If you drive a truck through the Netherlands, you’ll soon come across the Dutch truck toll and the required OBU (On-Board Unit). But what exactly is an OBU, when are you required to use one, and how does the system work in practice? For many transport companies and fleet operators, the topic still raises plenty of questions. In this blog, we’ll explain step by step what an OBU for trucks is, how the Dutch truck toll system works, and what you need to keep in mind when taking your truck on the road.
An OBU (On-Board Unit) is a small electronic device installed in a truck. The OBU records when and where your truck drives on roads subject to the Dutch truck toll. Based on this data, it calculates how much toll you must pay. The OBU tracks the kilometres driven on toll roads, the truck’s location via GPS, and the time at which you drive on those roads.
The OBU does not record personal data and does not track routes outside the toll roads. The information is used exclusively to ensure the toll is calculated accurately.
Starting 1 July 2026, the Netherlands will introduce a truck toll. From that date, trucks will pay per kilometre driven on almost all motorways and on certain provincial and municipal roads in the country. This toll replaces the current Eurovignette system and introduces a distance-based charge that depends on the truck’s weight and CO₂ emissions.
The truck toll applies to owners of heavy trucks with a technical maximum mass above 3,500 kg, classified under vehicle categories N2 and N3. This means that both Dutch and foreign trucks operating in the Netherlands must pay the toll.
Would you like to know more about the Dutch truck toll and how to prepare your fleet? Read our blog about the truck toll in 2026, where we explain this topic in greater detail and share the expected tariff rates.
Across Europe, the main development is that truck tolls are increasingly being calculated based on CO₂ emissions. This trend follows the revised Eurovignette Directive, which encourages EU member states to impose higher charges on more polluting vehicles to motivate companies to switch to cleaner trucks.
Countries that already have a kilometre-based toll or road charge are mainly adjusting their tariff structures, while those without nationwide tolls continue using specific toll roads.
Germany has had a distance-based truck toll (LKW-Maut) for many years. Since December 2023, this toll includes a specific CO₂ surcharge, which significantly increases costs for diesel trucks. Additionally, since July 2024, trucks weighing from 3.5 tonnes and above are subject to the toll. By 2026, the CO₂ data of each vehicle will play a key role in determining costs.
Belgium already operates a kilometre-based toll system (Viapass), with rates varying by region. In 2026, tariffs will be adjusted again—partly due to indexations and updated emission-based pricing. The system itself will remain the same, but per-kilometre prices may change depending on region and vehicle type.
France does not have a nationwide kilometre-based truck toll. Instead, it uses toll roads (péages) operated through concessions. The main change each year is an annual rate adjustment, usually on 1 February. There are currently no plans to introduce a German-style toll system.
Spain also has no national truck toll. Tolls are mainly charged on certain concession roads, while many motorways remain toll-free. The government has confirmed that there are no plans for a new national toll system. Some existing toll roads are even being phased out as concessions expire.
The UK, being outside the EU, is not bound by EU toll regulations. There is no kilometre-based toll, but the HGV Levy (Road User Levy) applies alongside vehicle tax. Rates are typically adjusted annually on 1 April, and EU CO₂ rules do not apply.
You don’t receive an OBU directly from the government but through certified service providers, known as EETS providers (European Electronic Toll Service). These companies supply the OBU, handle installation, provide instructions, and manage registration and toll payments.
You sign a contract with a provider and then receive your OBU device. You install it in your truck, and the provider ensures that the driven kilometres are recorded automatically and that the correct Dutch truck toll is charged.
Once you receive your OBU (also known as a toll device or on-board unit), install it inside the truck’s cab. It is usually mounted on the inside of the windscreen or on the dashboard where it has good access to GPS signals. Your provider will give you exact installation instructions.
In most cases, installation is simple and doesn’t require visiting a workshop. The OBU is then linked to your vehicle data, such as license plate, weight class, and emission class. This connection is established during activation through your provider. Some systems fill in the data automatically, while others require a short manual check.
Once installed, you can verify that everything is working properly. The OBU typically displays a status light or screen showing whether it’s active and receiving GPS. When functioning correctly, the OBU automatically records your kilometres for toll calculation—no manual input required. All registration is handled automatically through the EETS OBU, also known as road toll on-board equipment.
If your OBU is not functioning properly, there’s a risk that driven kilometres won’t be recorded correctly, which can affect your toll payments. Once the OBU becomes mandatory in 2026, you must always use a fully functional on-board unit.
Driving without a working OBU may result in fines, penalties, or additional administrative work. Checks will be carried out through fixed and mobile control points along the road to verify that the OBU is active and properly registered.
If you notice your OBU isn’t working, take immediate action. Check the power connection and ensure it’s properly installed, or contact your service provider or EETS provider directly. They can often diagnose and fix the issue remotely. In some cases, you may receive a temporary replacement unit or another EETS OBU. Acting quickly helps you avoid complications during inspections and ensures your OBU is functioning correctly again.
To use an OBU, you’ll need to sign a service agreement with a service provider or EETS provider in the Netherlands. The costs of an OBU generally consist of several components and vary depending on the provider.
Most providers charge:
The actual toll charges are calculated separately, based on the number of kilometres driven, the truck’s weight, and its emission class.
When comparing providers, don’t just focus on price. Consider:
By carefully comparing providers, you can choose an OBU solution that fits your operations and avoid unexpected costs.
The introduction of the Dutch truck toll and the use of an OBU require good preparation and clear decisions. At BAS World, we closely follow these developments and provide clear, practical information on everything related to truck tolls and international transport.
This way, you can take to the road well-prepared. Explore our range of new and used trucks on our website. Would you like personal advice? Get in touch with one of our specialists, we’re always happy to help you find the best solution.
