Can I tow a caravan with an Italian category B licence?

With an Italian category B licence, you can tow a caravan if the combination fits the authorised masses for B: a trailer up to 750 kg or a combination up to 3,500 kg. If the trailer exceeds 750 kg and the total exceeds 3,500 kg but is no more than 4,250 kg, you need code 96 and its specific test. Above 4,250 kg, BE may be required. Actual travel weight must still stay within the technical limits.

Calculate the category from the registration documents

Find the car's and caravan's maximum authorised masses and add them. The licence category is chosen from these figures, not the caravan's kerb weight or the load for a particular holiday. Category B covers a trailer up to 750 kg; if it is heavier, the car-and-trailer total must not exceed 3,500 kg. Code 96, after a test, covers totals above 3,500 kg and up to 4,250 kg.

If the combination exceeds 4,250 kg, consider BE, which covers a category B towing vehicle and a trailer with maximum authorised mass up to 3,500 kg. For example, a car authorised at 2,300 kg plus a 1,700 kg caravan makes 4,000 kg: the sum falls within B96, but that alone does not confirm that this specific car can tow it.

Check the real towing limits before leaving

The car's document sets its permitted trailer mass and maximum combination mass; the caravan has its own authorised mass, payload and axle limits. You must respect all of them. A BE licence does not increase the car's towing capacity, and a light actual load does not permit exceeding authorised limits when driving.

Load the caravan without exceeding its masses, distribute items and secure them so they do not compromise stability or braking. Check the tow bar, electrical connection, tyres and lights. If the Documento Unico is unclear, ask the Motorizzazione or manufacturer about the exact vehicle version. Do not rely only on a forum calculator or a marketed kerb-weight figure.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review Italian towing and licence theory; check whether your car can tow that caravan using its documents and a professional.