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Category B Campervan: When Is Your License Sufficient?

Popotnik preverja dovoljenje za avtodom
October 22, 2026
With a category B driving licence, you can drive a motorhome with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg and no more than nine seats, including the driver’s seat. Anything above this limit requires a higher licence category. Separate rules apply when towing a trailer: a light trailer, code 96 or category BE. Below, you will find an explanation of the rules, a practical calculation and useful tips for renting a campervan.
In brief:
  • The vehicle registration certificate states the maximum authorised mass, but the unladen weight does not include all your cargo. Weigh the motorhome with fuel, passengers, water, gas and luggage before departure.
  • A category B licence is sufficient for a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of up to 750 kg. For a combined mass of 3,500–4,250 kg, you need code 96; heavier combinations require category BE. Check the vehicle’s towing limit as well.
  • Before booking, request a copy of the vehicle registration certificate, check the maximum authorised trailer mass, and tell the rental company how many passengers and how much luggage you will have.
  • A more compact model is easier to handle on narrow roads. A short trial rental can help you decide whether driving and operating the living-area equipment suit you.
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What does the 3,500 kg limit in the registration certificate mean?

According to the rules outlined by AMZS, a category B licence allows you to drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kg and no more than eight passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat. For a motorhome, this means two things: the relevant figure is the maximum mass specified by the manufacturer, not the vehicle’s length or appearance. You can find the MAM in the vehicle registration certificate. The certificate also contains technical details based on the vehicle’s type approval, which confirms that the vehicle complies with applicable regulations. Always check the registration certificate yourself rather than relying solely on verbal information. You need to distinguish between three terms:
  • Maximum authorised mass (MAM) is the maximum total weight the vehicle must not exceed when fully loaded.
  • Unladen weight is the weight of the empty vehicle prepared for driving.
  • Payload is the remaining capacity available for passengers, luggage, water, gas and additional equipment.
A motorhome’s available payload can disappear quickly. Four people, a cool box, bicycles on a rack, a full water tank and a gas cylinder can use up the reserve you thought you had.
The most common mistake is overlooking the actual weight of the vehicle in use. The Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency warns that additional equipment, passengers, water and luggage can quickly bring a motorhome to or beyond its maximum authorised mass, increasing braking distances and reducing vehicle stability.
An overloaded motorhome is not just a regulatory issue. It brakes less effectively, leans more in corners, and puts extra wear on the tyres and brakes. The consequences are especially noticeable on Slovenia’s steep roads and hairpin bends, where there is little margin for error.
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Towing a trailer: when is category B sufficient, and when do you need code 96 or BE?

Towing is one area where drivers most often get the rules wrong. The Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency explains three main scenarios:
  • Light trailer with a maximum authorised mass of up to 750 kg: category B is sufficient, provided the combined mass remains within the permitted limits.
  • Code 96: applies when the combined maximum authorised mass of the towing vehicle and trailer is between 3,500 and 4,250 kg. You must complete the required training and have code 96 entered on your driving licence.
  • Category BE: is required for larger trailers when the combination exceeds the limits for a light trailer and code 96.
Having the correct licence category does not automatically mean every combination is permitted. The Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency also stresses the need to check the towing vehicle’s technical limits in its type-approval documents. The manufacturer specifies the maximum authorised trailer mass, and exceeding it is prohibited. Expert tip: Before considering a trailer, check the maximum authorised trailer mass in the towing vehicle’s registration certificate. If the information is missing or unclear, ask the rental company before booking, not afterwards.

How to check in practice that you do not exceed the maximum authorised mass

A proper calculation takes a little time, but a mistake can ruin your entire holiday. Follow these steps:
  1. Take the vehicle registration certificate and note the maximum authorised mass and unladen weight.
  2. Check what is already included in the unladen weight (usually the driver and operating fluids) and what is not.
  3. Before departure, weigh the loaded vehicle at a public weighbridge, for example at a larger transport company or quarry. If you are renting, discuss this with the rental company when collecting the vehicle.
  4. Calculate the available payload: maximum authorised mass minus unladen weight and permanent equipment.
  5. Subtract the weight of passengers, luggage, food, water, gas and bicycles.
  6. If only a few dozen kilograms of payload remain, remove some of the load.
One of the quickest ways to reduce weight is to carry less water. One litre of water weighs one kilogram, so a full tank can weigh more than a passenger. You generally do not need a full tank just to reach your first campsite.
The actual situation matters, not just the paperwork. According to the Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency, you should check your driving licence category and the vehicle’s dimensions before every trip. In addition to weight, height and width are important when planning your route.
Expert tip: Weigh the vehicle as you will actually drive it: with fuel, passengers and all your luggage. Weighing an empty vehicle tells you very little. Prepare a short checklist before collection: maximum authorised mass, number of seats, additional equipment, installed racks, tyre condition and fluid levels.

What to ask the rental company and how to choose a model for category B

Ask the rental company clear questions before booking. A good rental provider will be happy to answer them all.
  • Request a copy of the vehicle registration certificate or written confirmation of the selected vehicle’s maximum authorised mass.
  • Ask what load the rental company recommends for your number of passengers.
  • Check whether a practical demonstration of driving the vehicle and operating the living area is included at collection.
  • Ask whether they can help you pack and distribute the load.
  • Check the minimum age requirements and surcharges so there are no surprises when you pay.
When choosing a size, do not automatically go for the largest vehicle. Experts at Triglav Insurance advise that smaller, more manoeuvrable motorhomes are easier to drive on narrow roads and into historic town centres. Your choice should not be based on luxury alone. Smaller models are also often more likely to remain within the permitted weight limit for category B. For your first trip, we recommend a shorter rental. Solevoznje Driving School recommends renting a smaller model or trying a weekend trip before setting off on a longer journey. This gives you time to get used to driving the vehicle and operating its equipment, including the toilet cassette, electrical hookup, water filling and gas valves. Expert tip: At collection, check the tyres, brakes, fluid levels and basic safety equipment. A careful inspection can save you trouble on the road. Technician checking the tyre tread on a motorhome While your trip is still in the planning stage, you can use our Slovenia motorhome trip planner. For day trips and local recommendations, try LetsVisit Slovenia, a personal assistant for planning excursions.

Why I recommend a trial weekend before heading further afield

In practice, I find that category B drivers often feel most uncertain not about driving itself, but about using the living area. They may not know where the gas shut-off valve is or how to empty the toilet. A short first trip helps build confidence with these tasks.
  • When you collect a vehicle from us, we check the documents and demonstrate how the vehicle works in practice.
  • A trial weekend is a practical way to see whether the vehicle’s size suits you.
  • The rental provider can offer information, weighing assistance and advice, but cannot grant you driving privileges that are not covered by your licence.
My view is simple: the documents determine the permitted weight, while experience determines comfort. Check the first in advance and give yourself a short trial to assess the second.
— Rok

How we can help with your rental

Our vehicles are collected in Ljubljana and are suitable for trips around Slovenia and neighbouring countries. The Mercedes V Marco Polo and Ford Nugget Plus are compact campervans. Before you book, we can help you check the relevant weight information for your chosen vehicle. Campervan
  • When making a reservation, ask about the maximum authorised mass and the information shown in the registration certificate.
  • Tell us how many passengers you will have and how much luggage you plan to bring so we can advise you on loading.
  • Arrange a practical demonstration of the vehicle when you collect it.
Daily rental starts at €125 per night, while weekly rental starts at €110 per night. Check availability and book a trial weekend, or send us a question about the weight of your chosen vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive a motorhome with a category B licence?

Yes, provided the motorhome has a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg and no more than nine seats, including the driver’s seat. According to AMZS, these are the category B requirements in Slovenia. Check the details in the vehicle registration certificate first.

Where can I find the maximum authorised mass in the vehicle documents?

The maximum authorised mass is listed in the vehicle registration certificate. It is a technical specification based on the vehicle’s type approval. If you cannot find it, ask the rental company before booking.

What do I need to tow a trailer with a motorhome?

A category B licence is sufficient for a light trailer with a maximum authorised mass of up to 750 kg. For a combined mass of 3,500–4,250 kg, you need code 96, while larger trailers may require category BE. The Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency explains the rules. Always check the towing vehicle’s limits in its type-approval documents as well.

How do I know if my motorhome is overloaded?

Weigh the loaded vehicle at a public weighbridge and compare the result with the maximum authorised mass in the registration certificate. Include passengers, water, gas and luggage. If little payload capacity remains, reduce the load.

Sources

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