Large goods vehicle

A large goods vehicle (LGV), or heavy goods vehicle (HGV), in the European Union (EU) is any lorry with a gross combination mass (GCM) of over 3,500 kg (7,700 lb).^[1] Sub-category N2 is used for vehicles between 3,500 kg and 12,000 kg (26,000 lb) and N3 for all goods vehicles over 12,000 kg as defined in Directive 2001/116/EC. The term medium goods vehicle is used within parts of the UK government to refer to goods vehicles of between 3,500 and 7,500 kg which according to the EU are also "large goods vehicles."^[2]

Commercial carrier vehicles of up to 3,500 kg are referred to as light commercial vehicles and come into category N1. Parts of the UK government also refer to these smaller vehicles as "large goods vehicles" (also abbreviated "LGV").^[3]

To cross country borders in the EU, LGVs must not exceed 44 tonnes laden weight or longer than 18.75 m (61.5 ft), but longer and heavier vehicles (LHVs) are used within some EU countries, where they are known as Gigaliner, EuroCombi, EcoLiner, innovative commercial vehicle, mega-truck, and under other names. They are typically 25.25 metres (82.8 ft) long and weigh up to 70 tonnes, and the implications of allowing them to cross boundaries was considered in 2011.^[4]