The European Union is preparing to expand the range of vehicles that may be driven with a Category B licence, whose standard weight limit is currently 3.5 tonnes. inPoland.net.pl reported the planned reform on Monday, October 26.

Under the new framework, the limit for vehicles powered fully or partly by alternative fuels will rise to 4.25 tonnes. The measure is intended to cover electric vehicles as well, reflecting the additional weight of their batteries. Drivers will need to have held a Category B licence for at least two years.

The EU-wide provisions in this area are due to take effect on November 26, 2027. Poland already permits certain alternatively powered vehicles of up to 4.25 tonnes to be driven under Category B when national conditions are met, with comparable arrangements also operating in Germany and the Netherlands.

Heavier motorhomes will be covered by a separate system from November 26, 2029. Member states may require a training course lasting at least seven hours, a practical test, or both before drivers can operate motorhomes with a maximum authorised mass of up to 4.25 tonnes.