# truck vehicle classes

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Fleet managers, freight forwarders, and vehicle registration authorities rely on truck vehicle classes to categorise goods vehicles and determine the legal obligations attached to each.

Fleet managers, freight forwarders, and vehicle registration authorities rely on truck vehicle classes to categorise goods vehicles and determine the legal obligations attached to each. Under EU type-approval rules, goods vehicles fall into category N, subdivided by maximum authorised mass: N1 up to 3.5 t, N2 over 3.5 t up to 12 t, and N3 over 12 t. The assigned class governs the required driving licence, toll liability, hours-of-service rules, and access restrictions on particular roads or tunnels. An N1 light van can be driven on a standard category B licence; an N3 articulated lorry requires category CE. EU type-approval classes and national vehicle registration categories do not always align precisely across member states.

**Source:** [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32018R0858](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32018R0858)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | truck vehicle classes |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 114 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32018R0858 |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/truck-vehicle-classes](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/truck-vehicle-classes)*

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