Truck toll for classic vehicles: what you need to know before July 1, 2026

A truck toll already exists in the Netherlands: the Eurovignette. This is a time-based toll obligation that owners of heavy trucks pay per day, week, month, or year. In addition, the standard motor vehicle tax applies. That system will largely disappear as of July 1, 2026. It will be replaced by a kilometer charge calculated per kilometer driven via a toll transponder on board.

For owners of vintage trucks, this is an important moment. After all, historic trucks also fall under the new system in principle. However, there is a way out: owners of trucks 40 years or older can apply for an exemption. This exemption does not apply automatically, however. You must actively apply for it and meet a number of conditions.

If you wait too long, you risk a fine. As of July 1, every vehicle on national roads and certain N-roads must have either a working OBU on board or a valid exemption. In this article, you can read exactly how it works.

Are you looking for a vintage truck and do you want to know what the costs look like? Then take a look at the selection immediately. classic trucks at Metropole Sales in Druten.

What changes for trucks as of July 1, 2026?

Currently, owners of heavy trucks in the Netherlands pay both the Eurovignette and motor vehicle tax. The Eurovignette is a flat-rate toll obligation: you pay a fixed amount per unit of time, regardless of how many kilometers you drive. That system will disappear for journeys within the Netherlands as of July 1, 2026.

This will be replaced by a kilometer charge. Under this system, you will henceforth pay per kilometer driven on national highways and certain N-roads. An On Board Unit is mandatory for this; a device that registers kilometers driven via satellite. The rate depends on the weight and emission class of your vehicle.

Older trucks fall into the heaviest emission class. As a result, they pay the highest rate. For vehicles between 3.500 and 12.000 kilograms, this is 27,2 cents per kilometer. For vehicles heavier than 32.000 kilograms, this rises to 48,7 cents per kilometer.

All vehicles in categories N2 and N3 are subject to the new levy. Are you unsure which category your classic car falls into? You can look this up in the RDW vehicle registration register via rdw.nl. That is the first step every classic truck owner must take now.

Does the truck toll also apply to classic trucks?

Yes, in principle, a vintage truck is also subject to the truck toll. However, there is an important exception. Owners of historic trucks can apply for an exemption. Two strict conditions apply: the vehicle must be at least 40 years old, and you may not use it commercially.

Moreover, the exemption is not automatic. That is a crucial difference compared to the old road tax exemption, which applied automatically for many vehicles. Here, you must take action yourself. If you do not, your vintage truck will simply fall under the regular tax system.

Furthermore, there is a point of attention for owners who are already covered by the transitional arrangement for the Motor Vehicle Tax (MRB). Does your truck have a date of first admission before January 1, 1988, but is it not yet 40 years old? Then you can only apply for an exemption once the vehicle is actually 40 years old. In the meantime, therefore, you remain subject to the levy.

Are you curious which classic trucks in our inventory already meet the 40-year age limit? Then view the current selection of vintage trucks for sale at Metropole Sales.

How do you apply for an exemption from the classic car truck toll?

The exemption application is submitted through the official channels of the truck toll. FEHAC, the federation of historic automobile and motorcycle clubs, is closely monitoring developments regarding the exemption scheme and will publish updates as soon as the application procedure has been formally established.

In any case, ensure that you have the following in order. Your registration certificate must state the date of first admission proving that the vehicle is 40 years or older. Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate that you use the vehicle exclusively for non-commercial purposes. This is the same declaration that was required for the MRB exemption.

However, speed is important. If you drive on national roads after July 1, 2026, without an OBU and without an exemption, you risk a fine. Therefore, it is advisable to submit the application as early as possible, as soon as that is feasible. Keep an eye on the FEHAC and government websites for the exact start date of the application procedure.

What does this mean for the road tax exemption of your vintage truck?

For trucks, the MRB will be abolished as of July 1, 2026. With this, the MRB exemption that you, as a classic truck owner, may have been accustomed to will also cease to apply. This will be replaced by an exemption from the truck toll. Functionally, this is comparable, but the procedure is different and actively applying is required.

In addition, the road tax exemption for classic cars is changing in a broader sense. As of January 1, 2028, the exemption for passenger cars, vans, and motorcycles will only apply to vehicles built before January 1, 1988. This has less of an immediate impact on trucks, as the road tax for trucks will disappear as of 2026 anyway.

Thus, the core rule for vintage trucks remains in effect: 40 years old, not used commercially, and an active exemption has been applied for. If you meet these three conditions, you will continue to drive without a levy after July 1, 2026.

Smart shopping: take the age limit into account when making your purchase

Are you buying a classic truck that is just shy of 40 years old? Then it will be subject to the truck toll for the first few years. After that, you can still apply for an exemption. However, it is wise to take this into account when making your purchase.

Moreover, the age limit makes the choice concrete: a truck that is exactly 40 years old is immediately fiscally attractive. A 38-year-old vehicle requires another two years of patience, or you accept that period with taxation. Do you know the year of manufacture of your dream truck? Then you can quickly calculate when the exemption applies.

Furthermore, the emission class plays a role in determining the amount of the levy. Older trucks fall into the highest emission class. As a result, you pay the maximum rate per kilometer if you do not yet have an exemption. This makes applying in a timely manner all the more financially important.

Do you have questions about which truck in our range already qualifies for an exemption? Please contact us via metropole.nl/sales/contact/Additionally, you will find in our article about vintage Scania trucks more information about one of the most sought-after classic truck brands.

Classic car truck toll: what you can do now

Do not wait until July 1, 2026. Check now whether your classic truck is 40 years or older based on the date of first admission. Look up your vehicle in the RDW license plate register and note the category. Then, monitor the application procedure for the exemption via FEHAC and the central government.

Are you considering buying a classic truck? Then this is the right time to include the tax aspects in your considerations. Metropole Sales is happy to assist you with questions regarding the available selection and the practical side of owning a classic truck.

View the full range of classic trucks at Metropole Sales in Druten, or contact us for personal advice.

Metropole Sales

Metropole Sales is located in the iconic Metropole building in Druten and specializes in the purchase, sale, and restoration of classic vehicles. Owner Roy Bolks personally selects each vehicle based on character, condition, and documentation. With its own workshop and an international network of enthusiasts, Metropole is one of the most specialized providers of classic trucks in the Netherlands.

FAQ

What is the truck toll?

The truck toll is a new system that replaces motor vehicle tax and the Eurovignette for trucks as of July 1, 2026. You will no longer pay a fixed annual amount, but a rate per kilometer driven on national highways and certain N-roads. An On Board Unit in the vehicle is mandatory for this.

Does the truck toll also apply to classic cars?

In principle, yes, but owners of historic trucks 40 years or older can apply for an exemption. That exemption applies only if the vehicle is not used commercially. The exemption is not automatic and must be actively applied for.

How do I apply for an exemption for my vintage truck?

The application procedure is announced via the official channels of the truck toll and via FEHAC. In any case, you will need your registration certificate showing the date of first admission, as well as a declaration that you do not use the vehicle for commercial purposes.

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