DGUV Vehicle Categories
The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) does not classify vehicles according to EU classes, but according to DGUV vehicle categories (or test categories) in order to simplify the organization of recurring inspections in accordance with Section 57 of DGUV Regulation 70/71 “Vehicles.” These categories are defined by DGUV Guideline 314-003 “Inspection of vehicles for operational safety” and apply to vehicle safety inspections carried out in Germany.
DGUV vehicle categories (according to DGUV Guideline 314-003)
| Category | Description | Typical examples | DGUV checklist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete vehicles | The chassis and body form an inseparable unit; road safety and occupational safety are tested in a single step. | Passenger cars, station wagons, small vans, buses |
“Passenger car/station wagon,” “Transporter,” “KOM” |
| Base vehicle / chassis | Chassis without special work superstructure; superstructure is tested separately. | Truck frames, trailer chassis |
“Basic truck vehicle” |
| Vehicle body / superstructure | Special superstructures or interchangeable superstructures that are tested using additional lists A–O. | Tippers, silo/tank, waste collectors, container changers |
List A–O* |
*The letters A–O indicate the respective DGUV supplementary checklists for different types of superstructures.
Practical benefits of the DGUV vehicle categories
- Occupational safety vs. traffic safety
For complete vehicles up to 3.5 tons, an occupational safety inspection is usually sufficient; for trucks > 3.5 tons, traffic safety and occupational safety are assessed together. - Recurring inspections
The inspection categories help companies to determine appropriate inspection intervals (based on BetrSichV § 14). - Persons qualified to perform inspections
Those who perform DGUV inspections must have special expertise depending on the vehicle category (e.g., hydraulics for dump trucks or collection vehicles).
Differentiation from EU classes
EU classes (M, N, O, L, etc.) primarily determine type approval and registration. The DGUV categories, on the other hand, are used for occupational health and safety and operational safety testing within companies. A truck in EU class N3 can therefore be classified as a “basic vehicle” or, with a body, as a “vehicle with body” in the DGUV system.
Glossary (Germany‑specific terms)
DGUV – German Social Accident Insurance, umbrella organisation of German statutory accident insurers.
DGUV Guideline 314‑003 – National guideline that defines vehicle safety inspection criteria (§ 57 DGUV Regulation 70/71).
BetrSichV – German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health; legal basis for periodic inspections.