Tow truck: which licence is needed even when it is empty?

The relevant figure is the tow truck’s maximum authorised mass in its registration document, even when it carries no car. Category B normally covers motor vehicles up to 3,500 kg. Above that, check the required higher category, generally C1 or C depending on mass and configuration.

The current load does not decide the licence

Category B covers motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass no greater than 3,500 kg. This is the approved figure recorded for the vehicle, not its actual mass on one journey. A tow truck authorised for 4,000 kg therefore needs the appropriate category even if its platform is empty and a scale shows less than 3,500 kg.

Do not confuse maximum authorised mass, tare and actual mass. The authorised figure is the approved upper limit; tare and actual mass describe different conditions and can vary with occupants, fuel and cargo. The absence of a recovered car does not change the tow truck’s approval data.

When a higher category is needed

If the authorised mass exceeds 3,500 kg, compare the vehicle with categories C1 and C. C1 covers certain vehicles over 3,500 kg and up to 7,500 kg; C covers vehicles above 3,500 kg that do not belong to passenger categories D1 or D. Passenger capacity and classification matter too. If a trailer is attached, assess the full combination and the licence category required for it.

The vehicle may also face weight, dimension, route or permit restrictions. Holding the correct category does not allow the tow truck or trailer to exceed their technical limits. For a special body, check the current registration document and ask the Motor Vehicle Office if an entry is unclear.

Example before driving

If the document gives a maximum authorised mass of 3,500 kg, the vehicle is within the ordinary B mass limit, subject to other conditions and any trailer. If it says 5,200 kg, B is insufficient even with an empty platform; check C1 and the trailer rules. An employment contract or professional qualification does not replace the driving category.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers theory quizzes and mistake review to study licence categories. The tow truck’s approval data and your licence determine the individual case.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps review theory questions and mistakes about licence categories; use the tow truck’s official mass data to identify the required licence.