Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)

A Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), or Poids Lourd (PL), is legally defined by its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) being greater than 3.5 tonnes. This broad category includes everything from rigid trucks to articulated lorries (tractor-trailers) and is the backbone of long-haul freight transport.

What the threshold triggers

This classification triggers a host of specific, stricter regulations compared to Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs):

• Licensing: Drivers require a special license (Category C, C1, C+E, or C1+E in Europe).
• Tachograph: They must be equipped with a tachograph to record driving and rest times, in accordance with social regulations.
• Speed Limiters: They are legally required to be fitted with speed limiters (typically set at 90 km/h).
• Tolls and Taxes: They are often subject to different (and higher) road tolls and taxes.
• Driving Bans: They can be subject to driving restrictions on certain roads or at certain times (e.g., weekends).

Why the classification matters

Understanding this classification is fundamental for any transport company to ensure full legal and operational compliance.