Truck toll since 1 July 2026: why fleets are renewing faster

Since 1 July 2026, trucks in the Netherlands have paid a distance-based charge: the truck toll (vrachtwagenheffing). It applies to vehicles heavier than 3,500 kilograms on virtually all motorways and on a number of provincial and municipal roads, the latter to prevent rat-running. More important than the charge itself is how it is structured, because that changes the calculation underlying your fleet.

The rate depends on weight and emissions

The average rate in 2026 is 19.1 euro cents per kilometre, but that average hides large differences. The amount is determined by weight and, crucially, emission class. A clean Euro 6 truck up to 16 tonnes pays around 16 euro cents per kilometre; above 32 tonnes this rises to well over 20 euro cents. Fully electric vehicles come out much cheaper, at just a few cents per kilometre. In addition, a temporary discount of 22.3 percent applies from 1 September through 31 December 2026.

What you get in return

The charge does not simply come on top of the existing system. The Eurovignette is abolished for Dutch hauliers, and road tax (motorrijtuigenbelasting) for trucks disappears for vehicles under 12 tonnes and drops considerably for heavier ones. According to the Dutch national government, a substantial part of the revenue, well over 253 million euros for 2026, goes back to the sector: to sustainability and innovation, such as electric and hydrogen trucks and charging infrastructure.

Emission class becomes a cost factor

Because the rate moves with emissions, a cleaner truck translates directly into lower costs per kilometre. For hauliers who cover a lot of kilometres, that difference adds up quickly. This gives fleet renewal a clear incentive: driving cleaner now pays off not only in low-emission zones, but on every kilometre driven.

What this means for the used truck market

This accelerated renewal carries through to the supply of used trucks:

• Within the EU, the more modern Euro 6 truck gains value, because it can go anywhere and works out cheaper on tolls and charges;
• Well-maintained Euro 5 vehicles become more widely available and are particularly attractive for export to markets without these charges;
• This creates a favourable moment for buyers to choose with purpose: the right emission class for the right destination.

Not sure which emission class suits your operation or export country? Our team knows the requirements for each market and will help you choose a vehicle that comes out on the right side of the calculation.