In Russia, a car called “Gazelle” became widespread. The image of a beautiful animal, a graceful deer, immediately appears in the imagination, running away very quickly as soon as it notices danger. Indeed, this machine is easy to maintain, unpretentious and affordable. However, due to the variety of modifications of this car, a reasonable question arises: what category is needed for a Gazelle, if we talk about a driver’s license?
Variety of shapes
Cars of this brand began to be produced back in 1994, then there was a restyling of this van, after which Gazelle-Business was released, then Gazelle-Next. On the basis of this bestseller, such light-duty trucks and vans as “Valdai”, “Sobol” and “Barguzin” were assembled. In addition, this car is produced even in neighboring countries, sometimes under different names.
In addition to different names, the model was also produced in different modifications: “Gazelle” cargo, passenger and cargo-passenger. There are options for an extended model. Different cars require different categories of driver's license. "Gazelle" serves for various purposes, be it a minibus or cargo transportation.
Each driver has a driver's license category. So, which category is needed for a Gazelle, the law and traffic rules will help you figure it out.
Cargo model
What is a Gazelle cargo truck? This is a light-duty truck with a maximum permissible weight of 3,500 kilograms, which can carry 1.5 tons of cargo on board. However, this does not apply to all cars. After all, there are various models: with an awning, a completely open body and a Gazelle thermal booth. Category B is required according to traffic rules to drive such a vehicle, namely with a maximum curb weight of up to 3.5 tons.
Therefore, to find out whether it is possible to drive your Gazelle only with this category, you need to look at the technical equipment passport (PTS). It is there, in the maximum curb weight section, that there is a figure that is decisive in this matter. So, if the PTS weight is less than or equal to 3500 kg, then this car can be driven with a category B license.
Motor transport - rules, norms, regulations
1. Sobol vehicles are designed to operate on roads of all categories in various climatic conditions. The Sable is a light, fast and comfortable car. The Sobol family of cars is represented by the following models by category according to GOST R 52051-2003 “Motor vehicles and trailers. Classification and definitions".
1.1. Cars of category N1 (vehicles intended for the transportation of goods with a maximum weight of no more than 3.5 tons):
Cars GAZ-2310 with a 4×2 wheel arrangement and GAZ-23107 with a 4×4 wheel arrangement with a three-seater cabin and an on-board platform.
Cars GAZ-2752 with a 4x2 wheel arrangement and GAZ-27527 with a 4x4 wheel arrangement with an all-metal body with a three- or seven-seat cabin.
1.2. Cars of category M2 (vehicles used for the transport of passengers, having, in addition to the driver’s seat, more than eight seats, the maximum weight of which does not exceed 5 tons):
Special passenger vehicles GAZ-2217 type 4x2 and GAZ-22177 type 4x4 with a low roof for 10 passenger seats.
Special passenger vehicles GAZ-22171 type 4x2 and GAZ-221717 type 4x4 with an average roof for 10 passenger seats.
1.3. Cars of category M1 (vehicles used for the transport of passengers and having, in addition to the driver’s seat, no more than eight seats):
Special passenger vehicles GAZ-2217 type 4x2 and GAZ-22177 type 4x4 with a low roof for 6 passenger seats.
Special passenger vehicles GAZ-22171 type 4x2 and GAZ-221717 type 4x4 with a medium roof for 6 passenger seats.
2. Sable cars of category N1 with a 4x2 wheel arrangement (the first digit is the number of wheels of the car, the second digit is the number of driving wheels) - technical characteristics.
| Automobile model | GAZ-2310 | GAZ-2752 | GAZ-2752 |
| Vehicle type | Cargo, with three-seater with 3-seater cabin with 7-seater cabin | ||
| Total weight, kg | 2800 | 2800 | 2800 |
| Weight of the equipped vehicle, kg | 1845 | 1880 | 1990 |
| Axle load of a fully loaded vehicle, kg: | |||
| front | 1250 | 1260 | 1405 |
| rear | 1550 | 1540 | 1395 |
| Base, mm | 2760 | 2760 | 2760 |
| Overall dimensions, mm | |||
| length | 4880 | 4810 | 4810 |
| width | 2380 | 2380 | 2380 |
| by mirrors | 2066 | 2030 | 2030 |
| around the cabin | 2015 | — | — |
| platform height | 2070 | 2200 | 2100 |
| height along the awning, mm | 2400 | — | — |
| Internal dimensions of the onboard platform (van), mm | |||
| length | 2340 | 2460 | 1330 |
| width | 1978 | 1830 | 1830 |
| height | 400 | 1430 | 1530 |
| Loading height, mm | 900 | 720 | 720 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 150 | 150 | 150 |
| Maximum vehicle speed on a horizontal section of a flat highway, km/h: | 135 | 135 | 135 |
| Engines: | |||
| Model | UMZ-42164 (Euro-4), gasoline, injection | UMZ-42164 (Euro-4), gasoline, injection | UMZ-42164 (Euro-4), gasoline, injection |
| Number of cylinders and their location | 4, in-line | 4, in-line | 4, in-line |
| Cylinder diameter and piston stroke, mm | 100x92 | 100x92 | 100x92 |
| Engine displacement, l | 2,89 | 2,89 | 2,89 |
| Compression ratio | 9,5 | 9,5 | 9,5 |
| Rated power, hp | 106,8 | 106,8 | 106,8 |
| Model | Cummins ISF 2.8l diesel, with turbocharging and charge air cooler | Cummins ISF 2.8l diesel, with turbocharging and charge air cooler | Cummins ISF 2.8l diesel, with turbocharging and charge air cooler |
| Number of cylinders and their location | 4, in-line | 4, in-line | 4, in-line |
| Cylinder diameter and piston stroke, mm | 94×100 | 94×100 | 94×100 |
| Engine displacement, l | 2,78 | 2,78 | 2,78 |
| Compression ratio | 16,5 | 16,5 | 16,5 |
| Rated power, net kW (hp) | 120 | 120 | 120 |
3. Sable cars of category N1 with a 4x2 wheel arrangement - characteristics of the transmission, chassis, steering and brake control.
3.1. Clutch. Single-disc, dry, hydraulically driven.
3.2. Gearbox. Mechanical, 5-speed with synchronizers in all gears Gear ratios: 1st gear – 4.05 2nd gear – 2.34 3rd gear – 1.395 4th gear – 1.0 5th gear – 0.849 Reverse – 3.51
3.3. Cardan transmission. Two shafts with three universal joints and an intermediate support.
3.4. Rear axle: main gear - hypoid, gear ratio 4.3; differential - bevel, gear axle shafts are completely unloaded.
3.5. Wheels - steel, stamped, disc, with a non-separable rim 6Jx16H2.
3.6. Tires - pneumatic, radial, tube, size 215/65R16, 185/75R16C.
a) front - independent, on levers with coil springs, with anti-roll bar; shock absorbers - gas-filled, telescopic, double-acting;
b) rear - two longitudinal semi-elliptical springs, with anti-roll bar; shock absorbers - gas-filled, telescopic, double-acting.
3.8. The steering mechanism with power steering is of an integral type, with a screw-ball nut transmission; pump - vane, double action; steering column - adjustable in height and angle.
3.9. The service brake system is dual-circuit with a hydraulic drive and a vacuum booster.
Braking mechanisms: front wheels – disc, rear wheels – drum.
Spare brake system - each circuit of the service brake system.
Parking brake system - with a mechanical cable drive to the brake mechanisms of the rear wheels.
4. Sable cars of category N1 with a 4x2 wheel arrangement - characteristics of electrical equipment.
4.1. Type of electrical equipment: DC, single-wire. The negative terminals of power supplies and consumers are connected to the housing. Rated voltage is 12 volts. Generator - 3282.3771000. Starter - 422.3708000 or 5732.3708000. Additional starter relay - 711.3741-02. Battery - 6ST-66LR.
4.2. Engine control system UMZ-4216 (E4):
Control unit - Mikas 12.1 (42164.3763000).
Injector - ZMZ6354 DEKA1D.
Double ignition coil - 48.3705 or 5810.3705.
Throttle pipe with electric drive - 40624.11481099.
Gas pedal module - 6PV010033-00 (“Hуllс”).
Canister purge valve - 21103-1164200-02 or 1103-1164200-03 or 21103-1164200.
Submersible electric fuel pump module with fuel pressure regulator and level sensor - 7D5.883.046 "SEPO - ZEM", Saratov or E04.4100000-21 "AVTEL", Kaluga.
Spark plugs - WR15YC (brand "BRISK") or WR7BC (brand "BOSCH").
Emergency oil pressure indicator sensor - 6012.3829 or MM 111V.
Sensor for emergency brake fluid level drop - YaM 2.553.000-01 or 10.3839000 or KDBA.406211.001.
Characteristics of all-wheel drive Gazelles are given in this article.
"Gazelle" passenger
It’s a different matter if we are talking about a minibus such as the GAZ-3221. This part of the Gazelle family is very often used to transport people over short distances, for example, in commercial transport along specified city routes. According to traffic rules and current legislation, category B is not enough to drive this type of transport, since the number of passengers carried is more than eight. If, for example, you take any minivan, even a Hyundai Starex or Mercedes Vito, then category B is quite enough for them. However, a passenger Gazelle carries 13, or even 15 passengers. It turns out that to drive you need category D license, which opens up the opportunity to drive buses.
And, indeed, all minibus drivers open this particular category before getting behind the wheel of this type of transport. By the way, very often, in addition to category D itself, employers also require experience in this field, thereby taking care of the safety of transportation and passengers.
Cargo-passenger
What category is needed for the Gazelle, if we talk about all-metal vans? They can be either fully glazed, as they say in a circle, or half glazed. This design allows you to place several passenger seats, as well as make full use of the trunk, because it turns out to be very large; you can even transport refrigerators and washing machines, not to mention manufactured goods and boxes of products.
Such Gazelles can be used for long journeys, trips to the sea with the family, especially in luxury versions. The seats in this car are quite comfortable for everyone. What category of license is required to drive such a car? Since the maximum permissible weight of the cargo-passenger Gazelle is less than 3500 kg, a category B license is sufficient to drive it. Only one condition must be met - the number of seats. It should be no more than eight, including the driver's seat. Then category B license will be sufficient.
Category re-registration
Sometimes it becomes necessary to re-register a Gazelle of category D to another, for example, B. The owner simply does not use the seats in the cabin, and decided to simply remove them. Then you need to contact the traffic police, and after some procedures they will draw up all the necessary documents.
So, what category is needed for a Gazelle: B, C, D, and in some cases even E. To avoid getting into trouble, carefully study the vehicle passport of your model, and then you can safely hit the road.
Category C license for Gazelle
However, a situation may arise in which a category B or D license may not be enough to drive this vehicle. Sometimes a category C license is required to drive this truck. In what cases?
According to current legislation, a category C license is required to drive a vehicle with a maximum permissible weight of more than 3500 kg. There are some modifications of the Gazelle, for example, the extended GAZ-33022, which has a maximum permitted weight of 3600 kg. Even if you do not fully load the car, the law still requires category C to drive.
Transport tax for freight vehicles weighing more than 12 tons in 2019
On July 3, 2021, Article 361.1 was introduced into the Tax Code of the Russian Federation, which establishes benefits for paying auto tax for owners of trucks with a maximum weight of more than 12 tons that are members of the Plato system.
However, as of January 1, 2021, this benefit ceased to apply.
This provision was provided for in Article 361.1 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation, paragraphs 1 and 2, in accordance with which the benefit is valid until December 31, 2018 inclusive. No bills to extend the benefit were considered, so its duration was not extended.
The provisions... of paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 361.1... of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation (as amended by this Federal Law) are valid until December 31, 2021 inclusive.
Clause 4 art. 2 of Federal Law dated July 3, 2016 N 249-FZ (as amended on September 30, 2017)
Trucks involved in agricultural work are also entitled to benefits. Read more about which vehicles are not subject to tax in a separate article.
TN for freight vehicles is calculated according to the same rules as for passenger vehicles.
Auto tax = (Truck engine power in hp) x (Tax rate for vehicles in the region) x (Number of full months of car ownership/12).
Owners of heavy trucks who make contributions according to Plato are no longer exempt from paying tax.
Owners of vehicles involved in agricultural work do not pay auto tax.
Legal advice Get qualified help right now! Our lawyers will advise you on any issues out of turn!
"Gazelle" with trailer
But what if you need to use the Gazelle with a trailer? What category of rights is needed then? In general, category E is required to drive vehicles with trailers, and several types, depending on the vehicle. According to the gradation of categories of traffic rules, if the weight of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3500 kg, then category B is sufficient. However, this does not apply to the Gazelle, since its weight without a trailer is close to 3500 kg. This means that even if the weight of the trailer is 750 kg, then in total the maximum permitted weight of the resulting road train is more than 3500 kg, and driving licenses of categories E and C are already required. That is, category C must be opened, and in addition category E.
But some will say that you can bypass the driver's license categories. The Gazelle can carry much more than the stated 1.5 tons. Just install reinforced springs and everything will be fine. However, this is a misconception. It is not for nothing that the manufacturer states in the technical specifications the maximum permitted weight. After all, all structural elements are designed specifically for this weight. For example, the brakes may not be able to withstand the additional load, and braking will no longer be as effective, and in an emergency the car may not stop at all.
No related questions found
These are the main reasons that, as for driving any vehicle associated with responsibility for a large number of people’s lives, the driver needs a higher category D.
Transport tax rates in the Tver Region are established by the Law of the Tver Region dated 06.11.02 N 75-ZO (hereinafter referred to as the Law) depending on the engine power or gross capacity of vehicles, the category of vehicles per one horsepower of the vehicle engine, one register ton of vehicle or unit of vehicle.
In particular, power steering “ZF”, shock absorbers and clutch “Sachs”, brakes “Bosh”, engine mounts “Anvis” (Germany), a modern instrument panel from, gearbox synchronizers “Hoerbiger” (all named manufacturers are Germany); radiator "T-Rad" (Japan), cardan "Tirsan Kardan" (Turkey), bearings "SKF" (Sweden).
According to the inspectorate, before making official changes to the vehicle passport (the GAZ-2217 car), when calculating transport tax, the tax rate established for buses should be applied.
Passenger Gazelles are also different - in one cabin there will be less than eight seats, not including the driver's, and in another there will be more than eight. So, it is this factor that is decisive in establishing the category for the passenger Gazelle. In connection with the above law, to drive a Gazelle with less than eight seats you need category B, and if there are more seats, then you need to open category D.
If you have a Class B license, the driver can drive a cargo or passenger gazelle if its weight is 3.5 tons and its capacity is less than 8 passengers. This category of gazelle license allows you to drive a model of a modified length - 1.8 meters, with a load capacity of 1.5 tons.
Open category C implies the ability to drive a vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tons. The weight of light and heavy trailers of various modifications is added to the weight of the loaded vehicle. For small options, category C is sufficient. If the trailer is of impressive size, category C1 or E will be required.
A special type of documents for a truck is required, even if the driver does not intend to transport cargo in the declared volume. You can find out what licenses are needed for a cargo gazelle in the vehicle’s technical passport.
Re-equipment of a car, changing the category of rights must take place in accordance with legislative acts. You can begin installation or dismantling of any part of the gazelle, or begin re-registration of papers, after receiving special permission. The package of documents includes mandatory certificates and conclusions:
- vehicle passport;
- driver's license, temporary license, citizen's passport;
- a document describing specific changes;
- gazelle registration certificate;
- expert opinion on re-equipment;
- copies of the intermediary’s documents (license, certificate, permit) who accompanied the procedure.
Considering that a number of Gazelle cars have different characteristics, you should read the documentation in detail before the trip, since you may need licenses of different categories for a passenger and cargo vehicle. The vehicle passport will tell you which category of rights will be valid.
Since 2010, minivans and minibuses with a low roof GAZ-2217 have received 2 types of power units standard for all Sobolev brothers: a four-cylinder injection UMZ-A274 Evotech and a four-cylinder diesel turbocharged Cummins ISF 2.8L.
- UMZ-A274 Evotech: working volume – 2.69 l; rated net power according to GOST R 41.85 – 78.5 kW (106.8 hp), cylinder diameter – 96.5 mm, piston stroke – 92 mm. Environmental standard – Euro-4.
- Cummins ISF 2.8L : working volume – 2.8 l; rated power, net: 88.3 kW hp (120 hp), cylinder diameter – 94 mm, piston stroke – 100 mm. Environmental standard – Euro-4.
In the cassation appeal, the inspectorate, referring to the court's violation of substantive law, asks to cancel the judicial act and refuse D.E. Kondakov. in meeting requirements.
This vehicle can carry 13-15 passengers as a passenger transport; accordingly, it is necessary to additionally open category D, which allows driving buses. This category is open to minibus drivers. You can get it at our driving school.
