EU: Vehicle Definitions

Overview
The European Commission classifies vehicles as part of emission standards and other vehicle regulations. Passenger cars receive an "M" categorization, while commercial vehicles receive an "N" categorization. Two directives of the European Parliament and of the Council serve as sources for these definitions and classifications: 2002/24/EC of 18 March 2002 and 2007/46/EC of 5 September 2007. In addition, the EU legislation on driving licenses (Directive 2006/126/EC of 20 December 2006) provides for a splitting of some categories of vehicles.

Category: N
Light commercial vehicles, Category N1, are further divided into three weight classes. This classification is based on the Reference Mass, defined as the mass of the vehicle in running order less the uniform mass of the driver of 75 kg, and increased by a uniform mass of 100 kg.

Regulatory Documents

 * Directive 2002/24/EC relates to the type-approval of two or three-wheel motor vehicles, 18 March 2002
 * Directive 2007/46/EC establishes a framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, 5 September 2007
 * Directive 2006/126/EC provides for a splitting of some categories of vehicles, 20 December 2006