When it comes to category B on their driver's license, most car owners are sure: this is a “passenger car with up to 8 seats.” But in practice, everything is more complicated - not only seats for passengers are important here, but also vehicle weight, him design features, as well as the subtleties of legislation that have changed in recent years. In 2026, an error in the interpretation of the rules can cost not only a fine, but also deprivation of rights.
In this article we will analyze exact criteria for category B by number of places, including controversial cases with minibuses like Gazelle Next or Ford Transit, and also explain why even a 7-seater Volkswagen Multivan may not fit into category B. Let us separately dwell on changes in traffic rules that many drivers skip, and on how traffic police inspectors check the vehicle’s compliance with the category.
What the law says: Official definition of category B in 2026
According to Federal Law No. 196-FZ (last revised 2026), category B allows you to drive cars that meet two key conditions:
- 🚗 Weight: no more
3.5 tons(including cargo and passengers). - 🪑 Number of seats: no more
8 seatsin addition to the driver's seat (total - 9 seats including the driver).
Important: we are talking about passenger seats, and not about the physical number of seats. For example, if in Mercedes Vito 9 seats are installed, but one of them is dismantled (for example, the middle row), the inspector will still be guided by the data PTS or STS, where the factory equipment is indicated.
The exception is vehicles with special equipment (for example, cars for transporting disabled people), where the number of seats can be increased, but this requires a separate mark in the documents.
How many places does category B actually allow: analysis of controversial cases
In practice, drivers are faced with three typical situations where the number of seats raises questions:
- 7-seater crossovers (for example, Toyota Land Cruiser 200 or Hyundai Santa Fe). There are usually no problems here - even with the third row of seats, the vehicle’s weight rarely exceeds 3.5 tons.
- 8-seater minibuses (for example, Peugeot Traveller or Citroën Jumpy). Here's the key point - mass. If the curb weight exceeds 3.5 tons, a category will be required D1.
- 9-seater cars (for example, Ford Transit Custom with factory equipment for 9 seats). Such cars it's impossible drive with category B, even if the weight is less than 3.5 tons.
Particular attention should be paid Gazelle Next and similar models. The PTS of such cars often states 8 passenger seats + driver, but the actual mass can reach 3.6–3.8 tons in equipped condition. In this case, control without category D1 is equivalent to driving without a license.
What to do if there is an error in the number of seats in the PTS?
If the documents contain incorrect information (for example, 9 seats instead of 8), you must contact the traffic police to make changes. A temporary solution could be certificate from the manufacturer about the actual configuration, but this does not guarantee the absence of a fine when stopped by an inspector.
Table: compliance of category B cars by number of seats and weight
| Car model | Factory number of seats (with driver) | Curb weight (kg) | Category B Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Multivan T6.1 | 7 | 2 100 | ✅ Yes |
| Toyota Hiace (2023) | 8 | 2 300 | ✅ Yes |
| Gazelle Next (passenger) | 9 | 3 650 | ❌ No (D1 required) |
| Ford Tourneo Custom | 8 | 2 800 | ✅ Yes |
| Mercedes-Benz V-Class | 8 | 2 500 | ✅ Yes |
Please note: the table shows curb weight (weight of the vehicle without cargo and passengers). The actual fully loaded weight may exceed 3.5 tons, which automatically places the vehicle in the category D1.
Before buying a minibus, check not only the number of seats, but also maximum permissible weight in the PTS (field "2" in the "Special notes" section). If the figure indicated there is more than 3.5 tons, category D1 will be required for driving, even if there are only 8 seats.
Fines for violation: what you face for driving a car that is not of your category
If the traffic police inspector determines that the car does not correspond to the category B (for example, a 9-seater minibus or a car weighing 3.6 tons), the driver faces:
- 💰 Penalty: from
5,000 to 15,000 rubles(under Article 12.7 of the Administrative Code). - 🚔 Evacuation: the car is sent to the impound lot if the driver cannot produce a license of the required category.
- 📵 Deprivation of rights: up to
3 monthsif the violation is repeated.
In this case, the inspector has the right to check compliance with the category not only according to documents, but also by weighing car (for example, on stationary scales). If the actual weight exceeds 3.5 tons, even with 8 passenger seats, this will be considered a violation.
⚠️ Attention: If you are renting a minibus (for example, to transport a team or family), make sure that the rental agreement specifies the category required for driving. In the event of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to pay if the driver did not have the required category of license.
How traffic police inspectors determine compliance with category B
When stopping a car, the inspector checks the category compliance using the following algorithm:
- Checks
PTSorSTSfor the number of passenger seats (field “4” - “Seats”). - Checks vehicle weight (field "2" in the PTS - "Weight without load").
- If in doubt, you can request technical passport or manufacturer's data.
- In controversial cases (for example, tuned cars) may require examination.
Particular attention is paid to cars with refurbished interior. For example, if in Gazelle The seats were removed to increase the cargo space, but the PTS still contains a record of 9 seats; the inspector has the right to issue a fine for non-compliance with the category.
Make sure that the PTS indicates no more than 8 passenger seats
Check curb weight (must be ≤ 3,500 kg)
Pay attention to the "Special notes" field in the STS
If the car has been converted, request documents to certify the changes -->
Frequent driver mistakes: what leads to fines
Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes in their interpretation of category B rules. Here are the most common misconceptions:
- 🚘 “If you remove the seats, the category changes.” No - the inspector is guided by the PTS data, and not by the current configuration.
- ⚖️ “The main thing is not to exceed 3.5 tons.” This is just one of the conditions. Even if the weight is normal, but there are 9 seats, category B is not suitable.
- 📄 “The STS says 8 places, so everything is in order.” Need to check both documents — the PTS may contain other information.
Another trap - cargo vans (for example, Renault Kangoo or Peugeot Partner). Their PTS often states 2 passenger seats, but if the cabin is converted to transport people (seats are added), this is already considered a change in category.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to carry more than 8 passengers (for example, in Ford Transit with 9 seats), but your weight fits into 3.5 tons, you will still need a category D1. There are no exceptions for “light” 9-seater cars.
Category B allows you to drive cars with maximum 8 passenger seats (9 including driver) and weighing up to 3.5 tons. Both conditions must be met simultaneously.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about category B and number of places
Can I drive a 9 seater Mercedes Sprinter, if its mass is 3.4 tons?
No. Category B allows a maximum of 8 passenger seats, regardless of weight. For Sprinter 9 seats will require a category D1.
In my Gazelle Next The PTS indicates 8 seats, but the weight is 3.6 tons. Is it possible to drive with category B?
No. Excess weight automatically puts the car into the category C1 (if this is a cargo option) or D1 (if passenger). The fine for driving without the required category is up to 15,000 rubles.
I removed the third row of seats in Toyota Alphard, now there are 5 seats. Do I need to make changes to the PTS?
Formally, yes, since the equipment has changed. However, in practice, inspectors rarely check this if the PTS initially indicated ≤8 places. But in case of an accident or controversial situations, the lack of up-to-date documents can become a problem.
Is it possible to carry 8 passengers in Ford Transit with category B, if the weight is 3.5 tons?
Yes, but only if the vehicle title specifies exactly 8 passenger seats. If the number 9 is there, then category B is not suitable, even if one seat is removed.
Which category is needed for management? Volkswagen California with 7 seats?
Category B, since the weight does not exceed 3.5 tons, and the number of passenger seats is 6 (7 with a driver).