Fahrzeugkategorie

Fahrzeugkategorie is a classification used in German and European traffic regulation to group vehicles by type, weight and intended use, and to determine the applicable rules for driving, registration and insurance. The category helps decide which license is required to operate a vehicle, which safety standards and equipment apply, and where the vehicle may be used. In the European Union, driving license categories are harmonized to facilitate cross-border use; Germany implements these categories and links them to national regulations such as the Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung (FeV) and the Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO). Vehicle registration and insurance also rely on category information to assign vehicle type and risk class.

Common examples of Fahrzeugkategorien include categories for motorcycles, passenger cars, larger goods vehicles and buses, as well as categories for mopeds, light quadricycles and tractors. In practice, the categories cover a range of vehicle types and driving permissions, often with subcategories that reflect differences in power, weight or seating capacity; the exact codes and limits vary by country and over time. Therefore, current, country-specific legal texts should be consulted for precise definitions and scope.

The term is sometimes used interchangeably with Fahrzeuggattung or Fahrzeugklasse, depending on context. In licensing contexts it often refers to the license class required to operate a vehicle, whereas in registration and taxation contexts it may refer more broadly to vehicle type. Overall, Fahrzeugkategorie serves to align a vehicle with the appropriate legal regime to promote safety and orderly road use.