AS mark on a driver's license: how it stands for

Each type of vehicle is assigned its own category of driver's license in the legislation. If they do not correspond to each other, you cannot drive the vehicle, since the State Traffic Inspectorate will consider this case as driving without a license.

Innovations in the automotive industry have led to the introduction of new types of vehicles on the country's roads, for which it is necessary to introduce their own categories of driver's licenses. Amendments are periodically made to Law No. 196 Federal Law “On Road Traffic Safety”. So in 2021, subcategory B1 appeared on the driver’s license.

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What does category B1 mean on a driver’s license in 2021?

After testing their driving skills and confirming their knowledge of traffic rules, drivers receive a license. Category B is intended for driving a vehicle with the following characteristics (Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196):

passenger car;
weighing up to 3,500 kg;
number of seats - up to 8.

As of 2021, category B includes two subcategories:

BE – vehicle with trailer. Car weight up to 3,500 kg, trailer - up to 750 kg. The maximum allowed number of passengers is 8 people.
B1 – this subcategory is intended for driving a tricycle and quadricycle. Their engine volume must be more than 50 cm3. They should weigh no more than 0.4 tons.

If the engine volume is less than 50 cm3, then category M should be opened for this vehicle, not B1. Category M is issued for light quadricycles, mopeds and scooters (Article 25 of the Law “On Road Safety”).

What cars can you drive with a category B1 license?

To understand this unusual category, you should study the current legislation of the Russian Federation. And in the case of B1, it is important to pay attention to Federal Law No. 196-FZ “On Road Safety”, in which the subcategory in question began to appear back in 2021.

Driving license categories and age of receipt.

As for its meaning, this issue is discussed in section 25 of the law. According to this regulation, holders of a B1 license are entitled to drive three- and four-wheeled vehicles without side glazing, the volume of which does not exceed 0.5 liters, and the weight of up to 4 tons.

What kind of transport is this? Everything is simple here, because this category includes tricycles and quadricycles, which for a long time were ridden by minors and persons without a license, which is why, in fact, B1 was introduced with its further enshrinement at the legislative level.

Thanks to these changes, now only those people who have completed a special training course, passed an exam and received a license with an open subcategory B1 can get behind the wheel of such vehicles.

However, not everything is so simple here, since if the technical characteristics of the vehicle do not comply, you will need a category of a higher class to operate it.

And in order not to get into trouble, you need to study this information in advance, remembering that the power of a quadricycle or tricycle should not exceed 20 horsepower (15 kW for electric cars), and the maximum speed should not exceed 25 km/h.

As for tricycles, all compliance standards for this not the most common type of transport are given in GOST R 52051-2003, according to which we are talking about a three-wheeled vehicle with a front or rear transverse axle and a gasoline or electric motor up to 0.5 liters.

What cars can be driven with category B1?

Category B1 will open in 2021 for driving non-standard vehicles such as quadricycles and tricycles. In our country they are still rare, so it is worth taking time to get to know such unusual vehicles.

A quadricycle is a vehicle with a cab without glass, equipped with four wheels.

According to State Standard Decree No. 402 dated October 8, 2001, a quadricycle must meet certain requirements. It should weigh no more than 400 kg. But if it is intended for cargo transportation, then the maximum weight should be no more than 550 kg. The weight of batteries for electric quadricycles is not taken into account. The quadricycle engine power is no more than 20 horsepower. There are models with an electric motor. The power standard for them is no more than 15 kW. Travel speed of at least 25 km/h.

Quadricycles are similar in appearance to ATVs, which is why they are often confused. This is a serious mistake, since they differ not only in technical parameters, but also in the category of driver’s license.

The table below shows a list of the main differences (Articles 1,16,17 of Decree No. 1090 of the Traffic Regulations; Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 496; Order of the Ministry of Industry and Energy No. 192).

Features of the vehicle	Quadricycles (category B1)	ATVs (category A1)
What is it for?	Driving on public roads	All-terrain SUV. Not intended for use on public roads
Where is it registered?	traffic police	Rostechnadzor
Driving license category	IN 1	A1
Cabin availability	May have or without a cabin	No cabin. Motorcycle seat
Engine power	No more than 20 horsepower and 15 kilowatts	Above the specified limit
Documentation	PTS	PSM - self-propelled vehicle passport

With category B1 you can also drive a tricycle. The general definition of this transport is given in GOST R 52051-2003. It is equipped with 3 wheels. Two wheels can be either front or rear.

Visually, the tricycle is similar to a moped, but its engine capacity is 50 cm3. There may be an electric motor under its hood. It all depends on the chosen model. This unusual “motorcycle” accelerates to 50 km/h. Tricycles must be registered with the traffic police. The PTS must indicate the maximum engine power of 20 horsepower and 15 kilowatts.

Understanding category B1

The new type of license is rich in many innovations; the decoding of AS raises the most questions among drivers. This mark is placed opposite only one category, the meaning of which will be described below. Category B has several subcategories, one of which has the prefix 1. It allows you to drive quadricycles and tricycles from the age of 18. What kind of miracle of technology this is is not clear to everyone, so explanations will be appropriate.

Tricycles are equipped with three wheels, the arrangement of which is symmetrical relative to the longitudinal middle plane. The volume of the working unit is more than 50 cubic cm, and the speed can reach above 50 km/h.
Lightweight quadricycles (not ATVs) have four wheels in their design. The net weight of this vehicle (without battery and additional cargo) cannot exceed 350 kg. The speed does not exceed 50 km/h.
Other quadricycles can weigh 400 kg, and cargo ones even 550 kg, with a power unit power of up to 15 kW.

Only these three types of vehicles fall under category B1. But the AS mark on the driver’s license remains a mystery.

The difference between category B1 and B

Category B is one of the popular driving license categories. You can control it:

passenger cars;
minibuses;
pickups;
jeeps.

The main thing is that the vehicle meets the following requirements specified in Art. 25 Federal Law No. 196:

Weight up to 3.5 tons.
Trailer weighing up to 750 kg. If the weight exceeds this figure, it is important that the total weight of the machine is up to 3.5 tons.
Capacity up to 8 seats. It is prohibited to stand in such a vehicle while it is moving.

Subcategory B1 opens automatically for drivers of both categories B and A.

Depending on what kind of steering wheel and seat are installed on the training vehicle: motorcycle type or car type. The corresponding mark is placed in the rights:

AS (Automotive Steering) if a car steering wheel and seat are installed. The main category for such vehicles is B;
MS (Motorcycle Steering) is the complete opposite of the previous version. Car steering wheel and seat, main category A.

The type of equipment of a tricycle or quadricycle is indicated in the 12th column; the table is located on the back of the driver’s license. This rule is stated in Appendix No. 3 of the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 365 of May 13, 2009.

Transport corresponding to subcategory B1 is more mobile than in main B:

The number of seats is maximum two.
The permissible weight is no more than 550 kg for cargo-type quadricycles.

Another difference between B and B1: in the scheme for obtaining a category. B1 is assigned automatically to drivers who have passed the main exam for opening B or A (Article 25 of the Federal Law No. 196 of November 5, 2013). The same system applies to the restoration of a lost driver's license. You won’t be able to get a basic driver’s category this way. You need to pass the test and prove yourself as an “ace driver” in front of the examiner.

If the rights are issued for the first time, then obtaining B1 occurs according to the same rules as when opening the main category.

Driving license category B1: what is it?

After successfully passing the license exam, each driver is assigned category B. If it is available, a person has the right to sit behind the wheel of a passenger car whose weight does not exceed 3.5 tons. No more than 8 passengers can be transported.

At the moment, B has several subcategories that expand the rights of motorists:

BE. Allows you to drive a car with a trailer whose weight reaches 0.75 tons. The remaining rules (maximum permissible weight of the vehicle and the number of passengers in the cabin) remain unchanged.
IN 1. Required for legal riding of tricycles and quadricycles equipped with engines with a displacement of more than 50 cm³. The weight of the engine should not exceed 0.55 tons.

If a quadricycle or tricycle has lower performance, you will need category M to ride this vehicle, since the listed devices are technically classified as mopeds.

If you decide to take category B1, you need to make sure that the designation AS or MS is entered in the document.

It is important to navigate the meanings of these marks:

AS. Allows you to drive a vehicle that has a steering wheel, like a car. If available, you must make sure that the vehicle is equipped with a wide seat and not a narrow one (as in the design of a moped).
MS. Provides the ability to control a vehicle equipped with a steering wheel and seat typical of a motorcycle.

Requirements for obtaining category B1

Subcategory B1 is assigned automatically if you have a driver’s license of category A or B (Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196). But if they are not there, according to Art. 26 Federal Law No. 196 you need to undergo training and pass an exam at a driving school.

The total number of hours of training for driver's license category B1 is 190 (Order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 1408 of December 26, 2013, Appendix 12). All time is distributed between three directions:

Theory – 130 hours;
Practice in a car – 56 hours;
Exam – 4 hours.

According to Article 26 of Federal Law No. 196, in 2021 the applicant is allowed to take the exam only:

When he was already 18 years old.
If there is a conclusion about the absence of contraindications to driving a quadricycle or tricycle from a medical institution. Certificate of unified form 083/U-089.

During the medical examination you will need to visit the following doctors:

psychiatrist;
narcologist;
otolaryngologist;
ophthalmologist;
surgeon;
At the final stage, the certificate is signed by the therapist.

It is possible to fail to pass the commission to obtain category B1 rights not only for health reasons, but also for physical indicators (Government Decree No. 1604 of December 29, 2014). In 2021, the reasons may be the following:

A person is shorter than 1.5 m. In this case, the commission approaches the decision individually.
One eye cannot see.
Strabismus.
Inflammatory process in the lacrimal sac.
Diseases of the organs of vision in a chronic form.
Limitation of field of view to 200 units.
Absence of phalanx or finger.
Legs are shorter than the standard by more than 6 cm.
Diabetes mellitus, from stage 3 and above.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system requiring treatment in a hospital setting.

Naturally, in addition to the listed conditions, an applicant for category B1 must have a good knowledge of traffic rules.

How to open category B1?

To obtain category B1, no additional exams are required.
It is automatically registered in the licenses of drivers who have passed the basic exams. If you receive category B license, subcategory B1 is registered automatically, and the AS mark is added. People receiving category A can also enjoy the benefits of subcategory B1, and the MS mark is given. If a person does not receive, but restores existing rights, for example, in case of their loss, subcategory B1 is entered without any exams. In this case, a note indicating the assignment of this subcategory is placed on the back of the document.

ATV and quadricycle have different categories of rights

To obtain subcategory B1 in the absence of a driver’s license, you must first undergo training at a driving school, then pass an exam, choose the main category B or, focusing on the features of your vehicle.

To obtain a license to drive a quadricycle or tricycle for the first time, you must complete the following steps:

Come to a medical facility to obtain a health certificate.
Take training at a driving school licensed to teach driving.
Pass the exam by answering most of the questions.
Complete the tasks suggested in the electronic tickets.
Pass a practical driving test at a race track.
Strictly observing traffic rules, drive around the city under the supervision of an inspector.
Pay the state fee for obtaining a license.
Prepare a package of documents, including photos.

Required documents to obtain category B1

An applicant for opening subcategory B1 will have to prepare three sets of documents. Each authority has its own package of papers in accordance with Chapter. 3 of Resolution No. 1097 of October 24, 2014.

At the initial stage of training for category B1, you will need documentary evidence to study at a driving school. In 2021 the list includes:

Original and copy of passport.
Agreement between the student and the driving school. It is issued on the spot. Number of copies – 2.
Receipt for payment of part of the payment. The cost of the course is divided into three equal parts. But if you wish, you can pay off the debt in one payment.
Copy and original medical certificate. It is issued by medical institutions that have the appropriate license.
Photo 3x4 (4 pcs.).

When the standards in a driving school have been passed, you need to prepare for certification at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. You need to have the following documents with you:

Statement from a driving school employee.
Passport.
Certificate of completion of training at a driving school.
A medical certificate that was issued before the start of training for category B1.

If everything went well with the traffic police, then the next step will be to submit an application to the traffic police for a driver’s license with an open category of rights B1. The following documents will be needed here:

Passport.
The original of the same certificate of passing the medical examination.
A document confirming completion of a driving school.
Certificate from the traffic police about passing the exam.
Receipt for payment of the state fee for a driver's license.

As you can see, although the number of authorities that will need to be visited is more than one, the list of necessary documents is quite logical and small. The applicant receives all the required forms as he goes through the procedure for obtaining category B1 rights.

What does the AS mark on your license mean?

Details Category: Articles Published 10/23/2015

Some drivers have an AS stamp on their new driver's license. What does it mean?

You can find this mark on the back of your driver's license, in column No. 12. Some drivers have an AS mark in this column and some do not.

What is the AS mark on your license?

First, let us recall the differences between categories B and B1 in the new driver’s license:

B1 gives the driver the right to drive tricycles and quadricycles;
B entitles the driver to drive cars and trucks up to 3.5 tons.

So, the AS mark is only for those drivers who have open category B1, but do not have category A. That is why this mark is placed opposite category B1.

The abbreviation AS stands for the English phrase “automotive steering”, which translates as an automobile type of steering.

Subcategory B1 with the mark AS means that the driver is allowed to drive quadricycles and tricycles with car-type control. In this case, the automotive type of control means:

the presence of a steering wheel (namely a wheel, that is, a round mechanism);
the presence of a car seat (that is, the driver does not sit in the saddle, but in a chair with a back, like a car).

Note, namely quadricycles . That is, having the AS mark does not give you the right to drive ATVs and other equipment with a motorcycle seat. Unlike an ATV, an ATV has car-type seats, a real steering wheel, and even some kind of closed cabin. For a better understanding, pay attention to the photographs below - they clearly show the fundamental differences.

Quadricycle

ATV

A B1 driver's license with the AS mark allows you to drive ATVs, but to drive an ATV you need to get a special license, which is issued not even by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, but by Gostekhnadzor.

The same can be said about tricycles - the AS category allows you to drive these vehicles only with a car seat. For comparison, below are two photos.

Tricycle with car landing

Tricycle with motorcycle seating

Why such difficulties with this AS mark? The fact is that today these vehicles are becoming increasingly popular - this is a technique that is something between a motorcycle and a car. That is why, when developing a driver’s license of a new format, a separate category B1 and the AS mark were provided, since these vehicles are closer in type of control to cars than to motorcycles.

If the situation is the opposite, that is, the driver has category A open, but no category B, then instead of the AS mark, the MS mark is placed opposite the line with category B1. MS stands for “motorcycle steering”, which translates as a motorcycle type of steering. The MS mark means that the driver is allowed to drive vehicles with motorcycle-type controls and seating, since such a driver has driving skills and a license only for motorcycles.

And drivers who have licenses with open categories A and B do not have AS or MS marks on their licenses - they can drive quadricycles and tricycles with both car and motorcycle seating.

How to get category B1 in 2021?

According to Appendix No. 3 of the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 365 of May 13, 2009, assignment to category B1 occurs automatically if:

A license of category B has been obtained. In this case, the mark AS is placed.
Category A is open. This type corresponds to B1 marked MS.
A driver’s license with the categories listed above was lost, then when the document is restored, subcategory B1 is entered without passing the exam.

Those who apply for a driver's license for the first time must go through all the necessary procedures to obtain subcategory B1. In 2021, the procedure is as follows:

Visiting a medical institution to obtain a certificate of professional suitability.
Collecting and submitting papers for admission to a driving school. Payment of the first payment for studies.
Completion of the entire training course for driving license category B1.
Passing testing for knowledge of traffic rules and an internal exam at the race track.
Visit the traffic police department to take the exam. You need to take the appropriate package of documents with you.
Payment for government services for issuing a driver’s license.
Receiving a document from the traffic police.

Now some minor clarifications on this list.

The cost of training in a licensed driving school in 2021 depends on a number of nuances. For example, whether the category was previously opened, the number of hours allocated for practice and theory, region. The price tag ranges from 15 thousand rubles. up to 25 thousand rubles. The contribution can be divided into 2-3 parts or it can be paid in a single payment. It all depends on the wishes of the future driver.

The state fee for issuing a biometric driver's license, regardless of the circumstances, in 2021 is 2 thousand rubles. When paying through the State Services service, the amount is reduced by 30% and amounts to 1,400 rubles. (discount valid from January 2021 to the end of 2021). The basis for this is Art. 4 Federal Law No. 424 dated November 27, 2018

In some cases, a driver’s license can even replace a general passport.

According to Appendix 1 of the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 365, the following information must appear on the driver’s license:

FULL NAME.;
where and when the driver was born;
when the document was issued and its validity period;
who issued the rights;
signature and photograph of the owner;
driving license category;
additional data: does the driver wear glasses or contact lenses, etc.

Fines for using a driving license without taking into account the specified notes

When driving an ATV or any other vehicle with a motorcycle handlebar and seating position, having an AS restriction in place, the driver risks running into the following administrative penalties provided for by the Code of Administrative Offenses:

A financial penalty in the amount of 5,000 rubles (if the illegal act is repeated, the fine triples);
Deprivation of rights for up to 3 months (an extreme measure that applies to persistent violators).

Advice! Therefore, it is better to learn the designation of abbreviations in the new crust in advance, since otherwise it will not be possible to avoid wasting money.

We learned what AS stands for on a driver's license and what categories it most often applies to. In conclusion, it is worth adding that replacing the old VU is only a matter of time. This means that every motorist will have to remember the decoding of special notes.

Exam for category B1

The full course of study for category B, and accordingly B1, takes 190 hours (Order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 1408 of December 26, 2013, Appendix 12). On average it is 3.5 months.

The entire training period is distributed between:

theoretical lessons;
practical exercises on the application of traffic rules in life;
exams.

The driving school administration has the right to introduce additional hours to hone driver skills.

You will have to take exams for category B1 driving license 2 times: at a driving school and in front of traffic police officers. The essence of the test is to perform basic maneuvers and drive on city roads.

The theoretical exam is conducted using personal computers. All you need to do is answer the questions indicated on the e-tickets.

What cars can you drive?

Having a category B1 license allows you to drive quadricycles and tricycles. These vehicles are moderately popular in Russia, but their number is increasing every year.

Features of these vehicles:

Tricycle. To be able to drive it while moving along city roads or a highway, you must first register the vehicle with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate and obtain a driver’s license. A tricycle is a three-wheeled vehicle similar to a moped. The volume of the engine chamber is at least 50 cm³. A separate group consists of electric-powered tricycles.
Quadricycle. It has 4 wheels, looks like a car, but in most cases does not have the glazed elements typical of a car's exterior. Engine power is up to 20 hp. With. To navigate the roads without negative consequences and avoid fines, you need to register a quadricycle and obtain a license. If the design of the device includes an electric motor, its power should not exceed 15 kW. The weight of a standard vehicle should be limited to 400 kg. If the vehicle is intended for transporting goods, the permitted weight is up to 550 kg. You cannot ride a quadricycle at a speed exceeding 25 km/h.

Tricycle

Quadricycle

The ATV does not have a cabin on top - a driver’s license can be obtained through Gostekhnadzor

Some people make the mistake of thinking that ATVs and ATVs are synonymous. There are differences between these vehicles.

Quadricycles can be used to travel on streets and in any areas where suitable roads are provided. ATVs are used only in specialized places; traveling on public roads is prohibited. They are usually used for sports racing. In many cases, quadricycles are designed with full-fledged cabins. Their properties resemble small cars.

Is it possible to open category B1 without main category B?

As mentioned above, B1 can be obtained with main category A. The driver’s license, or more precisely in column 12, is marked MS (Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 365 of May 13, 2009). This means that you can drive a tricycle or quad bike with a motorcycle handlebar and seat.

From this we can conclude that B1 can be opened without the main category B. An alternative option is a class A driver’s license.

What does the AS mark mean?

Abbreviation AS

in English it stands for “
A
utomotive
S
teering”, that is, an automobile type of control.

Official information about the AS mark is specified in Appendix No. 3 to Order No. 365 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation dated May 13, 2009 “On the entry into force of a driver’s license”:

“If there is a driver’s license of category “B” and there is no category “A”, in section 12 for subcategory “B1” an o is entered, confirming the presence of restrictions on driving vehicles of subcategory “B1” with a motorcycle seat or a motorcycle-type handlebar.”

Let's break it down point by point:

1. AS applies exclusively to category B1

and is entered opposite it in column 12 of the table

AS means that
the driver can operate quadricycles and tricycles EXCLUSIVELY with car-type control.
That is, a vehicle of category B1 must have a “wheel” steering wheel, like a car, and a car seat position.

3. AS is placed in open category B and closed category A.

It is prohibited to drive a vehicle of category B1 with a motorcycle type of control (steering wheel and seating position, like a motorcycle)!

If caught, there will be an impressive fine, which is discussed below.