What Are Vehicle Categories and How is Certification Performed Based on These Categories?

What are vehicle categories and how is certification performed based on these categories? In this article, we will examine these topics in detail.

Vehicle Categories: M1, M2, and M3

M1, M2, and M3 vehicles are defined in regulations as vehicles designed for the transport of passengers.

M1 category vehicles are classified based on the number of passengers. Vehicles with a capacity of up to 8 passengers fall under the M1 category as passenger cars. Unlike M2 and M3 categories, maximum laden weight is not a criterion for M1 vehicles.

A vehicle in the M1 category can have a maximum laden weight of either 1500 kg or 3500 kg. Special-purpose vehicles such as caravans and hearses are also included in the M1 category.

Vehicles in the M2 and M3 categories carry more than 8 passengers. The key difference between these two categories is their maximum laden weight, with 5000 kg serving as the dividing line.
Vehicles weighing up to 5000 kg fall under the M2 category, while those exceeding 5000 kg are categorized as M3 vehicles.

Examples of M2 category vehicles include minibuses typically used in tourism, such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, with capacities of 16 or 19 passengers.
M3 category vehicles include larger buses used in urban or intercity public transportation.

Vehicle Categories: N1, N2, and N3

N category vehicles are designed primarily for freight transport, with limited passenger capacity.

N1 category vehicles have a maximum laden weight of up to 3500 kg and are typically used for light cargo transport. Examples include commercial vehicles used for deliveries within cities.

N2 category vehicles have a maximum laden weight between 3500 kg and 12 tonnes and are often medium-sized trucks or panel vans used for transporting goods.

N3 category vehicles exceed 12 tonnes in maximum laden weight and are generally used in construction for transporting heavy loads, such as dump trucks.

We recommend checking out our article for detailed information on the type, variant, and version criteria for N1, N2, and N3 category vehicles.

Vehicle Categories: O1, O2, O3, and O4

O category vehicles are trailers designed to be towed by a towing vehicle for the transport of goods. The key distinguishing feature between the subcategories is their maximum laden weight:

Category O1: Trailers with a maximum mass not exceeding 0.75 tonnes.

Category O2: Trailers with a maximum mass between 0.75 tonnes and 3.5 tonnes.

Category O3: Trailers with a maximum mass between 3.5 tonnes and 10 tonnes.

Category O4: Trailers with a maximum mass exceeding 10 tonnes.

O1 category trailers are used for light loads, such as small trailers attached to cars for shopping or teardrop caravans.

O2 category trailers are intended for slightly heavier loads. Common examples include caravans, generator carriers, boat trailers, and light tower trailers, usually towed by light commercial vehicles.

O3 and O4 category trailers are used for heavy loads and are towed by trucks or tractor units. These trailers are commonly employed by logistics and construction companies. Examples include dump trailers, silo trailers, and low-bed trailers.

How Is Certification Done According to Vehicle Categories?

The type approval certification process is quite similar for all vehicle categories. In the type approval process, certification can be obtained by manufacturing either the entire vehicle or a part of it.
You can achieve certification through full vehicle type approval or multi-stage type approval methods.

If you are interested in learning how to obtain type approval for O1 category vehicles, we recommend reading our article, “How to Obtain the O1 Category Caravan Type Approval Certificate (EU).”

We will also continue to address type approval processes for other vehicle categories in upcoming articles.

Also you read our article: Fundamentals of Automotive Homologation: The Basics You Need to Know