Toll and road charging for trucks
Are you planning to drive a truck in the Netherlands or abroad? Then you will likely encounter tolls, distance-based charges, or truck road charges. These are fees for using roads and they vary by country.
From 1 July 2026, a truck road charge will also apply in the Netherlands for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes on the main road network. As rules and tariffs differ per country and fines can be high, it is important to be well prepared before you set off. As the renter, you are always responsible for complying with local laws and regulations. On this page, we explain how tolls and road charging work and what you need to consider.
What are tolls and road charges?
Tolls and road charges are fees you pay for using roads with a truck. To ensure proper registration, many trucks in the European Union are required to have an On Board Unit (OBU). This device, often referred to as a toll device, automatically records when you use toll or charged roads and how many kilometres you drive.
At DIKS, our trucks are equipped with an OBU that works in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. You do not need to arrange or install this yourself, and you do not need to manually track your journeys. After the rental period, the data from the OBU is processed and the costs are calculated and charged afterwards on your invoice. Make sure the OBU remains switched on at all times to avoid registration errors and possible fines.
Toll and road charges by country
The Netherlands: From 1 July 2026, a truck road charge applies in the Netherlands for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. You pay per kilometre driven on motorways and certain provincial and municipal roads. Registration and cost calculation are handled automatically via the OBU.
Belgium: Belgium uses a distance-based charging system for trucks over 3.5 tonnes. You pay per kilometre, with the rate depending on the region, the vehicle and its emission class. More information can be found on Viapass.
Germany: In Germany, you pay the MAUT for trucks over 3.5 tonnes. This is a kilometre-based toll on motorways and many federal roads. The cost depends on distance, vehicle type and emission class.
France: In France, you generally pay tolls per route on most motorways. The amount depends on the route and the vehicle category, such as weight and number of axles. More information is available via Autoroutes France.
Other countries: In many other European countries, tolls or vignettes apply. This varies per country and per route. For a full overview, you can consult the ANWB toll overview.
Fines, checks and exemptions
The use of toll and road charging systems is strictly monitored across Europe. Checks are carried out via roadside cameras as well as mobile inspection teams. If you drive without a functioning OBU or with incorrect vehicle data, you may receive a fine immediately. Fines vary by country and can range from several hundred to several thousand euros. It is therefore important to always drive with a properly functioning OBU and ensure that vehicle details such as licence plate, weight and emission class are correct.
In some cases, exemptions may apply, for example for specific vehicle types or certain uses. These exemptions vary by country, so always check what applies to your situation before you travel.
What does this mean for you as a renter?
Planning to drive a DIKS truck? Make sure to coordinate your trip with us in advance so we can provide the right vehicle. During the rental period, you remain responsible for complying with local regulations and using toll and charging systems correctly. Make sure you understand the rules in the countries you are travelling through.