Important changes for drivers in 2026

The year 2026 will bring a number of important changes for motorists and motorhome owners in Europe: from changes to toll regulations and new technical requirements to tax adjustments - if you want to be safe and compliant on the road in future, you should find out in good time.  

We have summarised the most important changes for travellers.

Croatia: The end of toll barriers - digital free flow is coming

Probably the biggest and most welcome change for all holidaymakers in Croatia concerns the toll system there. Who hasn't experienced them - the long queues in front of the toll stations in high season? This is set to be a thing of the past from September 2026.

Croatia is switching to a modern, digital free-flow toll system. This system allows drivers to drive without stopping, as the toll is collected automatically. Technically, this is achieved by a combination of automatic licence plate recognition (ALPR) and special transponders/toll boxes. special transponders/toll boxes (DSRC/ENC devices).

PWCs and smaller motorhomes (up to 3.5 tonnes): Choice between registering the licence plate online (billing takes place afterwards) or using a toll box, e.g. from maut1.de.

Larger motorhomes (over 3.5 tonnes): Obligation to use a toll box (formerly ENC box) in order to be able to assign the correct vehicle category (e.g. category II or III)

Our tip: The switch to free-flow tolls makes the purchase of a toll box, which also works in other countries such as Italy or France, even more attractive in order to simplify billing, enjoy greater convenience at toll stations and benefit from possible discounts.

EU-weite Fahrverbote bei schweren Verkehrsdelikten 

Ab 2026 drohen bei schweren Verkehrsverstößen (z. B. Trunkenheit am Steuer, extreme Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitungen oder tödliche Unfälle) EU-weit gültige Fahrverbote. Bisher galten solche Sanktionen nur national – künftig können sie in allen EU-Ländern durchgesetzt werden. Automobilclubs wie der ADAC begrüßen diese Regelung „als Schritt zu mehr Verkehrssicherheit“. 

Konsequenz: Wer im Ausland einen schweren Verstoß begeht, riskiert nicht nur ein Bußgeld, sondern künftig auch ein Fahrverbot in Deutschland.

New requirements for driving licences and vehicle technology

The exchange of driving licences is a key issue in Germany. All driving licences issued between 1999 and 2001 must be exchanged by 19 January 2026 at the latest. Anyone who fails to do so risks fines and problems during traffic checks.

Technically, things are also becoming more demanding: from 2026, new vehicle types must be equipped with the ‘Next Generation eCall’ system, which automatically makes emergency calls in the event of an accident.

From 7 July 2026, further safety functions will be mandatory upon initial registration, depending on the class, e.g. distraction detection, advanced emergency braking and lane departure warning. This increases basic safety - particularly relevant for long motorhome stages.

In addition, the new Euro 7 emissions standard for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles will come into force on 29 November 2026 - with stricter limits for pollutants and particulate emissions.

Motorhome regulations: More weight with class B?

The EU is planning a reform of the driving licence regulations that will accommodate motorhome owners: in future, it should be possible to drive vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes with a normal class B driving licence - provided that additional training or testing is completed.

The combination with a trailer up to 750 kg should also be permitted. Implementation is planned by 2028, with initial preparations already underway in 2026.

An often overlooked checkpoint concerns the gas system in motorhomes: in many countries, proof of a tested gas system is mandatory. Without this, you may be fined or refused a parking space - an issue that is particularly relevant for travel planning.

Since July 2024, an extended HGV toll obligation has been in force in Germany for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Some motorhomes are also affected - but only under certain conditions.

Exception: Motorhomes with permanent living facilities (e.g. toilet, shower, cooking facilities) are exempt from the toll.

Attention: If the vehicle is not clearly recognisable as a motorhome or the permanently installed equipment is missing, the toll must be paid. Checks are carried out via the blue Toll Collect pillars on federal and country roads.

Tip: Always have proof of the living facilities to hand during checks, e.g. the vehicle registration document or a manufacturer's confirmation.

Tax and equipment: what else will be important

The CO₂ tax will rise significantly from January 2026 - to up to €65 per tonne. This means that petrol and diesel could become up to 20 cents more expensive per litre in the new year. Anyone who drives a lot should take this into account when planning their budget.

From January 2026, however, the commuter allowance will also be increased to 38 cents per kilometre - from the very first kilometre. This applies to all modes of transport, including car drivers and motorhome travellers who commute for work.

For electric vehicles (including motorhomes with an electric drive), a mandatory ‘battery health certificate’ for used electric cars - as part of the new EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) - will be introduced from the beginning of 2026. It is intended to disclose important data such as the ‘Status of Health’ (SoH), life cycle information and chemical composition, accessible via QR code.

This is intended to increase consumer protection and improve the comparability of used electric vehicles.

Travelling to the Schengen area

EES for non-EU citizens: The Entry/Exit System will be introduced across the board in 2026. Third-country nationals (e.g. UK) will be biometrically registered on entry for up to 90 or 180 days.

ETIAS: The electronic travel authorisation will be launched in the course of 2026. Anyone travelling visa-free, e.g. from the USA or Canada, will apply for it online in advance.

Austria: The last adhesive vignette and rising prices 

Austria is consistently continuing on the path of digitalisation and saying goodbye to a ritual that has been familiar for decades: 

• Price increase 2026: The prices for the Austrian vignette will be adjusted as scheduled on 1 December 2025 (start of validity of the 2026 annual vignette). The increase is linked to the consumer price index, meaning that the new annual vignette for cars will then cost €106.80.

• Farewell to the adhesive vignette: The 2026 annual vignette - in the colour ‘fire red’ - will be the very last adhesive vignette to be issued by ASFINAG. From 2027, sales will switch exclusively to the digital vignette. 

• The toll will be recalculated for motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes and commercial users - environmental factors such as CO₂ and noise will play a greater role, discounts for e-vehicles will continue to apply. Private users in cars are not affected. 

Important for online buyers: Remember that the digital annual vignette in Austria is only valid on the 18th day after purchase due to consumer protection if you purchase it directly from ASFINAG.  

This waiting period does not apply if you purchase the vignette as an entrepreneur or via certain sales partners, as is the case for our partner www.mautwelt.de 

EU-wide driving bans for serious traffic offences

From 2026, serious traffic offences (e.g. drink-driving, extreme speeding or fatal accidents) will be subject to EU-wide driving bans. Until now, such penalties have only applied nationally - in future, they can be enforced in all EU countries. Automobile clubs such as the ADAC welcome this regulation ‘as a step towards greater road safety’.

Consequence: Anyone who commits a serious offence abroad risks not only a fine, but also a driving ban in Germany in future.

Toll & vignettes in other popular holiday countries 

• Italy: The motorway tariff reform is planned for the beginning of 2026 (please note the latest information). The aim is to introduce transparent, moderate adjustments to toll charges and a comprehensible introduction of toll refunds, e.g. in the event of roadworks or traffic obstructions on toll routes. 

• France: Further motorway sections are to be converted to free-flow. The short 72-hour payment period after passing through a free-flow passage, which leads to a fine if not observed, should also be noted - or for more safety and convenience, a toll box should be used. 

• Spain: In 2026, the classic warning triangle will be replaced by the modern V16 warning light. This transmits a GPS signal in the event of a breakdown and increases safety on motorways and dual carriageways. This applies to all vehicles registered in Spain (including Spanish hire cars!); the warning triangle will continue to be sufficient for foreign vehicles.

• Portugal: Toll increases of around 2.3% are planned here, but there will also be some free sections, such as the AP-68 from November 2026.

Conclusion

2026 brings many changes that affect technical, legal and, of course, financial aspects. For motorhome drivers in particular, it is worth taking a closer look at the new regulations - be it with regard to tolls, driving licences or equipment. Those who are informed in good time will drive more safely and, in the best case, even save unnecessary fines.

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