Toll Truck Costs in Germany: Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Changes

As of July 1, 2024, Germany has rolled out updated toll regulations for trucks under the LKW-Maut system. Now, all motor vehicles used for freight transport with a technically permissible maximum gross mass (tzGm) over 3.5 tons need to pay tolls. This applies whether the vehicle is used for commercial or private purposes.

The changes affect not just the usual logistics companies but also anyone using trucks for personal or mixed use. Whether you're hauling construction equipment, furniture, or goods for personal use, if the vehicle meets the weight requirement, toll fees apply.

Toll charges in Germany are based on a few key factors:

• The route length;
• The vehicle's CO₂ emissions class;
• The number of axles;
• The total weight of the vehicle.

The new system is pretty detailed, and making sure you’re following the rules can save you from hefty fines. To help you navigate the new toll 2026 Germany regulations and avoid mistakes, MT onroad put together this easy-to-follow guide.

Why Do Trucks Pay Toll in Germany?

In Germany, the truck toll system (LKW-Maut) isn’t new — it’s been around since 2005. Initially, it only applied to trucks weighing over 12 tons using highway tolls. But since 2018, tolls have been charged for federal roads as well. Starting July 1, 2024, the toll applies to all trucks over 3.5 tons.

The German tolls are pay-per-use, which means you only pay for the roads you actually use. This is different from a flat road tax system, where you would pay no matter how much you use the roads. The toll revenue is mainly used for two things:

1. Maintaining and improving Germany’s road network (about half of the toll revenue).
2. Supporting sustainable transport options, including rail and inland waterways.

For example, in 2024, the total revenue from truck tolls reached almost €13 billion. That’s a lot of money going toward improving the roads and promoting eco-friendly transport options.

What Exactly is tzGm and Why Does It Matter?

So, what’s tzGm (Technisch zulässige Gesamtmasse) and why does it matter? Simply put, tzGm is the maximum weight your vehicle is allowed to carry, including the truck, cargo, passengers, fuel, and any additional equipment approved by the manufacturer. It’s not about the actual weight of your load at the moment of travel, it’s all about the legal maximum for your vehicle.

You can find the tzGm listed in your vehicle’s registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) under item F.1. This is the magic number that determines whether or not you need to pay the toll.

For example:

• If the truck itself weighs more than 3.5 tons, you’ll have to pay tolls, even if the trailer is empty or super light.
• If the truck weighs less than 3.5 tons, but the entire combination (truck + trailer) goes over, you don’t pay tolls — because only the truck’s weight counts.

This means even if your vehicle is partially loaded or empty, as long as its tzGm exceeds 3.5 tons, you still have to pay the toll.

Who Has to Pay the Toll in Germany?

Here’s the list of vehicles that are subject to toll charges starting July 1, 2024:

• All trucks, no matter the type, with a tzGm over 3.5 tons.
• Box-body trucks with an all-metal structure and tzGm > 3.5 tons.
• Flatbed trucks, dump trucks, and pickup trucks registered for freight and weighing more than 3.5 tons.
• Vans and crew-cab pickups used for transporting goods.
• Vehicles that are converted for transporting tools, construction materials, or equipment (including personal use like hauling furniture).
• Refrigerated trucks and insulated trucks.
• Special-purpose vehicles used for transporting goods.
• Truck-trailer combinations, if the truck itself weighs more than 3.5 tons.
• Dumpers, concrete mixers, and other construction vehicles that operate on public roads.

What About Non-Commercial and Private Vehicles?

Many people think only commercial trucks need to pay the toll, but that's not true. If you’re driving a vehicle with more than 3.5 tons tzGm, and you’re using it to carry any kind of goods — personal or commercial — you’ll have to pay.

Examples:

• A personal van carrying construction materials and weighing over 3.5 tons? You’ll pay the toll.
• A motorhome used to transport goods? It’s subject to tolls.
• Even if you're just moving furniture with a registered vehicle that has a tzGm above 3.5 tons, the toll still applies.

The toll trucks in Germany: Where Do You Pay?

Since 2018, the toll network has basically spread across almost the entire federal road system — roughly 51,000 km — covering motorways, main transit routes, and industrial access roads. Germany has a well-defined road network where tolls apply. These include:

• All federal motorways (Germany autobahn toll) like A1, A2, A3, etc. basically, all on-ramps, exits, interchanges, and even rest areas are included.
• Federal highways (B-roads) like B7, B10, B96, and more.
• Access roads and connections if they’re part of the official federal network.
• Parking areas and service zones connected to the federal roads.

Are There Any Toll-Free Roads in Germany?

Yes, but there are far fewer than most drivers expect. As a general rule, if a road is part of the federal road network, truck toll in Germany apply. That said, there are specific road sections that are officially excluded from the LKW-Maut system for legal or international reasons.

This is not about “loopholes” or grey zones. These are clearly defined routes that are formally exempt from tolls. The legal basis for these exemptions is set out in Section 1, paragraph 3 of the Federal Road Toll Act (BFStrMG).

In practical terms, this usually means:

1. certain sections of border-area motorways;
2. individual exits and short connecting road segments;
3. roads financed under private concession models, where a separate toll system applies.

Examples include:

1. A6 — the section from the French border to the Saarbrücken-Fechingen exit;
2. A5 — from the Swiss border to the Müllheim / Neuenburg exit;
3. selected B-roads that are not connected to the Toll Collect system.
4. certain adjacent interchanges and access ramps that are technically outside Toll Collect coverage

The list of toll-free road sections is regularly updated in the BALM portal. Relying on outdated maps or assumptions is a common reason for unexpected toll penalties.

How is the Toll Enforced?

Germany uses a combination of fixed toll pillars, mobile checkpoints, and automatic systems to make sure drivers follow the toll rules. So, if you skip paying or forget to register, you could get caught pretty easily.

How to Check If a Road Is Toll-Free (Before You Drive)

The safest way to avoid mistakes is to check your route in advance using the official tools, not Google Maps and not “someone said it’s free”.

The most reliable option is the interactive toll map from Toll Collect. It clearly shows:

• all toll-relevant road sections;
• toll-free segments and border zones;
• transitions between toll and non-toll roads in Germany;
• control bridges and enforcement points.

If a road is not shown as toll-free on the official map, assume that the toll applies. If your route includes short connectors, exits, or industrial access roads, double-check them. Many fines come from drivers assuming these sections are exempt — they often aren’t.

How Truck Toll Rates in Germany Are Calculated

Germany doesn’t use flat fees. Every truck gets its toll rate, based on how much strain it puts on the infrastructure.

The final price per kilometre depends on four things:

• the number of axles;
• the vehicle’s technically permissible maximum laden mass (tzGm);
• the engine emission class;
• the CO₂ emissions class.

This is why two trucks driving the same road can end up paying very different amounts.

What Do Toll Rates Look Like in 2026?

In 2026, tolls for heavy trucks — especially those with four or more axles — can easily go above €0.30 per kilometre, depending on their CO₂ class and weight category.

At the same time:

• zero-emission trucks are fully exempt from tolls until 30 June 2031;
• zero-emission vehicles with a tzGm up to 4.25 tonnes are permanently exempt, with no expiry date.

All official rates in 2026 are published by BALM and updated annually. If you operate multiple vehicles, checking the tariff table before planning routes is not optional — it directly affects your costs.

How Can You Pay Truck Tolls in Germany?

Germany offers several ways to pay, depending on how often you drive, what kind of vehicle you use, and whether you want automation or manual control.

Automatic Payment via OBU (On-Board Unit)

This is the most hands-off option.

An OBU is installed in the truck and automatically records toll-relevant road use. Once it’s active:

• routes are detected automatically;
• data is sent to Toll Collect;
• tolls are calculated without driver input.

This setup is mainly used by fleet operators and regular carriers. It also supports EETS, which is useful for international operations.

Installation request: toll-collect.de → OBU registration

Manual Toll Payment Options: When You Don’t Have an OBU

Not every truck runs with an onboard unit — and Germany accounts for that. If your vehicle isn’t equipped with an OBU, you still have several legal ways to pay the toll, but all of them require attention to detail. Mistakes here are one of the most common reasons for fines

Paying via the Toll Collect App

For occasional trips, rentals, or non-standard routes, the Toll Collect mobile app is usually the easiest option.

How it works in real life:

• you register the vehicle in the Toll Collect system;
• open the app (iOS or Android);
• enter the route, date, time, and vehicle data;
• pay the toll and get a digital confirmation.

That confirmation acts as your proof during roadside checks. If inspectors ask, you show it — simple as that.

This option is best if:

• you don’t drive in Germany regularly;
• you’re using a rented truck;
• your routes change often.

What it’s not good for: last-minute changes. If the route changes, you must cancel and rebook before entering the next toll road.

Toll Collect app: Google Play / App Store

Online Trip Booking (Without Any Device)

Another option is online booking through the Toll Collect web portal. No hardware, no app — just your browser.

Key points to know:

• booking must be completed before the trip;
• the route is entered manually and linked to the license plate;
• payment can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

This method gives flexibility but leaves zero room for errors. A wrong axle count, emission class, or route section can easily turn into a fine — even if the toll was paid.

Online booking: https://www.maut.toll-collect.de/ui/web/#/home

EETS: One Contract for Multiple Countries

If your trucks operate across borders, EETS (European Electronic Toll Service) might make more sense.

Instead of dealing with multiple national systems, you use:

• one contract;
• one multifunctional device;
• one consolidated invoice.

EETS works in Germany and many other EU countries, including Austria, France, Belgium, Poland, and more. Providers like Toll4Europe, Eurowag, Telepass, and Axxès handle the setup.

This option is typically chosen by:

• international carriers;
• companies with centralized accounting;
• fleets that want less admin work.

List of providers and details: balm.bund.de → EETS providers.

TollNow: A New Option Rolling Out in 2026

Starting in 2026, Toll Collect is introducing TollNow — a new manual payment solution aimed at irregular and one-off trips.

The idea behind TollNow is simple:

• no OBU installation;
• no advance route planning;
• pay right before or during the trip.
  
  

TollNow is designed for:

• rented trucks;
• private transport;
• small businesses without a fixed fleet;
• occasional Germany transits.

TollNow does not replace the OBU or online booking. It fills the gap between full automation and rigid pre-booked routes. At launch, TollNow is expected to be available as a mobile solution, initially for iOS.

Which Trucks Don’t Have to Pay the Toll in Germany?

Not every vehicle on German roads falls under the LKW-Maut. There are exemptions, but they’re very specific — and guessing usually ends with a fine.

Here’s who is outside the toll system as of 2026:

• vehicles with a tzGm below 3.5 tonnes;
• emergency vehicles — fire brigade, police, military, medical services;
• tow trucks, mobile labs, emergency response vehicles;
• special-purpose vehicles that aren’t used to carry goods, such as broadcasting or scientific trucks.

If a vehicle is technically capable of carrying cargo but is not registered or used for transport, it may still qualify for an exemption — but this always depends on how it’s classified in official documents.

The Craftsmen Exemption: When 3.5–7.5 Tons Can Still Be Toll-Free

Since 1 July 2024, Germany applies a specific exemption for craftsmen and tradespeople — and this one causes the most confusion.

Vehicles with a tzGm between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes can be exempt if they are used for:

• transporting tools, materials, or equipment needed for manual work;
• delivering handcrafted products;
• non-commercial business trips that are not commercial freight transport.

This exemption is not automatic.

To use it legally, the vehicle must be registered under the Craftsmen Regulation in the Toll Collect system. If it’s not registered, the exemption does not apply — even if the vehicle is clearly used for trade work.

Zero-Emission Trucks: Temporary and Permanent Exemptions

Germany also provides toll relief for zero-emission vehicles, but there are two different rules depending on weight.

• Zero-emission trucks over 4.25 tonnes (electric or hydrogen) are exempt from tolls until 30 June 2031.
• Zero-emission vehicles with a tzGm up to 4.25 tonnes are permanently exempt, with no end date.

Axle count doesn’t matter here — only the emission type and permitted weight.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay the Toll (or Enter the Wrong Data)?

In Germany, skipping the LKW-Maut or entering incorrect details isn’t a “small mistake”. It’s treated as an administrative offence under §10 of the Federal Road Toll Act (BFStrMG).

Checks are not random. Enforcement is largely automated and backed up by humans:

• control bridges over highways;
• roadside toll pillars;
• mobile inspection units operated by BALM.

All these systems compare your actual route with what’s registered in Toll Collect. If something doesn’t match, a procedure starts automatically.

Typical Violations and Penalties under the LKW-Maut

Violation type	Driver fine	Vehicle owner / company fine
Toll truck not paid at all	up to €240	up to €480
Wrong weight or axle count	up to €120	up to €240
Incorrect emission or CO₂ class	up to €120	up to €240
Route deviation (driving outside the booked route)	up to €120	up to €240
Mistakes in license plate, entry or exit point	Fixed penalty: €40	Fixed penalty: €40

In serious cases — especially for legal entities — fines can go much higher. For major or repeated violations, penalties may reach €20,000.

Who Is Actually Responsible?

This is where many companies get caught off guard.

Under German law, the vehicle owner or operator is responsible — not the driver, not the dispatcher, not the admin who entered the data.

Even if:

• the driver selected the wrong route;
• the dispatcher entered the wrong axle count;
• the office staff forgot to update vehicle data;

Liability still sits with the owner or carrier in whose name the vehicle is registered.

Delegating the task doesn’t transfer responsibility.

You got a fine. What Now?

The official notice is sent to the registered address of the vehicle owner or legal representative.

From there, you have two options:

1. Pay the fine.
   The payment details are listed directly in the letter. Once paid, the case is closed.
   
   
2. File an appeal.
   You can challenge the fine by submitting documents to BALM, such as:
   
   
• booking confirmations;
• OBU logs;
• route records;
• proof of correct vehicle data.

Appeals only work if you have solid evidence. “I didn’t know” or “it was a mistake” won’t help.

Why Careful Planning Actually Pays Off

Most fines don’t come from intentional violations. They come from:

• wrong assumptions,
• outdated vehicle data,
• last-minute route changes,
• or skipping registration “just for a short stretch”.

Double-checking routes and vehicle parameters takes minutes — dealing with fines takes weeks.

FAQ 

1. What if my route changes after I’ve already booked it?

If you booked manually, you must cancel the original booking and create a new one before entering the next toll road. Partial changes aren’t allowed.

2. Can I pay the toll after driving the road?

No. Payment and registration must be completed in advance. Retroactive payments aren’t possible.

3. Is toll enforcement always automatic?

Mostly yes. Automated systems handle the first check, and BALM steps in if there’s a mismatch.

4. Do foreign trucks need to register too?

Yes. Country of registration doesn’t matter. If the vehicle is toll-liable, it must be registered with Toll Collect.

5. Where can I check if my tzGm, axle count, or CO₂ class is correct?

In your Toll Collect account. It’s your responsibility to keep this data accurate.

6. What if the OBU stops working mid-trip?

Before entering the next toll road, you must switch to manual booking via the app or web portal.

7. How long is toll data stored?

Bookings and payments remain visible in your user account and serve as proof. Official retention periods aren’t publicly specified.