DL Codes (A, A1, B, B1, B2, C, D) Meaning and Vehicle List

DL codes are issued by the Land Transportation Office. These show what vehicles you are allowed to drive in the Philippines. You can find the DL codes printed on your driver’s license. They help traffic officers quickly check which vehicles you are legally allowed to operate.

Different DL codes in the Philippines are A, A1, B, B1, B2, C, and D. Let’s explore what each code means, the vehicle type, speed limit, and important guidelines. Pass lto test using lto exam reviewer

DL Code	Vehicle Category	Examples
A	Motorcycle	Standard motorcycles
A1	Tricycle	Motorcycles with sidecar
B	Passenger cars	Sedan, SUV, hatchback
B1	Passenger vans	Shuttle vans
B2	Light commercial vehicles	Pickup trucks, delivery vans
C	Heavy commercial vehicles	Large cargo trucks
D	Passenger buses	Public buses, coaches
BE	Passenger vehicles with trailer	Car with trailer
CE	Heavy articulated vehicles	Trailer trucks

Know About DL Codes?

Specific codes printed on driving lisence are DL codes. They are letters and numbers that show the type of vehicles you are allowed to drive. These new DL Codes replaced the old restriction codes 1 to 8 used in the past. Track your license using lto tracker

• When you get your driver’s license, you should know which vehicles you are allowed to drive. This is where DL Codes become important.
• If you drive a vehicle that is not included in your license, you may face fines or penalties.
• The Land Transportation Office updated the old restriction codes to make vehicle categories clearer and easier to understand.

DL Code A (Motorcycle)

Motorcycle vehicle types:

• L1: Two-wheel motorcycles with a maximum speed of 50 km/h. These are usually small motorcycles or mopeds used for short trips.
• L2: Three-wheel motorcycles with a maximum speed of 50 km/h. These are commonly used for light transport or delivery.
• L3: Two-wheel motorcycles with speeds above 50 km/h. Most regular motorcycles used on public roads fall in this category.

DL Code A1 (Tricycle)

Vehicle types included:

• L4: Motorcycle with sidecar, maximum speed above 50 km/h. This is the typical Philippine tricycle used for passengers.
• L5: Three-wheel vehicles arranged symmetrically, speed above 50 km/h.
• L6: Four-wheel light vehicles weighing up to 350 kg, maximum speed 45 km/h. These include small quadricycles or light utility vehicles.
• L7: Four-wheel light vehicles up to 550 kg, maximum speed 45 km/h.

DL Code B (Passenger Cars)

DL Code B allows you to drive regular passenger cars. This includes vehicles used to carry up to 8 passengers, not including the driver. These vehicles must have a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of up to 5,000 kg. Also check your LTO replacement plate

Common vehicles under this code:

For most drivers: This is the most common DL code because it covers private cars used for daily driving.

DL Code B1 Passenger Vehicles (More Seats)

DL Code B1 allows you to drive passenger vehicles with more seats. These vehicles carry more than 8 passengers but still have a maximum GVW of 5,000 kg. For example

These vehicles are often used for tourism, shuttle services, or group transport.

DL Code B2 (Light Commercial Vehicles)

DL Code B2 is for light commercial vehicles used to carry goods. These vehicles fall under N1 category, meaning they have a Gross Vehicle Weight of up to 3,500 kg. It includes

DL Code C (Heavy Commercial Vehicles)

DL Code C allows you to drive large commercial trucks used for transporting goods. These vehicles are heavier and require more driving experience and training.

They are divided into two main categories:

• N2: Trucks with GVW above 3,500 kg but not exceeding 12,000 kg
• N3: Trucks with GVW exceeding 12,000 kg

It includes

Drivers with this code often work in logistics, construction, or cargo transport.

DL Code D (Buses and Passenger Transport)

DL Code D allows you to drive buses and large passenger vehicles. These vehicles carry more than 8 passengers and usually have a Gross Vehicle Weight above 5,000 kg.

One category included is:

• M3: Large passenger vehicles with more than 8 seats and GVW above 5,000 kg. Below are its examples

Drivers with this code usually operate public transport vehicles.

DL Code BE (Articulated Passenger Vehicles)

DL Code BE allows you to drive passenger vehicles with trailers. These are vehicles that pull a trailer weighing up to 3,500 kg.

• Passenger vehicles with attached trailers
• Utility vehicles towing passenger trailers

DL Code CE (Heavy Articulated Vehicles)

DL Code CE is for heavy articulated commercial vehicles. These are large trucks with trailers used for heavy cargo transport. The trailer usually has a Gross Vehicle Weight above 3,500 kg. Examples include

These vehicles are commonly used in shipping and freight transport.

Trailer DL Codes (O1, O2, O3, O4)

Some DL codes are specifically for vehicles towing trailers. These depend on the weight of the trailer.

• O1: Trailer with maximum GVW up to 750 kg
• O2: Trailer with GVW above 750 kg up to 3,500 kg
• O3: Trailer with GVW above 3,500 kg up to 10,000 kg
• O4: Trailer with GVW exceeding 10,000 kg

These codes are important if you plan to tow trailers, cargo trailers, or transport trailers.

Old Restriction Codes vs New DL Codes

Old Restriction Code	New DL Code	Vehicle Type
1	A	Motorcycles
2	B	Passenger cars
3	B1 / B2	Vans and light commercial vehicles
4	C	Heavy trucks
5	D	Buses and passenger transport
6	BE / CE	Articulated vehicles
7	O1 / O2	Light trailers
8	O3 / O4	Heavy trailers

How to Add a DL Code to Your License?

If you want to drive another type of vehicle, you need to add a new DL Code to your license. Follow these simple steps.

If you already have DL Code B (car) and want to drive motorcycles, you must apply and pass the test for DL Code A.