What’s the difference between MMA and MMR?

If you are considering buying a trailer or caravan, there are several concepts you need to understand before choosing a specific model. Two of the key aspects are related to the MMA and MMR, which often confuse people who have not driven a trailer before.

Do you know the difference between MMA and MMR? If you don’t, we recommend that you keep reading this post, as we will provide all the information you need to distinguish between them and make the choice of your trailer easier.

Why MMA and MMR are Important

The importance of MMA and MMR is not limited only to choosing a specific model; they can also affect the license you need to drive. This decision impacts different options for fines you may face and the ability to tow a trailer.

What is MMA?

MMA, or Maximum Authorized Mass, refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can have once loaded to legally circulate on public roads. This means that to calculate it, you must consider all vehicle components, including fuel and other fluids, as well as the weight of luggage and all passengers in the car.

Its primary function is to establish vehicle categories, especially in the case of trucks intended for transport, and determine the limits within driving licenses. In Spain, for example, the B license is limited to driving vehicles with an MMA of up to 3500 kg.

What is MMR?

MMR, or Maximum Towable Mass, indicates the maximum weight a car can tow, which must be considered when buying and loading a trailer. The MMR is indicated on the car’s technical sheet, so you can easily check it.

Two aspects to highlight when checking the MMR are the s/f and c/f indicators, which specify two completely different weights. These refer to the maximum trailer weight if it has brakes or not. If the trailer has brakes, the Maximum Towable Mass will be higher.

What is MMC?

When we talk about Maximum Combined Mass, it refers to the maximum weight of the vehicle and the trailer together. This means it is calculated by considering both the MMA of the trailer and the towing vehicle.

Penalties for Exceeding the Maximum Authorized Mass

The MMA and MMR are established by the DGT, and driving on public roads while exceeding one of these limits can result in fines ranging from €301 to €4000, depending on whether the infraction is minor or serious.

As you can see, the only difference between MMA and MMR is whether it refers to the vehicle or the trailer, but both must be taken into account when driving on public roads to avoid committing an infraction. Our recommendation is that, in case of doubt, consult an expert to always choose the trailer best suited to your needs.