Driving a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes in the Netherlands? Read this before 1 July
Toll for Heavy Motorhomes in the Netherlands
From 1 July 2026, the Netherlands will introduce a truck toll. This toll applies to vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes and therefore also affects many heavier motorhomes. We'd like to explain what this means in practice and what you can already do today.
What is changing?
Are you driving a motorhome weighing more than 3.5 tonnes on a Dutch motorway, expressway or certain other roads without the correct exemption? Then you could face a substantial fine:
- €400 per 24-hour period during the introductory phase (until 1 January 2027)
- €800 per 24-hour period from 1 January 2027 onwards
This is not just a minor administrative issue. If your paperwork is not in order before your trip to the Netherlands, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise.
The good news: you can apply for an exemption
For motorhomes with a non-Dutch registration, an exemption procedure is available. Applications can be submitted via: vrachtwagenheffing.nl/ontheffingen-en-vrijstellingen
How does it work?
- Go to the application form and select option 4 – “Motorhome with a non-Dutch registration”
- Choose “Apply for an exemption”
- Enter your details
- Select “other vehicle” as the vehicle type and complete the required information
- Upload photos of your Certificate of Conformity (COC) and vehicle registration certificate
- You will receive a confirmation email, followed by the exemption approval within approximately one week
The procedure is straightforward and free of charge. All you need is about 15 minutes and the necessary documents.
How do you know if your motorhome is affected?
You can check whether this regulation applies to you by looking at your COC (16.1) or registration document (F.1) for the MAM (maximum authorised mass):
- More than 3,500 kg? The lorry charge applies to you.
- 3,500 kg or less? The lorry charge does not apply to you.
What about a motorhome built on a heavy chassis but registered for a category B licence?
Many motorhomes are technically built on a chassis capable of carrying more than 3.5 tonnes, think of a Fiat Ducato base rated at 4,250 or 4,500 kg. But if your motorhome has been administratively downrated or "de-tarred" to a maximum authorised mass of 3,500 kg (so that it can be driven with a category B licence), does it fall outside the scope of the lorry charge? Our suspicion is that it does not, but we are not yet one hundred per cent certain. What we do know is that the exemption application is free and takes no more than a quarter of an hour. Until we have a definitive answer, we recommend going ahead and submitting the exemption request. We will share an update as soon as we know more.
Not sure, or would you like to know whether your specific model is affected? Feel free to visit one of our four showrooms in Deerlijk, Hoogstraten, Aarschot or Lokeren, or give us a call. Your motorhome coach or one of our colleagues will be happy to help.
Take care of it now, not on the day you leave
Applying for the exemption only takes a little effort. Waiting until you're already stuck in traffic on your way to Rotterdam is far less pleasant. Add it to your to-do list today, so you can hit the road worry-free on 1 July.
