California Vehicle Code definition of
Gross vehicle weight rating
CVC Section 350. (a) "Gross vehicle weight rating" (GVWR) means the weight
specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single
vehicle.
(b) Gross combination weight rating (GCWR) means the weight
specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination
or articulated vehicle. In the absence of a weight specified by the
manufacturer, GCWR shall be determined by adding the GVWR of the
power unit and the total unladen weight of the towed units and any
load thereon.