In New Jersey, there are 14 different types of vehicle classifications. In this article, we’ll go through each and every class of heavy vehicles, as well as provide additional resources for specific vehicle types (buses, haulers, limos). Unfortunately, the statutes governing heavy vehicles in New Jersey require some degree of legal know-how to decipher, so hopefully, this article will clarify and simplify the matter.
New Jersey’s 14 Classes of Heavy Vehicles
Here is how New Jersey classifies and distinguishes between the different types of vehicles on the road:
- Class 1: All two- or three-wheeled street-legal vehicles (traditional motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles like the Can-Am Ryker, e-scooters, mopeds)
- Class 2: Cars (sedans, coupes, and wagons designed to carry passengers)
- Class 3: Other 4-tire, 2-axle vehicles (pick-up trucks, minivans, SUVs, campers, small box trucks like ambulances)
- Class 4: Buses (passenger transportation vehicles ranging from 4 tires/2 axles to 3+ axles)
- Class 5: Small Box Trucks (2-axle, single-frame trucks such as recreational campers)
- Class 6: Single-Frame, 3-Axle Trucks (larger campers and/or smaller “motorhome” type vehicles)
- Class 7: Single-Unit Trucks with Four or More Axles (all single frame vehicles with 4+ axles)
- Class 8: Single-Trailer Trucks (Combining the truck and the trailer it’s hauling, class 8 vehicles have no more than 4 axles)
- Class 9: Truck and Trailer Combo Units with 5 Total Axles (semi-trucks)
- Class 10: Truck and Trailer Combo Units with 6 Total Axles (semi-trucks)
- Class 11: 3+ Unit Combos with Less than 5 or Fewer Axles (semi-truck hauling 2 trailers)
- Class 12: 3+ Unit Combos with Less than 6 Axles (semi-truck hauling 2 trailers)
- Class 13: 3+ Unit Combos with Less than 7+ Axles (semi-truck hauling 2 trailers)
- Class 0: Vehicles that don’t fit in other categories.
Heavy Vehicles Classified by Weight
GVWR stands for “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.” GVWR combines the vehicle’s weight plus the cargo it contains. The vehicle’s fuel, oil, and other fluids are also calculated into the GVWR. When looking at heavy vehicles by weight only, this is how it breaks down:
- Class 1: Up to 6,000 pounds
- Class 2: 6,001-10,000 pounds
- Class 3: 10,001-14,000 pounds
- Class 4: 14,001-16,000 pounds
- Class 5: 16,001-19,500 pounds
- Class 6: 19,501-26,000 pounds
- Class 7: 26,001-33,000 pounds
- Class 8: Over 33,000 pounds
Trucks in classes 1 and 2 are lightweight trucks. Trucks in classes 3, 4, and 5 and medium-weight vehicles. Trucks in classes 6, 7, and 8 are considered heavy-weight. Sometimes class 8 vehicles are referred to as “extra heavy-duty” or “extra heavy-weights.”
New Jersey Laws by Vehicle Type
To learn more, you can read the Garden State’s individual laws governing all of the following vehicle types:
- Commercial Trucks or Tractors (Code 11, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Code)
- Taxis (Code 13, NJ MVC)
- Limos (Code 14)
- Aggregate Haulers (Code 16)
- School Buses (Code 17 & 18)
- Four-Year Commercial Trailers (Code 19)
- Commercial Trailers (Code 21)
- Commercial Motorcycles (Code 24)
- Farm Trucks (Code 31)
- Light- to Medium-Weight Tow Trucks (Code 32)
- Heavy Duty Tow Trucks (Code 33)
- Solid Waste Trucks (Code 39)
- Farm Use Trucks (Code 51)
- Agricultural Tractors (Code 52)
- Omnibus and Passenger Vehicle Transportation (Code 54)
- Contractor Equipment in Transit (Code 56)
- Empty Trucks/Trailers in Transit (Code 59)
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The commercial and vehicle laws governing heavy trucks in New Jersey are complex and plentiful. Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC has an impeccable track record of bringing in settlements like $570,000 for a knee injury on a poorly-maintained sidewalk or $525,000 for a car hit by a snowplow. Let us bring your maximum settlement offer to you.
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Author Bio
Jeffrey W. Varcadipane
Jeffrey W. Varcadipane is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey; a designation given to less than five percent of civil litigation attorneys in New Jersey.
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