A new toll in the Netherlands from 2026

On 1 July 2026, the Netherlands will introduce a new kilometre-based lorry toll, known as ‘Vrachtwagenheffing2’, which will only apply to professional goods transport.& nbsp;

For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (also applies to large motorhomes!), advance registration for exemption from the toll will be required from this date!

Nothing will change for private travellers with cars, motorhomes and vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.

In this blog article, we summarise the most important information for travellers.

Update as of 15 January 2026

According to the latest information from the Netherlands, the registration obligation for motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes will no longer apply "as the toll collection systems recognise that these are not vehicles in the N2/N3 category, i.e. HGVs. In the unlikely event of errors in classification, users have the option of lodging an appeal if they receive a fine."

Further information on this and the amount of the fines is provided on the website https://www.vrachtwagenheffing.nl/en/ which is currently being updated.

We will update this article as soon as we have more reliable information on this.

What's new: The lorry toll from 2026

From July 2026, lorries weighing over 3.5 tonnes will have to pay tolls on almost all Dutch motorways and parts of the regional road network. The toll will be calculated per kilometre, depending on weight and emission class. The toll will be collected via an on-board unit (OBU) that automatically records the distances travelled.

The background: The Netherlands wants to make freight transport contribute more to infrastructure costs and finance investments in cleaner transport technologies. At the same time, the previous Eurovignette will be abolished in the country.

Advantages of the new toll: Owners of lorries up to 12,000 kg will benefit from the abolition of vehicle tax after the introduction of the toll, while it will be significantly reduced for heavier lorries.

Which vehicles are subject to the lorry toll?

The toll applies to all Dutch and foreign lorries in vehicle classes N2 and N3, i.e. with a maximum permissible weight of over 3,500 kg. The vehicle class can be found in the vehicle registration document under the letter “J”.

What exceptions and subsidies are there? 

Various exemptions are provided for, such as for vintage lorries over 40 years old, police or fire brigade vehicles and certain electric lorries or electric vans up to 4,250 kg. 

Part of the toll revenue will be used for subsidy programmes for the sustainable conversion of freight transport, such as the purchase of electric lorries and charging infrastructure.

Motorhomes are expressly exempt

Those travelling in a motorhome need not worry: The new lorry toll in the Netherlands does not apply to motorhomes as long as they are not in vehicle class N2 or N3 and have a gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 tonnes – in practice, this means that standard motorhomes are still exempt from the toll.

Please note: The following applies to motorhomes with a gross vehicle weight of over 3.5 tonnes:

If the motorhome is registered as a motorhome in the Netherlands, no further action is required; the exemption applies automatically.& nbsp;

Owners of foreign motorhomes, e.g. from Germany and Austria, must register for an exemption before travelling as soon as the system is available (information will follow, e.g. at https://www.vrachtwagenheffing.nl/en).

Which roads are subject to tolls?

In future, tolls will apply to almost all Dutch motorways and selected main roads at provincial and municipal level. The current road map showing the sections subject to tolls is continuously updated at https://www.vrachtwagenheffing.nl/en.

Conclusion 

The lorry toll in the Netherlands from 2026 will affect freight transport and have a positive impact on sustainable transport projects.& nbsp;

Motorhome travellers with light vehicles under 3.5 tonnes can continue to explore the country as usual and are not affected by this regulation. 

Only motorhome travellers with heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will need to register their vehicle in advance to avoid any problems during checks or weight-based toll collection.