Truck drivers will see new signs near the Dutch border

Truck drivers entering the Netherlands may notice new large information signs near the borders. The signs remind carriers about the planned introduction of a kilometre-based road charge for trucks, which will come into force in mid-2026.

Large information boards aimed at truck drivers have appeared at several border crossings. Their purpose is to draw the attention of transport companies to upcoming changes in the road charging system and to remind them that from 1 July 2026 a new kilometre-based toll for trucks will apply in the country.

The signs have been installed, among others, along border sections of motorways leading from Germany and Belgium, where truck traffic is particularly heavy. Their main purpose is to reach foreign transport companies that regularly enter the Netherlands and may not follow regulatory changes closely.

The new system will apply to trucks with a gross vehicle weight above 3.5 tonnes. The charge will be calculated for each kilometre driven on Dutch motorways as well as on parts of national and regional roads. The rate will mainly depend on the vehicle weight and CO₂ emission class.

With the introduction of the new toll, the Netherlands will abolish the current Eurovignette system. At the same time, road tax for trucks registered in the country is expected to be reduced in order to partly offset the new charges.

Authorities stress that the new system will bring the Netherlands closer to models already used in many European countries, where trucks pay according to the kilometres actually driven. The goal is also to encourage carriers to use lower-emission vehicles and reduce the environmental impact of road transport.

The large signs placed at the borders are part of an information campaign launched before the system becomes operational. They are intended to remind drivers and transport companies that from mid-2026 driving trucks on Dutch roads will involve a new kilometre-based charge.