When choosing a car, planning transportation or filling out documents, sooner or later you are faced with the question: where can I see the weight of the car in running order?? This parameter is important not only for calculating taxes or duties, but also for safety - for example, when towing or loading a trailer. However, not all drivers know that curb weight and gross weight - these are different things, and the data may differ even in official sources.

In this article we will figure out exactly where to look for exact numbers - from PTS and body plates to online databases. We will also explain why the weight of the same model can vary depending on the configuration, and what to do if the documents are lost. We’ll also talk about pitfalls: for example, why data from STS are sometimes inaccurate and how this can affect your insurance or inspection.

Spoiler alert: the most reliable source is not always the one that seems obvious. But first things first.

What is curb weight and how does it differ from other types of weight

Before you look for numbers, it's important to understand the terminology. Curb weight (sometimes called dry mass) is the weight of the car without passengers or cargo, but with a full tank of fuel, all operating fluids (oil, antifreeze) and a standard set of tools. In some countries, this weight also includes a spare tire, fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

Don't confuse it with:

  • 🔹 Dry weight — the weight of a “naked” car without fuel and liquids (more often used for sports cars).
  • 🔹 Gross weight — maximum permissible weight with passengers and cargo (indicated as GVM or Load capacity + curb weight).
  • 🔹 Gross weight — weight of the car with trailer (relevant for trucks).

Why is this important? For example, when registering with traffic police or registration OSAGO insurance companies may specifically ask for curb weight. And when transported by tow truck or ferry - full. An error of 100–200 kg can lead to a fine for overloading or denial of insurance payment.

📊 Where do you usually check the weight of your car?
In PTS
On the sign in the doorway
On the Internet
I don't know where to look

Where is the curb weight indicated in the vehicle documents?

The most reliable sources are official documents. Here's where to look:

1. Vehicle Passport (PTS)

B PTS curb weight is indicated in the column "14. Weight without load (curb), kg". However, there is a nuance here: if the car is imported, the weight may be indicated in pounds (lbs) - don't forget to convert to kilograms (1 pound ≈ 0.453 kg). Also in some PTS old model (until 2010), the weight could be indicated rounded to hundreds of kilograms.

2. Vehicle registration certificate (CTC)

B STS weight is indicated in the column "12. Permitted maximum weight", but this gross weight, and not equipped! To get the equipped one, you need to subtract the carrying capacity (column «13»). For example, if in STS written 2000 kg (gross weight) and 500 kg (load capacity), then curb weight ≈ 1500 kg.

⚠️ Attention: B STS the new model (from 2020) may have no curb weight at all. In this case, focus on PTS or manufacturer's plate.

3. Technical passport (for imported cars)

For foreign cars, the curb weight is often duplicated in technical passport (not to be confused with PTS!). For example, in the documents Toyota or Volkswagen look for the section Vehicle Weight or Kerb Weight. U Korean cars (Hyundai, Kia) can be specified Curb Weight.

Document Where to look Notes
PTS Box 14 May be in pounds for imported cars
STS Column 12 (gross weight) – load capacity (column 13) Not always an accurate method
Technical passport (foreign cars) Section Kerb Weight or Curb Weight May differ from data in PTS
Body plate Driver's doorway or under the hood The most accurate source for modern cars

Plate on the body: where to look and how to read

Most modern cars have a nameplate (aka nameplate), where key technical data, including weight, are indicated. It is usually located:

  • 🚗 B driver's doorway (on the counter or threshold).
  • 🚗Under hood (on the side member or engine compartment panel).
  • 🚗 B glove compartment (rare, but occurs in some Japanese stamps).
  • 🚗 On back door (for minibuses and SUVs).

On the sign you will see several numbers indicated by letters:

  • 🔠 GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) — total mass.
  • 🔠 GAW (Gross Axle Weight) — axle load.
  • 🔠 Kerb Weight or Curb Weight — curb weight.

Example decryption for Volkswagen Golf:



TYPE: 5G1 BJ7


GVW: 1850 kg


GAW F: 950 kg | GAW R: 1000 kg


Kerb Weight: 1280 kg

Here Kerb Weight = 1280 kg - this is the curb weight.

⚠️ Attention: On some cars (especially American) weight is in pounds. For example, 2866 lbs ≈ 1300 kg. Always check the units of measurement!
💡

If the plate is worn out or missing, try to find a duplicate of it under the spare tire or in the service book. Some brands (for example, BMW) the data is duplicated on a sticker in the trunk.

Online services and databases: where to check weight by VIN

If the documents are lost and the sign cannot be found, you can use online services. The most reliable:

1. Official websites of manufacturers

Most brands have model configurators, where you can select the year of manufacture and equipment to find out the exact weight. Examples:

  • 🔗 Toyota → Section “Technical Specifications”.
  • 🔗 Volkswagen → “Data” tab.
  • 🔗 Hyundai → “Specifications”.

2. Databases by VIN code

With VIN (vehicle identification number) data can be obtained from the factory database. Free services:

  • 🔍 Vinformer — shows the weight for most foreign cars.
  • 🔍 Kombat-Auto — suitable for domestic cars (Lada, UAZ).
  • 🔍 CarVertical — paid, but provides the most accurate data.

How to check by VIN:

  1. Find VIN (usually on the windshield, in PTS or on the body plate).
  2. Enter the number on one of the services.
  3. Look for the section Technical Data or Weight parameters.
⚠️ Attention: Online data may differ from real data by 50–100 kg, especially if the car is modified (for example, gas equipment or armor is installed). In such cases, it is better to weigh the car on a scale.

☑️ Online weight check

Done: 0 / 4

Why the mass in the documents and on the plate may not match

There is a difference of 50–200 kg between PTS, sign and online data are not uncommon. Reasons:

1. Different measurement standards

B PTS Russian standard weight is indicated according to GOST R 52389-2005, where the curb weight includes:

  • 🔧 Spare wheel.
  • 🚑 First aid kit and fire extinguisher.
  • ⛽ Full tank of fuel (90% capacity).

But in European standards (for example, EU Kerb Weight) Spare wheel and tools may not be included. Hence the difference.

2. Vehicle equipment

One and the same Ford Focus in the basic configuration it weighs 80–100 kg less than in the top configuration (due to the leather interior, panoramic roof, additional options). Therefore, data from PTS may be averaged.

3. Modifications after purchase

If the car has been converted (for example, gas cylinder, winch or armor), the mass will increase, but this will not be reflected in the documents. In such cases it is required making changes to PTS through traffic police.

What to do if the data is contradictory?

  • 📌 For traffic police and insurance, focus on PTS.
  • 📌 For transportation or towing - on the manufacturer's plate.
  • 📌 In controversial situations (for example, during customs clearance) - order expert weighing.
What happens if you indicate the wrong weight in the documents?

Upon registration OSAGO The insurance company may refuse to pay if the accident occurred due to overload. During customs clearance, an incorrect weight will lead to additional duties being charged. B traffic police may require changes to PTS, if the discrepancy exceeds 5%.

How to weigh a car yourself: step-by-step instructions

If none of the above methods are suitable (for example, you have vintage car without documents), you can weigh the car yourself. For this you will need:

  • 🚛 Truck scales (at service stations, elevators or scrap metal collection points).
  • 📏 Roulette (to measure axle load).
  • 📱 Calculator (to summarize data).

Step by step instructions:

  1. Fill the tank full of fuel.
  2. Make sure there are no unnecessary items in the car (standard equipment only).
  3. Place your car on the scale along one axis (front first, then back).
  4. Record the readings for each axis.
  5. Add up the values - this is the curb weight.

Calculation example for Lada Vesta:

  • Front axle: 850 kg
  • Rear axle: 650 kg
  • Total: 1500 kg (curb weight).
⚠️ Attention: If the scale shows weight with driver, subtract your weight! For example, if the scales showed 1600 kgand you weigh 80 kg, then the curb weight of the car = 1520 kg.
💡

Weighing yourself is the most accurate method, but requires access to a certified scale. Free scales are often available at scrap metal collection points or elevators (you need to negotiate with the administration).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced drivers sometimes confuse concepts or trust unreliable sources. Let's talk about typical mistakes:

1. They confuse curb and gross weight

For example, in STS total weight indicated 2000 kg, and the driver thinks that it is equipped. As a result, when transporting cargo, it exceeds the permissible load.

How to avoid: Always check what exactly is stated in the document (look for words equipped, kerb weight or no load).

2. They trust data from the Internet without verification.

Averaged figures are often found on forums or in articles. For example, for Toyota RAV4 may indicate 1450 kg, although the actual weight depends on the year of manufacture and configuration (from 1410 kg up to 1580 kg).

How to avoid: Verify data with at least two sources (for example, PTS + plate on the body).

3. They ignore car modifications

Installed gas equipment (+20–40 kg), winch (+30 kg) or reservation (+200–500 kg)? The mass has changed, but this is not reflected in the documents.

How to avoid: After major modifications, register the changes in traffic police (expertise required).

4. Units of measurement are not taken into account

In documents on American cars (for example, Ford Mustang or Jeep Wrangler) weight may be indicated in pounds (lbs). If you do not convert to kilograms, the error will be hundreds of kg!

How to avoid: Use a converter or multiply by 0,453 (for example, 3500 lbs × 0.453 ≈ 1586 kg).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the weight by the license plate number?

No, you can’t find out a lot by license plate number - for this you need VIN or access to databases traffic police (which is only possible for government employees). However, some paid services (for example, Autocode) based on the license plate number they can issue a report with technical data if the car is listed in their database.

What to do if the curb weight is not indicated in the vehicle title?

In this case:

  1. Check the plate on the body.
  2. Please contact your authorized dealer to provide information on VIN.
  3. Order an examination from an accredited center (if you need data for traffic police or court).
Does curb weight affect the cost of compulsory motor insurance?

Yes, but indirectly. Insurance companies take into account engine power and maximum weight (from STS), and not equipped. However, in the event of an accident, if overload is determined, the insurance company may reduce the payment or refuse compensation for damage.

How to find out the weight of a trailer?

For a trailer, the curb weight is indicated in its PTS (column 14) or on a plate attached to the frame. If there are no documents, weigh the trailer on scales (similar to a car). Remember: The weight of the trailer must not exceed the weight of the loaded vehicle. (for category B).

Can curb weight change over time?

Yes, but only slightly. For example:

  • 🔋 A battery older than 5 years may weigh up to 2–3 kg less due to sulfation.
  • 🛢️ An oil or antifreeze leak will reduce the weight by 10–20 kg.
  • 🔧 Replacing stamped wheels with cast ones will increase the weight by 15–30 kg.

However, these changes are not critical for documents and calculations.