The caravan is empty: can actual weight keep me within category B?

No. To decide whether category B is enough, compare the maximum authorised masses of the car and caravan, not the caravan’s actual empty weight. Actual weight still matters for safe loading and towing, but it does not replace the licence calculation.

Authorised mass determines the licence code

Article 116 uses the maximum authorised masses of the towing vehicle and trailer to determine the required category. If the caravan exceeds 750 kg, assess the authorised mass of the combination: B covers up to 3,500 kg; above 3,500 and up to 4,250 kg requires code 96; above 4,250 kg may require BE, depending on the trailer limits.

An empty caravan may have an actual mass well below its maximum authorised mass. That does not alter the figure in the registration document or make a licence sufficient for a combination it does not cover. The same rule applies if you travel without water, luggage or removable accessories.

Actual weight still matters for safety

The actual mass during a trip still matters for avoiding overload and checking that the car can tow the caravan. Check towing capacity, vertical coupling load, axle loads and tyre pressures. Having the correct category does not authorise you to exceed technical limits in the vehicle documents or manufacturer instructions.

Compare both registration documents; a scale reading for the empty caravan is not proof of the required category. MIT guidance for TATS trailers says the B-category towing limit is assessed exclusively by maximum authorised mass. If the caravan has been modified or re-approved, use its updated document.

Example

A car authorised at 2,100 kg and a caravan authorised at 1,600 kg form a 3,700 kg combination and require code 96, even if the empty caravan weighs 1,050 kg and the actual total is lower. If the car’s authorised mass were 1,800 kg, the authorised total would be 3,400 kg and could fit B, provided the car’s technical towing limit is adequate.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers category quizzes and mistake review; for a specific caravan, compare authorised masses and the vehicles’ technical limits.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps study licence categories with quizzes and mistake review; use authorised masses for the licence check and actual weight for safety.