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Vehicle classification

Vehicle category

Vehicle category is determined by three criteria:

  • Overall height 
  • Gross vehicle weight (GVW)* (for trains, towing vehicle only)
  • Number of axles
Category Types of vehicles Définition
1 Light vehicles
classe 1
classe 1
classe 1
classe 1
classe 1
  • Vehicle with overall height under 2 metres and GVW not exceeding 3.5 tonnes
  • Train with overall height under 2 metres and GVW of towing vehicle not exceeding 3.5 tonnes
2 Intermediate vehicles
classe 2
classe 2
classe 2
classe 2
  • Vehicle with overall height from 2 to 3 metres and GVW not exceeding 3.5 tonnes
  • Train with overall height from 2 to 3 metres and GVW of towing vehicle not exceeding 3.5 tonnes
3 HGV or bus with two axles
(On the A14, all two-axle buses are in category 4)
classe 3
classe 3
classe 3
classe 3
  • Vehicle with overall height of 3 metres or more
  • Vehicle with GVW of more than 3.5 tonnes
4 HGV or bus with three or more axles
classe 4
classe 4
classe 4
classe 4
  • Vehicle with more than two axles and height of 3 metres or more, or GVW of more than 3.5 tonnes
  • Train with overall height of 3 metres or more
  • Train with towing vehicle having GVW of more than 3.5 tonnes
5 classe 5
  • Motorcycle
  • Motorcycle with sidecar
  • Tricycle

* GVW: Gross vehicle weight as specified on French vehicle registration papers since June 2004.

Category-2 vehicles adapted for carrying disabled people (as specified on registration papers) are considered as belonging to category 1.

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