Heavy goods vehicle charge on trucks (truck toll)

What changes? 

Do you operate a heavy truck? In the Netherlands the heavy goods vehicle charge, the truck toll, is scheduled to be effective as of 1 July 2026. From then on owners of truck pay per kilometre driven. Owners of these trucks will have to pay an amount per kilometre driven on:

• almost all Dutch motorways
• a number of provincial roads
• a number of municipal roads 

The charge applies to domestic and foreign vehicles in vehicle categories N2 and N3. These vehicles have a technical maximum mass of over 3,500 kilograms. You can find the vehicle category on the vehicle registration card.

When the charge takes effect, the Eurovignette will no longer be used in the Netherlands and motor vehicle tax will go down to the minimum. Many other European countries already have a truck toll in place, such as Germany and Belgium. 

To pay the truck toll, you will need the following:

• A contract with a provider (this is possible from the beginning of 2026). The provider sends you an invoice and passes the money to the Dutch government.
• An on-board unit (OBU, toll box) registers the kilometres you travel. You get this equipment from the provider.

The truck toll is intended to make owners of trucks, both from the Netherlands as well as from abroad, pay per kilometre driven. The charge will also contribute to making the transport sector more sustainable and efficient. 

The government will reinvest a substantial part of the money from the truck toll in subsidies for sustainability. For instance, for the purchase of electric trucks and charging stations.

For whom?

• owners of category N2 and N3 verhicles. These are trucks with a maximum technical mass over 3,500 kilograms. You can find the category on the registration card.

The truck does not apply to vehicles that fall into other categories such as buses, agricultural tractors, and camper vans. For a number of vehicles the owner may apply for dispensation from 2026 onwards:

• trucks that are 40 years old or older
• police and fire engines

For a number of trucks an automatic exemption will be arranged. For vehicles with an exemption no truck toll needs to be paid. This concerns:

• electric trucks and vans (emission-free vehicles) up to 4,250 kilograms
• garbage trucks
• street sweepers
• sewer cleaners
• defence vehicles
• vehicles with a one-day registration number, transit registration number, or dealer registration number

When?

The start of the truck toll is scheduled for 1 July 2026.