New transport rules have applied since 1 July: what you need to know

1. Truck toll replaces the Eurovignette

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of the truck toll. Since 1 July 2026, trucks in the Netherlands have been charged a toll for every kilometre driven.

The truck toll applies to Dutch and foreign trucks in vehicle categories N2 and N3 with a technically permissible maximum mass of more than 3,500 kilograms. The toll applies on almost all Dutch motorways, as well as on a number of provincial and municipal roads.

The amount paid per kilometre depends on the weight and CO₂ emission class of the truck. In general, the lower the weight and CO₂ emissions, the lower the rate.

On-board unit mandatory in the truck

To register the kilometres driven, every truck that falls under the truck toll system must have a working on-board unit (OBU). This device automatically records the kilometres for which the truck toll must be paid.

At the same time as the truck toll was introduced, the Dutch Eurovignette was abolished. Motor vehicle tax was also adjusted. Motor vehicle tax has been abolished for trucks weighing up to 12,000 kilograms. For heavier trucks, the tax is being reduced to the European minimum level. During the second half of 2026, owners of these trucks temporarily do not have to pay motor vehicle tax.

In short: the more kilometres you drive, the more truck toll you pay.

Good to know: from 1 September until 31 December 2026, a temporary discount of 22.3% applies to the truck toll rates. This temporary reduction is intended to compensate for the sharp increase in fuel costs.

2. Minimum wage increased to €14.99 per hour

There has also been a change for employees in transport and logistics since 1 July. The statutory minimum wage has increased again. For employees aged 21 and over, the statutory minimum hourly wage increased from €14.71 to €14.99 gross per hour.

Separate minimum youth wages apply to employees under the age of 21. The exact amount depends on age.

How much you ultimately earn as a truck driver depends on factors such as the collective labour agreement, your position, experience and any additional allowances. The statutory minimum wage forms the minimum threshold.

3. Smart tachograph mandatory for more vehicles since 1 July 2026

The rules surrounding the smart tachograph have also changed. While tachograph requirements are mainly associated with trucks and buses, since 1 July 2026 they have also applied to a new group of lighter commercial vehicles.

Do you carry out international goods transport with a vehicle or vehicle combination with a permitted maximum mass of 2,500 to 3,500 kilograms? In many cases, you are required to use a smart tachograph. This may apply, for example, to a van or a light commercial vehicle with a trailer used to transport goods across national borders. Among other things, your driving and rest times and routes travelled are automatically recorded.

Exceptions to the tachograph requirement

There are some exceptions to the tachograph requirement. Under certain conditions, exemptions apply to own-account transport where driving is not the driver’s main activity. Do you drive a van internationally? Make sure you check carefully whether the tachograph requirement applies to you.

What do the new rules mean for the transport sector?

The transport sector continues to develop rapidly. New rules relating to sustainability, employment conditions and driving and rest times are introduced regularly. The changes that took effect on 1 July are a good example.

It is important for both transport companies and drivers to stay informed. Whether it concerns costs, wages or driving and rest times, new regulations can have a direct impact on your day-to-day work.

The rules introduced on 1 July have now been in force for some time. Even so, this is a good moment to check whether everything is properly arranged. That way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises while on the road.