What do the EU vehicle classes M, N, O, L and T mean?
Last verified: 2026-06-20
| Class | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| M1 | persons, no more than 9 seats | passenger car |
| M2 | persons, > 9 seats, ≤ 5 t | minibus |
| M3 | persons, > 9 seats, > 5 t | bus |
| N1 | goods, ≤ 3.5 t | delivery van |
| N2 | goods, > 3.5 t to 12 t | truck |
| N3 | goods, > 12 t | heavy truck |
| O1–O4 | trailers (graduated by weight) | trailer |
| L1e–L7e | two-/three-/four-wheeled light vehicles | moped, motorcycle, quad |
| T / C | tractors (wheels / tracks) | agricultural tractor |
Classes M and N are governed by Art. 12 VTS based on Regulation (EU) 2018/858; the weight limits are: M2 ≤ 5 t, M3 > 5 t (guaranteed weight); N1 ≤ 3.5 t, N2 > 3.5 t to 12 t, N3 > 12 t. Off-road vehicles receive the additional letter “G”.
Tractors (class T on wheels, C on tracks) come under Regulation (EU) 167/2013; the two-, three- and four-wheeled light vehicles of the L classes under Regulation (EU) 168/2013.
Sources
- VTS (SR 741.41), Art. 12 – Classification under EU law — Fedlex – Swiss Federal Law
- Regulation (EU) 2018/858 — EUR-Lex – Publications Office of the EU
- Vehicle classification — ASTRA – Federal Roads Office