From that year, the country will introduce the vrachtwagenheffing – literally “truck charge” – a reform that will abolish the current Eurovignette in favour of a system that charges vehicles based on actual distance travelled. The new toll will apply to both domestic and foreign trucks, with significant implications for road haulage operating costs.
The scheme is modelled on systems already in use in Germany and Belgium and will be fully automated and digital. Vehicles will be required to carry an on-board GPS unit (OBU) that tracks distances covered on all motorways, selected national roads and certain urban routes near major cities. The toll will be charged automatically. A key feature of the vrachtwagenheffing is its variable pricing based on the vehicle’s emissions class.
Zero-emission trucks – such as those powered by electricity or hydrogen – will benefit from significantly lower tolls compared to traditional diesel vehicles. According to some estimates, electric trucks could save up to 14 euro cents per kilometre compared to a Euro 6 diesel. The maximum rate for diesel vehicles is expected to be around 17 cents per kilometre. At the same time, changes will be made to the Dutch road tax: it will be scrapped for trucks up to 12 tonnes and reduced to the minimum allowed under EU rules for heavier vehicles. The aim is to avoid double taxation and to support a balanced transition to the new model.
From an industry perspective, the vrachtwagenheffing marks a turning point with operational and strategic consequences. It will increase financial pressure on operators using older, more polluting trucks, thereby encouraging fleet renewal. It will also simplify toll management through automation, reducing bureaucracy and increasing transparency for companies.
However, concerns remain. Industry associations have warned that the new system will raise costs, particularly for firms operating on domestic and regional routes. There is also concern that toll coverage on certain local roads could create regional imbalances and prompt operators to seek alternative, toll-free routes.
The Dutch government has already launched preparatory works. Technology installations and enforcement protocols are being finalised, including procedures for handling unpaid tolls. Authorities have confirmed that enforcement will be strict and equipped with tools for immediate recovery, including from foreign vehicles. The legal framework has been designed to comply with EU regulations and ensure fair treatment of both domestic and international operators.
