-uniform distribution of pay-mass:

the vehicle shall be at its mass in running order plus the mass of the optional equipment plus the mass of the passengers located at the seating reference points, plus the mass of the coupling (if not included in the mass in running order), plus the maximum permissible mass at the coupling point, plus the pay-mass located in accordance with the manufacturers specifications.

For such purposes the manufacturer shall state the extreme permissible possible positions of the centre of gravity of the pay-mass and/or body and/or equipment or interior fittings (for instance: from 0,50 m to 1,30 m in front of the first rear axle).

2.3.3.3.

Combination of uniform and non-uniform distribution:

The requirements of points 2.3.3.1 and 2.3.3.2 shall be fulfilled simultaneously.

Example, a tipper lorry (distributed load) equipped with an additional crane (localised load).

2.3.3.4.

Mass transferred by the fifth wheel coupling (tractor unit for semi-trailer):

the vehicle shall be at its mass in running order plus the mass of the optional equipment plus the mass of the passengers located at the seating reference points, plus the mass of the coupling if not included in the mass in running order, plus the maximum permissible mass at the fifth wheel coupling point located in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications (minimum and maximum fifth-wheel lead).

2.3.3.5.

The requirements of points 2.3.3.1 shall always be fulfilled where the vehicle is fitted with a flat cargo area.

2.3.4. Where the vehicle is laden to its technically permissible maximum laden mass, plus the mass of the coupling if not included in the mass in running order, plus the maximum permissible mass at the coupling point in such a way that the maximum permissible maximum mass on the rear group of axle (μ) or the maximum permissible maximum on the rear axle (m) is reached, the mass on the front steering axle(s) shall not be less than 20 % of the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle.

2.3.5. As regards special purposes vehicles of category N₂ and N₃, the technical service shall check compliance with the requirements of Section 2 in agreement with the manufacturer, taking into account the specific design of the vehicle (for example, mobile cranes).