Vehicle Classification
What Is Vehicle Classification?
Why class schemes must be defined before observation.
By SWAT Alliance Editorial Team · Updated 25 August 2026
Insight at a glance
A short visual checklist for better study decisions.
Use the article as a starting point, then confirm the project-specific scope, method, review and output with the delivery team.
Question
What decision should this evidence help someone make?
Scope
Which locations, movements, classes and periods matter?
Review
How will completeness and definitions be checked?
Output
What format will make the result easiest to use?
Short answer
Vehicle classification separates traffic into a project-defined set of road-user categories so volume data can be interpreted by vehicle type.
Use an approved class dictionary
Category names and decision rules should be written before observation. A car/SUV/pickup distinction, for example, is meaningful only if the project specifies how it is applied.
Body type is not axle count
Body-type classes describe visible form. Axle-based schemes apply a different rule and may require a different source position or collection approach.
Video limitations
Camera angle, overlap, night conditions, weather and resolution can prevent reliable identification. The correct response is a defined exception or revised scope, not a guess.
Frequently asked questions
Can the class scheme vary by country?
Yes. Use the required client or authority scheme and document it in the project data dictionary.
Are motorcycle and scooter always separate?
No. Separate them only when the approved scheme and source material support it.
Go deeper
Vehicle Classification Methodology
How a project-specific vehicle class scheme is defined and applied consistently.
View Methodology →Related services