If you are planning to operate a food truck, one important factor is how you are going to haul it. Choosing the right vehicle, towing equipment, and driver’s license is essential for safe and legal operation. This article will give you an overview of the rules in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, explain the differences between Group B, B96 and B+E driving licences, and show you what requirements apply to each Gastronovo food truck model.
Driving licence for towing a food truck trailer
In Slovakia and the Czech Republic, there are clear rules for towing trailers according to their weight. All Gastronova trailers have a weight of more than 750 kg, so a Group B driving licence is never sufficient to tow them.
📌 Table of driving licences for food trucks
Driving licence | Gross vehicle weight (min. 2 000 kg) | Trailer weight | Total weight of the kit | Necessity of the test | Opportunity to pull Gastronova food truck? |
B | 2 000 kg | max. 1 500 kg | max. 3 500 kg | No | ❌ No (our trailers are heavier) |
B + 96 | 2 000 kg | 1 500 – 2 250 kg | 3 500 – 4 250 kg | No (course only) | ✅ Yes, but only for models up to 2 250 kg |
B+E | 2 000 kg | 2 250 – 3 500 kg | 4 250 – 5 500 kg | Yes (full exam) | ✅ Yes, for all our models |
📌 Note: This table is based on an illustrative SUV weight of 2,000 kg. Actual figures may vary depending on the weight of your specific vehicle. We recommend that you check the maximum permissible trailer weight on your vehicle’s registration certificate.
Weights and driving authorisations for individual Gastronova models
To give you a better idea of what driving licence you’ll need for a particular food truck model, we’ve prepared this table:
Model | Trailer weight (kg) | Gross combination weight 2 000 kg | Driving licence required |
Compact 330 | 1 000 | 3 000 kg | B + 96 |
Compact 380 | 1 200 | 3 200 kg | B + 96 |
Compact 400 | 1 400 | 3 400 kg | B + 96 |
Medium 450 | 1 600 | 3 600 kg | B + 96 |
Medium 480 | 1 800 | 3 800 kg | B + 96 |
Medium 580 | 2 000 | 4 000 kg | B + 96 |
Ultra 680 | 2 200 | 4 200 kg | B + 96 |
Ultra 740 | 2 400 | 4 400 kg | B+E |
Ultra 800 | 2 600 | 4 600 kg | B+E |
Ultra 900 | 2 800 | 4 800 kg | B+E |
Ultra 1000 | 3 000 | 5 000 kg | B+E |
📌 Note: An illustrative SUV weight of 2,000 kg has been used for the gross combination weight calculations. Actual gross combination weight may vary depending on the weight of the client’s specific vehicle. Always check the values on your vehicle’s registration card before driving.
Towbar: How do you know if your car is suitable for towing a food truck?
To tow a food truck, you need a properly sized towing device that meets the following criteria:
📌 Step 1: Check the vehicle registration
Your vehicle’s registration document shows the maximum permissible weight of the trailer you can tow:
Braked trailer: if the vehicle allows you to tow a trailer with a higher weight, it is always better to choose a braked model.
Unbraked trailer: only suitable for smaller trailers up to 750 kg, which are not included in Gastronova’s offer.
📌 Step 2: Check the load capacity of the towing bracket
Each towing device has its maximum load capacity. This information can be found in the documentation for the towing device or directly on the label on the device.
📌 Step 3: Consult an expert
If you’re not sure if your vehicle is suitable for towing a particular food truck model, contact the experts or visit a garage for accurate information.
What else to consider when pulling a food truck?
✔ Axle type:Gastronova trailers are equipped with braked AL-KO axles, which increases safety and driving comfort.
✔ Overall kit length: Longer food truck models require more space for parking and maneuvering.
✔ Fuel consumption: more trailer weight can increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
Conclusion – how to legally and safely tow a food truck from Gastronova?
When towing a food truck, the weight of the trailer, the type of driving licence and the load capacity of the towing device must be taken into account.
🔹 For models up to 2 250 kg, a driving licence B+96 is sufficient
🔹 For models over 2 250 kg, a B+E driving licence is required
🔹 All Gastronova food trucks are braked and homologated for the EU
📩 Don’t know which food truck model is best for you? Contact us and we’ll help you choose the perfect ride!
