Are Sedans Considered Light Vehicles?

[DelAmir]

Sedans with a vehicle length under 6 meters are classified as compact cars, not light vehicles. Vehicle type can be determined based on length. A sedan (saloon-car) refers to an automobile designed to transport passengers and their personal belongings, with seating arranged between two axles, accommodating up to nine individuals including the driver. Below are relevant details: 1. Light vehicles generally refer to M1, M2, and N1 category vehicles with a maximum gross mass not exceeding 3.5 tons. Microcars, classified as A00-segment vehicles, represent the most compact car type, available in two-seater or four-seater configurations. Most microcars feature a wheelbase between 2.0 to 2.3 meters and a body length under 3.65 meters. 2. Sedans, known as "saloon cars" in British English or "sedans" in American English (referred to as "private cars" or "limousines" in some regions), typically serve for passenger and luggage transportation. Distinctively, sedans exhibit visibly elongated front (engine compartment) and rear sections (luggage compartment) apart from the passenger cabin, making them easily identifiable as three-box design vehicles in certain regions. Their silhouette resembles ancient sedan chairs (called Sedan-chairs in England), featuring extended handholds before and after the passenger compartment, hence the name "sedan".

[LaAndres]

I've been driving for over twenty years, and according to national standards, sedans indeed fall under the category of light-duty vehicles. Light-duty vehicles refer to those with a gross weight not exceeding 3.5 tons, and ordinary sedans typically range between 1.2 to 2 tons. I remember my first Santana weighed only 1.1 tons, and the Camry I drive now is just over 1.5 tons. However, some extended luxury cars can approach 3 tons but still remain within the light-duty vehicle range. This classification directly impacts annual inspection policies and insurance premium rates, with light-duty vehicles having simpler inspection procedures. I recommend paying attention to the curb weight parameter on the vehicle's conformity certificate when purchasing a car—it won't affect usage but can prevent future hassles.

[RiverDella]

Last time I helped a relative pick a car, I researched this topic. Vehicle classification is mainly based on gross vehicle weight. The sedans we drive daily are all light-duty vehicles, with the national standard setting the dividing line at 3.5 tons. Regular three-box sedans typically weigh between 1.3-1.8 tons, and even extended limousines rarely exceed 2.5 tons. This classification is linked to emission standards and annual inspection cycles. However, special attention should be paid to modified vehicles - those with bulletproof armor might exceed weight limits. Actually, the highway toll system also follows this classification, with light-duty vehicles paying the lowest tolls.

[StBrooke]

According to the standards of vehicle management departments, all regular passenger cars fall under the light-duty vehicle category. The critical parameter is the maximum gross weight limit of 3.5 tons, with most family cars weighing between 1 to 2 tons. The heaviest production sedan I've seen is the Rolls-Royce Phantom, with a curb weight of 2.7 tons. This classification directly affects the vehicle purchase tax calculation method, as light-duty vehicles have significantly lower tax rates compared to medium-duty trucks. Additionally, the inspection items during annual inspections differ, with passenger cars undergoing relatively simpler procedures.