Starting July 1, 2026, the Netherlands will officially introduce a new road charging system for heavy goods vehicles — a distance-based road tax known as vrachtwagenheffing. The reform will fundamentally change how trucking companies pay for road usage and will fully replace the current Eurovignette system.
The new regulations will affect both Dutch transport operators and foreign carriers performing international transport operations through the Netherlands. With very little time left before implementation, logistics companies are already being urged to prepare for the transition.
What Will Change for Transport Companies from July 2026
Under the new vrachtwagenheffing system, all trucks in categories N2 and N3 with a maximum permissible weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes will be required to pay according to the actual distance traveled on Dutch roads.
The toll will apply to nearly all motorways in the country, as well as selected regional and municipal roads. Both domestic and foreign carriers performing transit, bilateral, or cabotage operations will fall under the new rules.
The main difference compared to the current model is that carriers will no longer pay a fixed fee for a certain period through the Eurovignette. Instead, charges will be calculated directly based on the number of kilometers driven.
At the same time, the Netherlands will officially withdraw from the Eurovignette system. The Eurovignette will no longer be valid for travel in the Netherlands after July 1, 2026.
However, the Eurovignette will still remain active in countries such as Sweden and Luxembourg. As a result, many international transport companies will have to operate under two separate toll systems simultaneously.
Expected Tariffs Under the New System
The exact toll amount will depend on several factors:
— vehicle category;
— emissions class;
— number of axles;
— total vehicle weight.
Environmentally cleaner vehicles will benefit from lower rates, while older diesel trucks with higher emissions will face significantly higher charges.
According to preliminary information from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure, the average toll rate is expected to range between €0.15 and €0.35 per kilometer.
Modern Euro 6 trucks will likely fall near the lower end of the range, while older vehicles may be charged considerably more.
The government is also considering preferential tariffs for zero-emission vehicles, including electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. This approach is intended to accelerate fleet modernization and encourage sustainable freight transport.
How the Monitoring System Will Work
To calculate mileage, transport companies will be required to install onboard units (OBU devices) that automatically record routes and transmit travel data to the toll operator.
Driving on toll roads without an activated and registered device will constitute a violation.
The Netherlands plans to implement a fully automated control system using roadside cameras, license plate recognition technology, and remote monitoring of onboard equipment.
Particular attention will be paid to foreign carriers, as a significant share of international freight traffic passes through the Netherlands in transit.
Which Service Providers Will Be Involved
To use the new toll system, carriers will need to sign agreements with certified EETS providers (European Electronic Toll Service operators).
The market is expected to include major European toll and telematics providers such as:
— DKV Mobility;
— Eurowag;
— Toll4Europe;
— Telepass;
— Axxès;
— Shell Card;
— UTA Edenred.
Many of these companies have already started informing clients about the upcoming transition and the need to prepare for the Dutch distance-based charging system.
Transport operators will therefore need to order compatible devices in advance, register vehicles, and ensure their current equipment supports the new Dutch toll infrastructure.
What Fines Carriers May Face
Dutch authorities are preparing a strict penalty system for violations related to the new road charging rules.
Fines may be imposed for:
— driving without a registered OBU device;
— tampering with or switching off the device;
— incorrect data transmission;
— attempts to manipulate the toll system;
— failure to pay the required toll charges.
According to preliminary information, penalties may range from several hundred to several thousand euros depending on the severity of the violation.
In serious cases, inspectors may temporarily immobilize vehicles until the issue is resolved or outstanding payments are settled.
Additional sanctions are also expected for deliberate fraud or falsification of travel data.
What Transport Companies Should Do Right Now
Industry experts strongly advise carriers not to postpone preparations until the final weeks before implementation.
Transport companies should already begin adapting their internal procedures in 2026 by taking the following steps:
— reviewing fleets operating through the Netherlands;
— checking compatibility of existing toll devices;
— selecting a certified service provider;
— registering vehicles in the new system;
— training drivers on new operating procedures;
— recalculating transport costs based on future toll rates.
For companies operating frequent routes through the Netherlands, the new toll system may significantly increase logistics costs starting in the second half of 2026.
Why Europe Is Switching to Distance-Based Tolling
The Netherlands is far from the first European country to introduce mileage-based charging for heavy trucks.
Similar systems are already operating in Germany, Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and several other European states.
The main objective is to ensure that commercial transport contributes directly to the maintenance of road infrastructure, since heavy trucks create the greatest wear on highways.
In addition, governments increasingly use toll pricing as an environmental policy tool: the higher the emissions, the more expensive road usage becomes.
For international carriers, this means that road transport costs across Europe are likely to continue rising. As a result, transport companies are being forced to optimize routes, modernize fleets, and invest in digital logistics management systems.
