The Netherlands Launches Groundbreaking Per-Kilometre Truck Toll on July 1, 2026
The Netherlands is set to revolutionise road freight pricing with the introduction of a distance-based truck toll system launching on July 1, 2026. This ambitious initiative will require all commercial vehicles weighing over 3,500 kilograms to pay for every kilometre driven on Dutch motorways and selected provincial roads, making it one of the most comprehensive truck toll systems in Europe.
How the System Works
The new tolling scheme, overseen by the Dutch Vehicle Authority (RDW) based in Zoetermeer, applies to both Dutch-registered and foreign trucks in vehicle categories N2 and N3 — those with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3,500 kg. With more than 725,000 unique foreign trucks using Dutch roads annually, the impact on international logistics will be significant.
All trucks must be fitted with a functioning onboard unit (OBU) to register distance travelled and facilitate payment. Unlike traditional toll systems, drivers cannot purchase tickets for individual routes — registration with an approved service provider is mandatory before entering the Netherlands.
Two types of service providers will operate in the country, mirroring models already established in Germany and Belgium:
- EETS providers supply OBUs that function across multiple European countries, typically offered through fuel card providers like NedLinq.
- National providers supply OBUs for use within the Netherlands only, offering replacement units in the event of a breakdown.
The OBU must remain activated at all times while operating in the Netherlands. Most foreign truck operators who already hold an OBU through an existing provider will be able to add the Netherlands as a service area. However, drivers should note that national service providers in Germany (Toll Collect) and Belgium (Satellic) will not be compatible with the Dutch system.
Sustainability-Driven Pricing
The rate per kilometre is calculated according to three factors: the vehicle’s maximum authorised mass, its CO2 emission class, and in some cases, its Euro emission class. The cleaner and lighter the vehicle, the lower the per-kilometre charge — a pricing structure explicitly designed to encourage haulage companies to invest in lower-emission fleets.
A portion of truck toll revenues will be directed towards subsidies supporting sustainability improvements across the Dutch haulage sector, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to greener transportation.
The existing Eurovignette system for the Netherlands will cease on July 1, 2026, the same date the new per-kilometre toll goes into effect.
Enforcement and Compliance
Enforcement will begin immediately on July 1, 2026. Any N2 or N3 vehicle entering the Netherlands without a functioning OBU from a registered provider risks a fine for the vehicle owner. An international information campaign has been launched to prepare foreign operators ahead of the go-live date, with service providers and fuel card suppliers also notifying their customers directly.
Full rate details and a convenient calculation tool are available at www.trucktoll.nl, allowing operators to estimate their costs before the system launches.
What This Means for Business
For international logistics companies and freight operators, the new system means preparing now — ensuring OBUs are compatible, accounts are set up with approved providers, and drivers understand the requirements. The Netherlands remains one of Europe’s most critical logistics hubs, and this toll system represents a major shift in how road freight costs are calculated in the region.
Companies that invest in cleaner, more modern fleets stand to benefit from lower per-kilometre charges, aligning economic incentives with environmental goals in a model that other European nations may soon follow.