The masses do not yet clearly fit the Code 96 limit.
Compare the maximum authorised masses in the vehicle documents. Above 4,250 kg, another driving entitlement must be considered.
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Code 96 for a car and trailer combination: training and weight limit
Code 96 for a car and trailer combination: the 4,250 kg limit, seven training sessions, the licence entry and the distinction from category BE.
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8 September 2026, Mag. Bernhard Brandauer, Rechtsanwalt
With category B, a car may tow a heavy trailer and the combination may exceed 3,500 kg under specific conditions. Code 96 must be entered on the licence, and the maximum authorised mass of the combination must not exceed 4,250 kg.
The decisive points are the authorised masses of the towing vehicle and trailer, the trailer category, documented training and the entry on the licence. Seven training sessions replace an examination, but they do not replace the statutory limits or proof of the entry.
Code 96 extends category B up to 4,250 kg
Code 96 extends category B up to 4,250 kg
Section 2(1)(2)(b) FSG places Code 96 within category B. It covers towing a heavy trailer with a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg where the maximum authorised mass of the vehicle combination is over 3,500 kg and does not exceed 4,250 kg.
The limit is based on the maximum authorised mass shown in the vehicle documents. The actual weight on a particular journey therefore does not answer whether Code 96 is sufficient. The towing vehicle and trailer must be assessed together using their authorised masses.
Separate mass and entitlement
When is Code 96 enough, and when is BE needed?
The entry after training and the specific vehicle combination must be considered together.
| Point to check | Code 96 with category B | Category BE |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle combination | over 3,500 kg up to 4,250 kg | separate category for a B towing vehicle with a trailer |
| Training or test | seven training sessions, no test | separate requirements and testing route |
| Licence document | Code 96 must be entered | category BE must be granted and entered |
The maximum authorised mass in the vehicle documents is decisive. A training certificate alone does not extend category B.
The seven training sessions must be provable
The seven training sessions must be provable
Before using Code 96, the holder must complete theory and practical training totalling seven sessions. No examination is required for this extension. The driving school or training provider must confirm participation in a traceable way.
Keep the training confirmation together with the licence and vehicle documents. A payment receipt, an oral assurance or a mere booking does not reliably show that the required training was completed.
The entry on the licence is a separate check
The entry on the licence is a separate check
Code 96 is an entry connected with category B. Check the back of the licence and correctly identify the code, the affected category and any validity information. Training and later documentation answer different questions.
If training is complete but the code is missing or illegible on the card, the responsible driving licence authority should clarify the document status. The article on file inspection in driving licence proceedings explains how applications, confirmations and authority records can be organised together.
The 4,250 kg limit is checked against the documents
The 4,250 kg limit is checked against the documents
Compare the maximum authorised mass of the towing vehicle with that of the trailer. For Code 96, the sum must be over 3,500 kg and no more than 4,250 kg. A trailer with a maximum authorised mass of no more than 750 kg follows a different rule and must be kept separate from the Code 96 situation.
Check the registration certificates, type plates and manufacturer data. A change of vehicle, a different trailer model or a technical modification may change the result. The technical authorisation of the combination remains a separate issue and is not replaced by Code 96.
Code 96 and category BE provide different routes
Code 96 and category BE provide different routes
Anyone who exceeds the category B Code 96 limit or wants to drive another combination must check the appropriate further driving entitlement. Category BE must be distinguished from Code 96. Passing Code 96 training is not a BE test.
The article on extending a driving licence class separates the application, training, test and authority decision. If a notice or police record contains unclear information, the guidance on driving licence measures illustrates how written records can be reviewed in an organised way.
Initial review
Is Code 96 documented for your car and trailer?
Organise the authorised masses, trailer, training and licence entry.
Already know you want to get in touch? Go straight to the enquiry form.
Is the maximum authorised mass of the combination over 3,500 kg and no more than 4,250 kg?
All paths at a glance
Overview of all answers.
Review another driving class →
The vehicle data or trailer category remains open.
Organise the towing vehicle, trailer and their authorised masses using the vehicle documents. Technical authorisation remains a separate check.
Training or the licence entry is not fully documented.
Secure the confirmation of seven training sessions and check the back of the licence for Code 96.
The key Code 96 information is organised.
Keep the licence, training confirmation and vehicle documents together and compare them with the specific combination before driving.
Documents for reviewing the car and trailer
Documents for reviewing the car and trailer
- front and back of the driving licence
- confirmation of the seven training sessions
- registration certificates for towing vehicle and trailer
- technical data and type plates
- authority letters concerning the entry or driving entitlement
Arrange the documents by vehicle, training and authority entry. This shows which information concerns the mass calculation and which concerns the driving entitlement.
Related guidance and checks
Review Code 96 and other categories separately
Extending a driving licence class
Organise the application, training, test and document status.
File inspection in driving licence proceedings
Bring the authority file, confirmations and personal records together.
Driving licence measures and evidence questions
Read written records and authority information carefully.
FAQ
Common questions about Code 96
How heavy may the car and trailer combination be with Code 96? +
The maximum authorised mass of the combination must be over 3,500 kg and no more than 4,250 kg. The vehicle documents provide the relevant figures.
Do I have to take a test for Code 96? +
Code 96 requires a total of seven theory and practical training sessions. No examination is required for this extension.
Is the training confirmation enough without an entry on the licence? +
Training and the entry are separate forms of proof. Before driving, establish that Code 96 is entered on the licence and fits the specific combination.
Is Code 96 the same as category BE? +
No. Code 96 extends category B within the limit up to 4,250 kg. Category BE is a separate driving entitlement with its own granting route.
Topics
Driving licence lawCode 96Category BTrailerCar and trailerDriver trainingWeight limitFSG
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