Maximum authorized mass
Maximum authorized mass is the greatest mass at which a vehicle may be driven under its authorization. Spanish vehicle documentation commonly uses the abbreviation MMA.
Reviewed 05.10.2026 · Version 2 · Scope: España
How to interpret it
It includes the vehicle and what it carries, according to the applicable definition. Authorization to drive, technical limits, and driving-licence requirements are related matters that require checking the documentation and current regulations.
Example
Hypothetical example: an MMA of 3,500 kg indicates a total limit, not 3,500 kg of cargo. To determine how much cargo can be added, the vehicle’s mass and its distribution must be known.
Why it matters to you
It helps interpret the vehicle’s technical documentation and distinguish an administrative limit from a mass measured on a scale.
Common points of confusion
It is not equivalent to tare or payload. Names and legal effects may vary by country; this entry describes the term’s use in Spain.
Documentary sources
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