Types of Vehicles
Types of Vehicles and Definitions
To correctly apply traffic rules, it is essential to know how to distinguish what type of vehicle we are dealing with. A car is not the same as a car-derived vehicle, nor is a moped the same as a motorcycle.
1. Mass Concepts
Before classifying vehicles, you must master these three concepts that will appear in many questions:
- Tare (Unladen Mass): It is the weight of the vehicle with its fixed equipment, without passengers or cargo, but with a full fuel tank, water, and tools.
- Mass in Running Order (Laden Mass): It is the weight of the vehicle at a specific moment (with the passengers and cargo it carries at that instant).
- M.M.A. (Maximum Authorized Mass): It is the maximum weight the vehicle can weigh (summing tare + cargo + passengers) to circulate legally. It must never be exceeded.
2. General Classification
Vehicles are divided into two large groups depending on whether they have a motor or not.
A. Non-Motor Vehicles
Moved by human effort or towed by another vehicle.
| Vehicle | Key Definition |
|---|---|
| Cycle / Bicycle | Two-wheeled vehicle powered by muscular effort (pedals). |
| Pedal-Assisted Bicycle | Bicycle with an auxiliary electric motor (max 250W) that stops if you don't pedal or when exceeding 25 km/h. Does not require a license or insurance. |
| Trailer | Vehicle designed to be towed. • Light: MMA ≤ 750 kg (Uses the car's license plate). • Non-Light: MMA > 750 kg (Has its own red license plate). |
| Semi-trailer | Vehicle designed to be coupled to an automobile, such that part of its weight rests on it. |
B. "Non-Motor" Vehicles (Important Exception)
Although they have a motor, for traffic regulation purposes they are NOT considered "Motor Vehicles".
- Moped: Vehicle with 2, 3, or 4 wheels with an engine displacement ≤ 50 cc and maximum speed ≤ 45 km/h. (Yellow license plate).
- Vehicle for people with reduced mobility: Maximum speed 45 km/h.
- Tram: Circulates on rails.
- Electric Bicycles (VMP): Scooters and similar.
C. Motor Vehicles
Have a motor for propulsion. They are divided into Automobiles and Special Vehicles.
1. Special Vehicles (S.V.)
Conceived for works, services, or agricultural tasks. They have specific speed rules.
- Agricultural: Tractors, power tillers.
- Works and Services: Construction tractors, sweepers.
2. Automobiles
Motor vehicles intended for the transport of people, goods, or both, or for towing other vehicles.
| Type of Automobile | Definition and Characteristics (Watch out for the exam!) |
|---|---|
| Passenger Car (Turismo) | Intended for the transport of people. Minimum 4 wheels. Maximum 9 seats (including the driver). |
| Car-Derived Vehicle | Vehicle intended exclusively for goods. Car bodywork but only has one row of seats (front). ⚠️ Speed limits: Same as a truck/van (90 km/h on highways). |
| Adaptable Mixed Vehicle | Can transport people and/or goods (simultaneously or separately). Removable seats. Height > 1.80m usually. ⚠️ Speed: 100 km/h on highways. |
| Motorhome | Vehicle built with a special purpose of living accommodation. |
| Pick-up | Seating and cargo area separated. For circulation purposes, passenger car rules apply. |
| Motorcycle | • Two wheels: Engine > 50 cc and/or speed > 45 km/h. • With sidecar: Three asymmetric wheels. |
| Truck / Van | Intended for the transport of goods. Cab not integrated (truck) or integrated (van). |
| Bus / Coach | Intended for the transport of people with more than 9 seats. |
3. Summary of Key Differences (Trick Questions)
- Is a moped a motor vehicle? NO. It is a vehicle with a motor, but legally it does not fall into the "Motor Vehicles" category.
- Difference between Car-Derived and Mixed Vehicle?
- Derived: ONLY goods, ONLY front row, rear windows covered. Truck speed.
- Mixed: People AND goods, removable/folding seats. Intermediate speed (100 km/h highway).
- Pick-up? It is treated as a passenger car for traffic rules (speed, overtaking, etc.), even if it is a truck by construction.