The Dutch truck toll is coming

Abolishment of the Eurovignette

As of 1 July 2026, a truck charge will apply in the Netherlands. Once the truck toll comes into effect, the Eurovignette will be abolished in the Netherlands. The Eurovignette is a tax for heavy motor vehicles (bzm), which applies to trucks with a technical maximum mass of 12,000 kilos or more. Be aware that the Eurovignette will remain mandatory for Sweden and Luxembourg.

With the introduction of the truck charge, Dutch regulations will become more aligned with the regulations of neighbouring countries. Owners of trucks will then be required to pay an amount per kilometre driven. The truck charge will apply to almost all motorways and a number of provincial and municipal main roads.

The goal of the truck charge is to make road freight transport more sustainable and efficient. A large part of the revenue from the truck charge will go towards subsidies for the sustainability and innovation of road transport.

On-board equipment

To pay the truck charge, a service provider is required. This provider supplies the on-board equipment used to track the kilometres driven on which the truck charge is owed. This on-board equipment is also referred to as an OBU (on-board unit), toll box, or toll device. (Note: unlike in other countries, the on-board equipment must always be switched on in trucks in the Netherlands, even on roads where no truck charge is levied.) Only when the truck is parked the on-board equipment may be switched off.

The provider also handles the payment of the truck charge. The provider remits the paid truck charge to the Dutch government. If a provider is already contracted for trips outside the Netherlands, the contract with this provider can be adjusted in connection with the truck charge in the Netherlands. It is important to carefully select the provider, as not all on-board equipment can be used outside the Netherlands. Moreover, not all on-board equipment used abroad is compatible with the Netherlands.

Fines

A contract with a provider must be concluded in good time. If trucks do not have functioning on-board equipment, they may not be used on public roads as of 1 July 2026. As of 1 July 2026, fines may be imposed for, among other things, the following situations:

·         No contract with a provider for paying the truck charge in the Netherlands.

·         On-board equipment is linked to a different truck.

·         On-board equipment is switched off.

·         On-board equipment is not working (properly).

·         No on-board equipment present.

Changes to motor vehicle tax

Due to the introduction of the truck charge, motor vehicle tax (mrb) for trucks will be changed. As of 1 July 2026, motor vehicle tax in the Netherlands will be abolished for trucks of type N2 (with a weight up to 12.000 kg). For trucks of type N3 (with a weight of 12.000 kg or more), the motor vehicle tax will be significantly reduced.

Costs of the truck charge

The rate owed per kilometre driven is primarily based on the CO₂ emissions of the truck. In other words, the lower the emissions of the vehicle, the lower the rate per kilometre driven. To determine the applicable rate, the following data are required:

1. Technical maximum mass

2. CO₂ emission class

3. Euro emission class (only if the trucks fall under CO₂ emission class 1).

The RDW has made a calculation tool available on its website to determine the rate.

Waiver or exemption

In some cases, it is possible to obtain a waver or an exemption for the truck charge. A waiver can be applied for, for example, in the case of trucks that are 40 years or older. An exemption applies, for example, to electric trucks and vans up to and including 4.250 kg. An emission-free truck over 4,250 kg will have to pay considerably less compared to a EURO VI diesel truck. If the trucks have a Dutch licence plate, the exemption will be applied automatically. This does not apply to a waiver, which must be applied for.

Subsidies

Various subsidy schemes exist for electric driving, such as SEBA and AanZET. These arrangements are intended to make the transition to an electric vehicle more attractive. For example, the Dutch Enterprise Agency (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, RVO) offers several subsidies to support electric driving.

Want to know more?Do you have questions about the truck charge or your contract with your provider? Or do you have another legal question? Please contact lawyer John Wolfs, who has more than 30 years of experience in areas including transport and logistics.