A Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) is defined primarily by its weight.

The key threshold is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)—or PTAC in French—which is the maximum operating weight of the vehicle, including the chassis, body, engine, fuel, driver, and cargo.

For a vehicle to be classified as an LCV, its GVWR must not exceed 3.

5 tonnes (3,500 kg).

This category includes a wide range of vehicles essential for logistics and trades, such as panel vans, pickup trucks, and chassis cabs designed for specific bodywork.

The main difference with a heavy-duty vehicle (or 'Poids lourd') is that the latter has a GVWR of *over* 3.

5 tonnes.

This distinction is critical from a regulatory standpoint.

LCVs can typically be driven with a standard car driving license (Category B in Europe), are generally not subject to the tachograph requirement (unless part of a combination that exceeds the weight limit), and face different speed limits and tolls than heavy-duty vehicles.