New regulations coming into operation to increase the Category B weight limit for zero emission vehicles
Date published:
New regulations are coming into operation from 1 August 2026 to increase the Category B weight limit for zero emission vehicles.
This follows a public consultation on the changes designed to support the uptake of zero emission goods vehicles (ZEGVs) here.
The consultation sought views on whether amendments to category B licence entitlements could address unintended regulatory barriers arising from the additional weight of zero emission technology, while continuing to ensure that road safety remains a central consideration.
From the 1 August the Department will introduce new regulations to:
- increase the category B weight limit for ZEGVs to 4,250kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM);
- introduce a two‑year licence‑holding requirement for drivers using this entitlement;
- permit category B drivers to operate ZEGVs up to 5,000kg MAM where the additional weight is attributable to specialist equipment for disabled users.
The Department will continue to monitor implementation and emerging evidence, including road safety data, as ZEGVs become more prevalent on our roads network.
The consultation report is available here: Synopsis of Responses – A consultation on proposals on changes to regulations to support the uptake of zero emission goods vehicles (ZEGVs) in Northern Ireland
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