Starting from July 1, 2024, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) weighing over 3.5 tonnes will be required to pay tolls in Germany. However, there will be a slight reduction in toll rates for certain categories of vehicles from this date. Our summary includes all the updated toll information and details about exemptions for craft businesses.
As of July 1, vehicles with a technically permissible maximum laden weight ranging from 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes and used in road haulage will come under the new German toll regime. Vehicles operated by craft businesses may be exempt under specific conditions.
Earlier this year, retail associations urged the German government to provide more clarity on this matter, citing a lack of sufficient preparation time. The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM, previously known as BAG) has issued guidelines detailing who is affected by the toll exemptions starting July 2024.
Toll rates per kilometre as of 1. Juli 2024 (in cent/km) new (old)
for the CO2 emission class 1
for the emission class Euro 6
Regarding exemptions for craftsmen:
The exemption applies if the vehicle is operated by a craftsman and transports materials, equipment, or machinery necessary for service provision and craft activities related to their business, or if it transports handmade items that are produced, processed, or repaired as part of the craft activity. BALM confirms that the exemption criteria cover all professions listed in Appendices A and B of the Crafts Code, as well as recognized training professions in Germany that have a similar business profile to crafts. This exemption also extends to foreign craft businesses. Registration for vehicles eligible for the craftsmen’s exemption is now available through the Toll Collect website.
