This document is applicable to the lines with standard track gauge (1435°mm) and wider track gauges of the heavy rail system and the vehicles that are operated on these lines, except portable trolleys as defined by EN 13977 and maintenance vehicles (e.g. rail mounted plant, cranes) in their working or travelling modes (see EN 14033-2). This document describes methods of classification of existing and new lines of the heavy rail system and the categorization of rail vehicles. This document gives guidance to a reliable and established management of the interface between rail vehicles and the heavy rail network and does not impose any requirements on either vehicles or infrastructure. The application of this document enables to ensure the static route compatibility between a rail vehicle and the heavy rail network with respect to the vertical load carrying capacity. It contains requirements relevant to: classification of the vertical load carrying capacity of lines of the heavy rail network; allocation of rail vehicles to line categories (categorization); determination of payload limits of freight wagons. Out of the scope of this document are: assessments of compatibility based on the parameter axle load alone; compatibility checks for cases where an additional dynamic analysis is required (for example according to EN 1991-2:2003, 6.4.4); requirements relating to the maximum total mass or maximum length of a train; the system used in Great Britain, where all lines and vehicles are classified in accordance with the RA (Route Availability) System. A guide to the equivalent categories in accordance with this European Standard is given in Annex M; the publication of line categories. The requirements of this document do not replace any regulations related to running behaviour of vehicles described by the assessment quantities for running safety, track loading and ride characteristics (see EN 14363).