According to a statement released after the Council of Ministers meeting, a decree-law has been approved that amends the Regulation of Legal Qualification to Drive, “enabling category B driving license holders to drive vehicles with more than 3,500 kg, provided they are powered by alternative fuels”.

Until now, the law said that with category B, which covers light vehicles, vehicles with a maximum mass not exceeding 3,500 kilos could be driven. Electric vehicles normally weigh much more than a similar vehicle powered by fossil fuels.

According to the Government note, the amendment completes the transposition of directive 2018/645 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of April 18, 2018.

According to the directive, by facilitating the use of vehicles running on alternative fuels, in order to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and to improve air quality, States must be able to authorise holders of category B driving licenses driving heavier vehicles.

Vehicles, the directive specifies, weighing more than 3,500 kilograms but not exceeding 4,250 kilos.