How do you calculate the masses to see whether you need B96?

Code 96 is required when a category B vehicle and trailer exceed 3,500 kg but not 4,250 kg maximum authorised mass; it is obtained by passing a practical test. Above 4,250 kg, BE is required.

The calculation

For an initial code 96 check, add the towing vehicle’s maximum authorised mass to the trailer’s. On harmonised documents, look for F.2 for each vehicle; the total is not the actual mass that day, so an empty trailer does not lower the figure used. Code 96 covers a category B towing vehicle and a trailer over 750 kg maximum authorised mass, where the combination exceeds 3,500 kg but does not exceed 4,250 kg.

Example: a towing vehicle with F.2 of 2,300 kg and a trailer with F.2 of 1,500 kg make an authorised combination of 3,800 kg, in the range where code 96 should be considered. With 2,300 plus 1,900 kg, the total is 4,200 kg, still within the limit; with a 2,000 kg trailer, it is 4,300 kg, above the code 96 ceiling, so BE must be considered.

B may be sufficient if the combination’s maximum mass does not exceed 3,500 kg, subject to the rules for light trailers and other limits. Above 3,500 kg, B alone is not enough: code 96, obtained by practical test, is required up to 4,250 kg. Above 4,250 kg, check BE, which covers a category B towing vehicle and trailer within that category’s limits.

If the trailer exceeds 750 kg and the total stays within 3,500 kg, B may suffice. Between 3,500 and 4,250 kg, B with code 96 is required; above 4,250 kg, BE is required. Add the maximum authorised masses in the documents, and separately check the towing vehicle is technically permitted to tow that mass.

• Add the maximum authorised masses shown in the documents.
• Code 96: combination above 3,500 kg and up to 4,250 kg, with a trailer over 750 kg and the required test.
• Above 4,250 kg: check the BE requirements.
• Separately check that the vehicle is technically permitted to tow the intended mass.

From an initial calculation to a decision

Note each vehicle’s figures and category, then check whether the declared total matches their sum: a difference may reflect specific approvals or document types and needs checking. Also check the towing vehicle’s maximum permitted combination mass and actual load, which must stay within technical limits. The licence calculation alone does not show that towing is safe or permitted for that car or pickup.

If F.2 is missing from an old or foreign registration document, ask the relevant office which figure represents maximum authorised mass; do not substitute unladen mass or an occasional weigh-in. Before booking the extension, check current requirements and tests with the MIT or Motorizzazione.

To remember the thresholds for B, code 96 and BE,Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers dedicated chapters, timed tests and review of mistakes.