Maut weight class TZGM from December 1, 2023

From December 1, 2023, new regulations on tolls for trucks and semi-trailers will come into force in Austria, based on the tzGm (technically permissible total weight) weight class. These adjustments are intended not only to ensure fair cost distribution in road transport, but also to reduce the ecological footprint of freight transport. With the introduction of these new weight classes, both companies and drivers are faced with the challenge of accurately calculating their toll costs and taking the necessary precautions. The aim of this regulation is to finance the transport infrastructure in line with needs while promoting environmentally friendly alternatives.

The most important thing in brief:

• zGG and tzGm refer to the total weight of a vehicle
• They play an important role in the classification into different toll categories
• zGG means the permissible total mass, tzGm stands for technically permissible total mass

zGG and tzGm in the presentation

In the context of road toll collection, two important terms are frequently used: GVW (permissible total mass) and TGM (technically permissible total mass). These terms refer to the weight of vehicles and play a crucial role in classifying them into different toll categories.

permissible total mass (GVW)

The gross vehicle mass (GVW) is the maximum permissible total weight of a vehicle, including permissible luggage, load and the driver and other passengers. This mass is recorded in the vehicle documents and takes into account all structural aspects, including the design of the vehicle and the maximum load it can safely carry.

Technically permissible total mass (tzGm)

The technically permissible total mass (tzGm) is the value defined by vehicle manufacturers that indicates how much a vehicle can weigh under optimal conditions. This value is also recorded in the vehicle documents, but can be exceeded in actual operation by modifications or additional loads, which is dangerous and illegal.

Practical relevance

• The GVW is the standard used in everyday traffic to check the permissible weight of a vehicle. During checks, vehicles that exceed the GVW can be fined.
• The tzGm is of more theoretical importance and is usually listed in the vehicle catalogs and when registering the vehicle.

security aspects

• The GVW takes into account all safety requirements and regulations of the road traffic regulations.
• The tzGm, on the other hand, can be interpreted independently of practical conditions or safety regulations.

Understanding the differences between GVW and TWW is crucial for drivers, especially with regard to tolling and compliance with legal requirements. The correct classification of vehicles into different toll categories from December 1, 2023 will be significantly influenced by the technical and permissible weight specifications, which is important for both logistics companies and individual drivers.

Changes from December 1, 2024

Until now, the GVW calculation applied when it came to tolls. From December 1, 2023, the TZGm will now be used for this. For a vehicle with a TZGm of more than 3.5 tons, which was registered before December 1, 2023 and has a GVW of up to 3.5 tons, you can continue to purchase road tolls and vignettes for a vehicle with a TZGm of up to 3.5 tons. This will apply until January 31, 2029.