Toll increase in Germany as of 1.12.2023
In future, the truck toll is to be linked to the level of CO2 emissions. In this way, the federal government ➚ wants to strengthen climate protection and use the earmarked additional revenue to expand infrastructure.
The planned law aims to implement the revised Eurovignette Directive, which was already adopted in March 2022.
One of the key changes in this directive concerns the introduction of a CO2-based differentiation of toll charges for heavy goods vehicles.
Vehicles over 3.5 t will be subject to tolls
From July 2024, the toll obligation for vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons will come into force. This toll is levied on the basis of the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the towing vehicle or tractor unit.
Toll Collect will develop a technical solution and provide an on-board unit (OBU) in time to enable automatic toll collection for vehicles over 3.5 tons tzGm.
There will be an exception for craftsmen and similar businesses. An online solution is currently being developed that will enable tradespeople to provide suitable evidence to demonstrate that the vehicles used in their business exclusively meet the requirements of the “tradesperson exemption”.
It should be noted that there are already corresponding exemptions for craftsmen’s vehicles in connection with the rules on driving and rest periods and professional driver qualifications.
New CO₂ classes
In future, the toll will be levied in seven CO₂ classes. Classes 1 to 3 correspond to the previous classes A to C. Classes 4 to 7 are new and take the CO₂ emissions of the vehicles into account even more precisely.
From January 2024, vehicles powered by natural gas (CNG/LNG) will also be subject to tolls. The toll amount is then also based on the CO₂ classes. Vehicles that bio-CNG are exempt for 2 years for the time being.
Toll increase of 83 percent
The toll increase varies depending on the vehicle and CO₂ class. On average, it is 83 percent. For a CO₂ class 1 truck, the toll will rise from 12.30 euros per 100 kilometers to 22.40 euros. For a CO₂ class 7 truck, the toll will rise from 12.30 euros per 100 kilometers to 32.60 euros.
Effects on transport prices
The toll increase will lead to an increase in transport prices. According to estimates, transport prices for goods traffic on the road will rise by 3 to 5 percent.
The price increase must be passed on to logistics customers by the transport companies.
This means higher costs for shipping and returns prices in e-commerce and stationary retail.
This will have an impact on end customers’ prices either directly or by increasing the price of consumer goods.
Possible measures to minimize the cost of the toll
Transport companies can minimize the costs of the toll increase through various measures. These include:
Improving fuel efficiency: trucks with lower fuel consumption pay a lower toll.
Use of zero-emission vehicles: Zero-emission vehicles are exempt from the toll until 01.01.2026. After that, they pay 75% less on the partial toll rate.
Optimization of transport routes: Efficient planning of transport routes can reduce toll costs.
Criticism of the toll increase
The toll increase is being criticized from various sides. The German Road Haulage, Logistics and Disposal Association (BGL) criticizes that the toll is too high and endangers the competitiveness of the German economy.
The environmental protection organization BUND welcomes the toll increase, but at the same time demands that the revenue from the toll be fully invested in climate protection.
FAQ new CO2 classes
How can the new toll be calculated?
The SVG Cargo app ➚ offers a new function that allows you to compare and understand the old and new tolls.
It is important that you select the correct emission class.
However, you can also use the tariff lengths as a basis for calculating the toll charge in the toll table ➚ using the federal highways and federal roads subject to tolls.
How do I find the right emission class?
To calculate the toll correctly, you need to find the right emission class for your vehicle.
On the website toll-collect.de ➚ you can find the right emission class based on the license plate number.
Which vehicles are considered emission-free?
Zero-emission vehicles are electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and vehicles with a hydrogen fuel cell.
These vehicles will remain exempt from the toll until the end of 2025 and even permanently up to 4.25 tons tzGm.
While trucks with CNG and LNG will be subject to tolls from January 2024.
Vehicles using renewable fuels such as bio-CNG are exempt from the CO2 levy for two years, after which the respective biomethane production process determines whether and to what extent aCO2 levy is due.
