Whether you're transporting goods for your business or want to tow a heavy trailer privately, chances are you’ll end up needing a BE combination or a BE tractor unit. Across Europe, different rules and requirements apply when it comes to driving these types of commercial vehicles. What’s allowed in one country might result in a fine or even a driving ban in another. In this article, we explain exactly what a BE combination is, when a BE driving licence is required, and what rules apply in each European country. This way, you’ll be fully prepared for the road—without any surprises.
A BE combination consists of a light commercial vehicle and a trailer or semi-trailer. Some models feature a permanently mounted trailer body on the vehicle. To drive this combination, you need a BE licence. These combinations are often used for transporting goods, especially when extra loading capacity is required.
Towing vehicle: Passenger car or light commercial vehicle (category B licence).
Trailer/semi-trailer: Heavier than 750 kg.
The trailer may weigh up to 3,500 kg. Always check your registration document to see how much weight your vehicle is allowed to tow.
Uses: Transporting vehicles, building materials, agricultural machinery, large caravans, or horse trailers.
If you obtained your BE licence before 19 January 2013, there are no restrictions on the trailer's maximum weight (TMM - maximum authorised mass).
You could tow a trailer with a TMM of over 3,500 kg, provided it doesn’t exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle.
The towing capacity (listed on the vehicle’s registration) must always be greater than or equal to the actual loaded weight of the trailer.
If you obtained your BE licence after this date, the maximum TMM of the trailer/semi-trailer is 3,500 kg.
Combined with the towing vehicle, this results in a maximum total TMM of 7,000 kg.
The main advantages of a BE combination are the increased payload, flexibility, and legal allowances.
Key benefits:
Tow heavier trailers than allowed with a B licence—up to 3,500 kg trailer weight.
Ideal for transporting larger or heavier loads, such as vehicles, construction materials, or machinery.
Trucks are more expensive to purchase and maintain.
A BE combination offers a cost-effective alternative.
One towing vehicle can be used with different trailer types (open, closed, semi-trailer, transporter).
Suitable for both private and professional use—from hobbies to business transport.
Fewer trips needed since you can carry more in one go.
Saves time and fuel—especially useful for international transport.
You comply with European regulations, avoiding fines or bans.
You can cross borders with heavy trailers without legal issues—if you follow each country’s rules.
Suitable for a range of uses: from vehicle transport and agriculture to recreation with a caravan or horse trailer.
Look at the registration certificate to find the maximum permitted braked trailer weight. This determines what trailer you can tow safely.
Make sure the total weight of the trailer including load falls within the legal BE limits.
Open or closed, single or twin axle, with or without ramps—choose the design that suits what you plan to transport.
For used combinations, it’s vital that the brake system, lighting, and reflectors are in good working condition—for both safety and inspection.
A larger or heavier trailer may come with higher maintenance and tyre costs.
Some countries have different limits for length, width, or speed.
Rules vary across Europe, so it's important to be well-informed about the legislation in the country where you’re transporting your load. Here’s a summary of the most important national rules:
In the Netherlands, with a BE licence, you can tow a trailer with a TMM of up to 3,500 kg. If you obtained your licence before 19 January 2013, you may be allowed a heavier load. Always check your vehicle and trailer’s registration documents to avoid fines or problems during checks.
With a Führerschein Klasse BE, you can tow trailers up to 3,500 kg if your towing vehicle falls under category B. Trailers over 750 kg are allowed, including semi-trailers. Watch out for Germany’s lower speed limits for combinations on certain roads.
The Permis BE allows trailers up to 3,500 kg. The total combination often adds up to around 7,000 kg. A medical check-up is mandatory to keep the licence. Expect strict checks on load securing, especially on toll roads.
The Licencia BE allows trailers up to 3,500 kg. Overloading is severely punished, with heavy fines or even licence suspension. The Guardia Civil conducts frequent inspections on both motorways and regional roads.
The Carta de condução BE allows towing up to 3,500 kg and is commonly used in agriculture and construction. The test includes a practical exam where you must safely manoeuvre a loaded trailer.
With the Patente BE, you can tow trailers up to 3,500 kg, often resulting in a total weight of 7,000 kg. For horse trailers, special requirements may apply, such as extra braking systems. Also check regional speed limits.
The Prawo jazdy BE permits trailers up to 3,500 kg. It’s popular for construction and machinery transport. Practical exams are held at test centres with a focus on reversing and precision.
With a Permis categoria BE, you can tow trailers up to 3,500 kg. Commonly used for agricultural machinery or heavier vans with trailers. Some rural roads may have lower speed limits for BE combinations.
At BAS World, we currently offer a selective range of BE combinations. These commercial vehicles are carefully chosen, so you can always count on quality and reliability. A BE combination in our light commercial vehicle category means that the vehicle is fitted with a trailer body, allowing it to be driven with a BE licence—even if it looks like a standard van. This type of commercial vehicle offers the agility and convenience of a light commercial vehicle, with extra loading capacity.
Your base vehicle (like a van or light truck) must weigh under 3,500 kg.
Only trailers over 750 kg count toward BE classification.
If yes, then it's beyond the scope of a standard B licence.
This is the maximum allowed trailer weight under BE.
If you answered ‘Yes’ to all the above, you have a BE combination—and need a BE licence to drive it.
A BE combination offers flexibility, but there are also some common pitfalls to avoid:
Even if the trailer’s weight is within legal BE limits, it might still exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity. Always check the maximum tow bar load on your registration.
Poor weight distribution can cause instability or swaying. Always distribute your load evenly—and secure it properly.
A frequent mistake with serious consequences. Not only can you get fined, but your insurance may also be void in case of an accident. Always check if a BE licence is required.
Some drivers only look at the trailer weight—but it’s about the total weight of vehicle + trailer. Always ensure it falls within BE limits.
A BE combination handles differently than a standard van. Braking, road handling, and reversing all require extra attention and experience.
A BE combination is a smart choice for anyone needing more payload but still wanting to drive flexibly and easily. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can avoid common mistakes and get the most out of your combination. Curious about our current range? Discover the available BE combinations at BAS World and find the one that fits your transport needs perfectly. Not completely sure yet? Contact one of our advisors—they’re happy to help answer all your questions.
