Towing a trailer in Spain isn't just a matter of hitching it up and driving. Legality, safety, and the type of license required depend on one key factor: the Maximum Authorized Mass (MAM) of the trailer and the vehicle-trailer combination . If you're unaware of these limits, you could face fines, vehicle impoundment, and unnecessary risks.
This guide offers you a clear, up-to-date and expanded explanation of each license category: B, B96 and B+E , along with practical recommendations to help you comply with regulations and trailers safely and confidently.
Table of licenses for towing in Spain according to type of trailer, load and MMA
|
Type of use / typical load |
Load examples |
Trailer (MMA) |
Car + trailer combination (total maximum authorized mass) |
Required license |
Requirements and key notes for making a good decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Small moves, gardening, occasional DIY |
Furniture, sacks, tools, light construction materials |
≤ 750 kg |
Up to 3,500 kg |
B |
Light trailer: usually with a license plate that matches the car's. Pay attention to the load securing. |
|
Enduro motorcycle/scooter/light quad |
1 motorcycle, 1 small quad bike + ramps |
≤ 750 kg |
Up to 3,500 kg |
B |
It's the typical "easy" case. Even so, check the straps , jockey wheel , and lights before setting off. |
|
Recurring parcel transport (but without exceeding the weight limit) |
Parcels, work equipment, hardware, event supplies |
≤ 750 kg |
Up to 3,500 kg |
B |
If you drive a lot of kilometers, a trailer with good suspension and decent tires is worth it: swaying is unforgiving on the motorway. |
|
Small “compact” caravan |
Lightweight caravan for getaways |
> 750 kg |
≤ 3,500 kg |
B |
If the trailer weighs more than 750 kg , it usually requires an inertia brake and typically has its own license plate . |
|
Small boat / double jet ski |
Small inflatable boat with motor, 1-2 jet skis |
> 750 kg |
≤ 3,500 kg |
B |
It's noticeable on ramps: be careful with inclines, traction, and maneuvers. The vehicle can be legal with a B license if it does not exceed 3,500 kg of total maximum authorized mass (MMA). |
|
Medium-sized cargo trailer for work |
Generators, light machinery, heavier construction materials |
> 750 kg |
≤ 3,500 kg |
B |
Many people unintentionally exceed the maximum authorized mass (MAM) of their car. Before buying, check the MAMs listed on the vehicle registration document , not on a scale. |
|
Equipped / Family Caravan |
Caravan with mover, air conditioning, awning, tanks, etc. |
> 750 kg |
3,500–4,250 kg |
B96 |
The B96 is the typical solution when you "go a little overboard." It requires a practical test with maneuvers. |
|
Medium-sized boat / cabin cruiser |
More serious vessel, double axle trailer |
> 750 kg |
3,500–4,250 kg |
B96 |
Ideal zone for B96: it gives you leeway without going to B+E if your package stays below 4,250 kg . |
|
Lightweight car carrier (small car on top) |
Small car or buggy |
> 750 kg |
3,500–4,250 kg |
B96 |
A very sensitive issue: the car carrier's maximum authorized mass (MMA) increases quickly. Also, check the car's actual towing capacity (not just the license). |
|
Large/long caravan with a lot of cargo |
Heavy caravan, double axle, long journeys |
> 750 kg |
> 4,250 kg (up to 7,000 kg) |
B+E |
If you exceed 4,250 kg, the B96 license is no longer valid. The B+E license is the logical choice if you want peace of mind and legal clearance. |
|
Large or heavily loaded vessel |
Large boat, robust trailer, double/triple axle |
> 750 kg |
> 4,250 kg (up to 7,000 kg) |
B+E |
Stability is key here: ball weight , braking, roll, tires, and distribution. The permit is just the beginning. |
|
Heavy machinery / intensive professional use |
Mini excavator, aerial work platforms, heavy-duty generators |
> 750 kg |
> 4,250 kg (up to 7,000 kg) |
B+E |
In addition to your license, make sure your vehicle inspection (ITV), brakes, and approved tow hitch are checked. If you work with this type of vehicle, this is especially important. |
1. Trailers under 750 kg
What You Can Do With Just a B Permit
Light trailers—those with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) of 750 kg or less—are among the simplest cases from an administrative point of view. A standard category B license is more than sufficient to drive them without the need for additional licenses or tests.
An essential condition that you must not forget
Even if the trailer is lightweight, the combined weight of the vehicle, trailer, and load cannot exceed 3,500 kg . This limit is crucial, and many drivers overlook it, which can result in penalties if the combination is overloaded.
Why are these trailers so common?
Lightweight trailers are used in countless situations: towing a jet ski, transporting small boats, moving light machinery, or hauling furniture. Their simplicity makes them an ideal choice for those who need occasional mobility without legal complications.
Don't forget about safety
Although they don't require a special permit, you should still follow basic best practices: proper load distribution, adequate securing, checking tire pressure, and using appropriate signage if necessary. Safety always depends more on your preparedness than the size of the trailer.
2. Trailers over 750 kg
What can you drive with just a B license?
From 750 kg of MMA onwards, the law requires more attention… but not necessarily a new permit.
With a B license you can tow > 750 kg if:
The total weight of the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg . This allows you to tow medium-sized boats, light caravans, or trailers with moderate loads without needing to upgrade your license.
Important: These trailers must have brakes.
All trailers with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) exceeding 750 kg must be equipped with an overrun brake , which affects maneuverability, braking distances, and the frequency of maintenance. Mastering its use is essential to avoid swaying and imprecise braking.
Recommendation
Although you can legally tow it with a B license, if you're not used to medium weights, it's advisable to practice a wide range of maneuvers: turns, controlled reversing, gradual braking, and driving on inclines. The more experience you gain, the more stable and safe your driving will be.
3. When the entire assembly exceeds 3,500 kg
You have two options (B96 or B+E)
If the total weight exceeds 3,500 kg , a Category B license is no longer sufficient. Two extensions come into play here:
- B96 Extension (up to 4,250 kg)
- B+E license (up to 7,000 kg)
These two options cover all cases of medium and heavy trailers, from bulky caravans to trailers for large boats or intensive cargo.
4. Extension B96
The Fastest and Cheapest Alternative
The B96 license is a practical intermediate solution. It allows you to drive vehicle combinations between 3,500 and 4,250 kg , sufficient for many boat trailers, extended caravans, or double trailers.
Advantages of the B96
The B96 extension stands out for its simplicity. It requires no theory test or mandatory practical lessons, which reduces both the time and cost of the process. You will only need to pass a practical test focused on maneuvering and driving with a trailer.
Scenarios where the B96 is perfect
It's the ideal option if you have a robust car and a medium-sized trailer, such as a medium-sized boat or a well-equipped caravan. It's also very useful for users who participate in sports or leisure activities and need to transport bulky equipment safely, without reaching the weight limits required for a B+E license.
5. The Most Complete Option for Heavy Trailers
B+E license
If you need to tow large, heavy, or double-axle vehicles, the B+E license is the right solution. With it, you can tow up to 7,000 kg of combined maximum authorized mass (MMA), giving you a very generous legal margin.
What does the process include?
To obtain your B+E license, you will need to pass a specific theory test on regulations, weight limits, and trailer driving techniques. Afterwards, you will undergo practical training in advanced maneuvers, such as reversing at an angle, precise parking of the trailer combination, and control on tight turns, in addition to a practical test on real road conditions .
Who is this permit really for?
The B+E license is essential for anyone transporting large boats , industrial trailers, heavy caravans, agricultural machinery, bulky loads, or double or triple axle trailers. It's the right license when your work, hobby, or the type of vessel requires legally moving significant weight.
The main advantage
Its main advantage is clear: it offers the greatest possible legal capacity without requiring a professional-level permit. It's the permit that gives you true freedom to transport virtually any recreational or semi-professional trailer with legal and safety guarantees.
6. Steps to Obtain the B96 or the B+E
Although each permit has its own particularities, the basic steps follow a similar structure, with differences in the type of exam and the theoretical requirement.
1. Select a specialized driving school
Choosing the right driving school makes a huge difference. It should have well-configured vehicle-trailer combinations, ample space for maneuvering, and instructors with real-world experience. Good training accelerates your progress and prevents bad habits that, with a heavy trailer, can be dangerous.
2. Prepare for the exam with a practical approach
Even in the B96 category—where only a practical exam is conducted—it is advisable to thoroughly train aspects such as:
- Trailer sway control.
- Wide and correctly drawn turns.
- Reversing maneuvers in a straight line and around a curve.
- Progressive braking and anticipation techniques.
- Safe integration into roundabouts and intersections.
- Evaluation of the load distribution and vertical mass on the ball.
In the B+E course, in addition to all of the above, you will have to prepare theoretical content focused on the applicable regulations, the mass limits according to vehicle types and the best road safety practices with heavy trailers.
3. Final processing at the DGT
Once you pass the exams, all that remains is to formalize the extension or issuance of the new permit. The Directorate General of Traffic will update your license both physically and in its system, authorizing you to legally tow vehicles within the limits of the permit you have obtained.
Choosing the Right Permit Guarantees Safety and Freedom
Knowing which license you need is the foundation of legal, safe, and stable driving. A Category B license covers most light trailers and some medium ones. The B96 extension expands your options for heavier combinations without overly complicating the process. And the B+E license is the ultimate tool for large and demanding combinations.
Choosing the right license will save you from fines, improve your road safety, and ensure your trailer—whether for boats, cargo, or caravanning—performs as it should. It also saves you from the common mistake of buying a trailer that "seems perfect" only to discover later that its maximum authorized mass (MAM) requires a different license or makes it non-compliant. Therefore, before making a decision, it's advisable to consider how you'll actually use it (long trips, ramps, mountainous terrain, occasional or frequent loading) and match it with the appropriate trailer. If you'd like a quick guide, here's a complete guide to trailer types. There are practical differences between models and which scenarios each one is best suited for. If you plan to tow frequently or with heavy loads, investing in the appropriate training and permit isn't a luxury: it's a necessity.
Real advice and precision-engineered trailers for safe towing
If you're choosing a trailer and don't want to play roulette with MMA, compatibility, and regulations, in trailer.es We'll advise you on buying the model that fits your car and the license you have (or the one that's worth getting). Furthermore, in trailer.es We have a wide catalog of top-quality trailers, manufactured with precision, designed for real-world use: stability, durability and regulatory compliance from day one.
