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Our new blog post on the definitions and criteria for Category O trailers is now live in the academy.
Welcome to the third article in our series, discussing the definitions and type criteria for vehicle categories related to O category trailers. This article summarises the third intermediate category approved under the EU 2018/858 regulation.
In the previous articles of our series, we examined in detail the classification of M category vehicles, including cars and buses, as well as N category vehicles, such as trucks and vans.
Table of Contents
General Definition of O1, O2, O3, and O4 Category Vehicles
Category O trailers are divided into four subcategories. These vehicles, commonly known as trailers, are primarily used for transporting goods. In short, O category vehicles refer to non-motorized vehicles utilized for freight transportation.
According to EU Regulation 2018/858, a trailer is defined as:
“‘trailer’ means any non-self-propelled vehicle on wheels designed and constructed to be towed by a motor vehicle, that can articulate at least around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal median plane and around a vertical axis parallel to the longitudinal median plane of the towing motor vehicle.”
The four subcategories under the O category are:
- Category O1: Trailers with a maximum mass not exceeding 0.75 tonnes.
- Category O2: Trailers with a maximum mass exceeding 0.75 tonnes but not exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
- Category O3: Trailers with a maximum mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 10 tonnes.
- Category O4: Trailers with a maximum mass exceeding 10 tonnes.
Here are some real-life examples of each category:
- O1 category trailers are lightweight trailers typically towed by passenger cars and used for transporting small loads.
- O2 category trailers: Examples include caravans, boat trailers, and generator carriers. They are generally towed by light commercial vehicles.
- O3 category trailers: These trailers are often used for household moves and are towed by trucks or tractors.
- O4 category trailers: These are heavy-duty trailers used in construction and long-haul transport, towed by large commercial vehicles.
These examples aim to provide a basic understanding, although trailers in each category can be used across different applications.
Category O Trailers: Criteria for Vehicle Types, Variants, and Versions (Acc. to EU 2018/858)
The criteria for type, variant, and version are applied across all category O trailers. Below is a detailed breakdown of type criteria based on the regulation:
5. Categories O1 and O2
- 5.1. Type of vehicle
A ‘type of vehicle’ consists of vehicles sharing the following features:- (a) The manufacturer’s name. A change in ownership does not require new approval.
- (b) The vehicle category.
- (c) The concept as defined in Part C, Point 5.
- (d) Key design elements, including the chassis and body structure (for self-supporting bodies).
- (e) The number of axles.
For example, if a manufacturer produces a two-axle, center-axle trailer under one type approval, a separate type approval is required for a single-axle trailer.
- 5.2. Variant
A ‘variant’ groups vehicles with the following common characteristics:- (a) The type of bodywork (for complete and completed vehicles).
- (b) Stage of completion (complete, incomplete, or completed).
- (c) Braking system (unbraked, inertia, or power-assisted).
A type approval may include multiple variants, such as flat-bed and generator trailers, as long as they share the same type approval.
- 5.3. Version
A ‘version’ within a variant shares the following features:- (a) Technically permissible maximum laden mass.
- (b) Suspension type (air, steel, rubber, or torsion bar).
- (c) Drawbar concept (triangular, tubular, or other).
6. Categories O3 and O4
Similar criteria apply to O3 and O4 category vehicles. Typically, semi-trailers and full trailers are certified under these categories.
- 6.1. Type of vehicle
A ‘type of vehicle’ consists of vehicles sharing the following features:- (a) Manufacturer’s name. Ownership changes do not require new approval.
- (b) Category.
- (c) Trailer concept as defined in Part C, Point 5.
- (d) Design aspects, including the chassis, body structure, and (for e-trailers) energy storage systems.
- (e) Number of axles.
- 6.2. Variants
Variants share the following characteristics:- (a) Bodywork type (as per Appendix 2).
- (b) Stage of completion (complete/incomplete/completed).
- (c) Suspension type (steel, air, or hydraulic).
- (d) Additional features, such as extendable chassis or deck height (low-loader, semi-low loader, etc.).
- 6.3. Versions
Versions share the following features:- (a) Technically permissible maximum laden mass.
- (b) Axle spacing in accordance with Directive 96/53/EC.
- (c) Axle definitions, including liftable, loadable, and steered axles.
List of Superstructures and Bodywork Codes for Category O Trailers
Below is a list of bodywork codes used for O category trailers:
| Ref. | Code | Name | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | DA | Semi-trailer | Designed to impose a significant vertical load on the towing vehicle or converter dolly. |
| 5.2 | DB | Drawbar trailer | Has at least two axles, one of which is steerable. |
| 5.3 | DC | Centre-axle trailer | Axles positioned near the center of gravity, transmitting minimal vertical load. |
| 5.4 | DE | Rigid drawbar trailer | Equipped with a drawbar transmitting less than 4,000 daN static load. |
| 5.5 | DF | Link semi-trailer | Semi-trailer with a fifth wheel at the rear for towing additional trailers. |
| 5.6 | DG | Link drawbar trailer | Drawbar trailer with a rear-mounted fifth wheel for towing other semi-trailers. |
If the bodywork type is not listed, it can be coded as 99. For example, a caravan trailer would use code 99, while a boat carrier would be assigned code 21.
Summary
O category vehicles are non-motorized transport vehicles used for freight, offering a wide range of configurations. If you have questions, feel free to leave a comment or contact us directly.
