Car licence at 16 in Lithuania (category B1)
Did you know that in Lithuania young people can get behind the wheel from the age of 16? It requires the special category B1 driving licence, which covers light quadricycles and so-called mini cars (microcar type — Ligier, Aixam, Microcar, Casalini). 🚙
What can you drive with B1? 🛞
Under EU rules and the Lithuanian Road Traffic Rules, category B1 covers:
- light quadricycles whose unladen mass does not exceed 400 kg (or 550 kg for cargo versions), with engine power up to 15 kW and designed for no more than four occupants;
- mini cars ("microcars") whose technical characteristics place them in category B1.
These vehicles are a compromise between a motorcycle and a car — smaller and power-limited, but safer than a scooter or bicycle.
Age limits and conditions 👤
- Minimum age — 16.
- You must pass the Regitra theory and practical exams.
- You may drive only vehicles meeting the B1 requirements.
- Ordinary cars (up to 3.5 t, 8 seats) require category B from 18.
Carrying passengers 👥
- B1 vehicles usually have 2 seats, occasionally 4.
- All passengers must wear seat belts.
- If the vehicle is built for one passenger only, carrying more counts as exceeding the permitted number of seats.
Speed limits 🚏
B1 vehicles follow the same limits as cars: 50 km/h in built-up areas; up to 90 km/h outside them on paved roads; on motorways the Rules allow up to 130 km/h, though microcars and quadricycles rarely reach such speeds; 20 km/h in residential zones.
Fines and responsibility ⚠️
- Unfastened seat belt — €30–50.
- Speeding — from €30 to €550, with possible licence suspension.
- Carrying unbelted passengers — fines for both driver and passenger.
- Driving without a licence — a fine of several hundred euros and withdrawal of the right to drive.
Summary ✅
- From 16 you may drive category B1 vehicles in Lithuania — light quadricycles and mini cars.
- Maximum unladen mass — 400 kg (550 kg for cargo versions); power — up to 15 kW; seats — up to 4.
- Category B comes only at 18 and covers ordinary cars.
So if you are 16 and want to move around town independently — B1 is the first step into a driver's life. 🚦👍