The German truck toll (LKW Maut) will apply to significantly more vehicles from 2024/2025 onwards and has a direct impact on dispatching, route planning, and pricing. With the expanded toll obligation, new tariffs and calculation methods now apply.
Table of Contents
- Truck Toll in Germany 2025 – Basics & Toll Obligation from 3.5 Tons
- Calculating the Truck Toll: CO₂, Weight & Axle Classes
- Truck Toll Table 2024 – Current Rates per Kilometer by CO₂ & Emission Class
- Book, Calculate & Plan Truck Toll Online
- Toll Exemptions & Special Rules (Tradespeople, Private Use, Exceptions)
- German Truck Toll for Foreign Transporters & EETS Billing
- Revenue from the German Truck Toll
- FAQ
This guide gives fleet and logistics managers a clear overview of obligations, costs (CO₂/weight classes) and practical ways to calculate and plan truck toll expenses transparently.
With the expansion of the toll to vehicles over 3.5 tons, charges have applied since July 1, 2024 to vans and light trucks used for commercial freight transport. This is the first time that previously exempt vehicle classes are now subject to tolls.
In simple terms: the truck toll applies in Germany for vehicles from 3.5 t technically permissible maximum mass (tzGm) in commercial freight transport — exceptions apply for some trades.
Vehicle combinations are only subject to tolls if the towing vehicle exceeds 3.5 t technically permissible maximum mass (tzGm). This is based on the Fourth Act amending toll legislation, which also introduces the new CO₂-based calculation model.
Important: The technically permissible maximum mass (tzGm) is not the same as the permissible gross weight (zGG) listed on the registration certificate. For toll classification, only the tzGm matters.
More information about the new 3.5 t toll regulation can be found in the official Toll Collect FAQ on tolls for vehicles over 3.5 t.
Practical tips for freight companies and craft businesses:
- Regularly check vehicle data (weight, number of axles, CO₂ class) — incorrect details are one of the most common reasons for penalties (see section "Checks & Penalties" below).
- Register exempt vehicles in time via Trade Exemption Notification at Toll Collect.
- Use tools like the IMPARGO Truck Toll Calculator to simulate how the new 3.5 t toll influences routes and costs.
Toll rates per kilometer depend directly on the CO₂ emission class, pollutant class (Euro norm), vehicle weight, and number of axles. To calculate German truck tolls reliably, correct vehicle classification is essential to avoid back payments and penalties.
CO₂ emission classes:
Higher CO₂ emissions result in higher toll rates, while efficient drives (e.g. electric or natural gas) receive more favorable rates. Detailed classifications can be found at Toll Collect – CO₂ classes.
Weight & axle categories:
Vehicle weight and number of axles act as multipliers for the toll price per kilometer. Full details are available under Toll Collect – Weight & Axle Categories.
For quick reference, below are the key toll rates per km. Based on official Toll Collect toll rates (PDF). Download the complete German toll table (BALM): BALM Toll Table (ZIP, status: October 1, 2025)
The following routes are exempt from tolls:
- A6 from the German–French border to Saarbrücken-Fechingen
- A5 from the German–Swiss border to Müllheim/Neuenburg
- Privately financed routes such as Herrentunnel (B75) or Warnowtunnel (B105)
All tables below are based on the official Toll Collect rates valid from July 1, 2024 and provide an overview of German truck toll costs per km by CO₂ class, emission class and weight category.
The tables below illustrate toll rates per kilometer for CO₂ Class 1 vehicles, broken down by emission standard (Euro 6–Euro 0) and weight category.
Emission Class Euro 6 — Toll Rates per km
Emission Class: Euro 5 / EEV 1 — Toll Rates per km
Emission Class: Euro 4 — Toll Rates per km
Emission Class: Euro 3 — Toll Rates per km
Emission Class: Euro 2 — Toll Rates per km
Emission Class: Euro 1 / Euro 0 — Toll Rates per km
The tables below show how the toll rate for Euro 6 vehicles varies depending on the assigned CO₂ emission class (1–4).
CO₂ Emission Class 1 — Euro 6
CO₂ Emission Class 2 — Euro 6
CO₂ Emission Class 3 — Euro 6
CO₂ Emission Class 4 — Euro 6
Note on sources and calculations
- All information is based on the official Toll Collect tariffs (as of July 2024) in coordination with the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM).
- Tariffs are subject to change and may be rounded.
- You can find the latest PDF versions here: Toll Collect – toll rates and tariff overviews
Plan routes & calculate tolls with IMPARGO
Before you book the truck toll via Toll Collect, you can use IMPARGO to plan and compare the optimal route first – including accurate toll forecasts, alternative routes, and bridge and tunnel charges. This ensures you only book the route you actually need and avoid unnecessary toll costs.
Enter the starting point, destination and vehicle data into the route planner, review the suggested routes and confirm your preferred route before proceeding to toll booking. Get started with the free signup, check the pricing or book a demo.
Avoid tolls: alternative routes in the IMPARGO Planner
With the “Avoid tolls” mode, you can plan routes that reduce unnecessary charges before the toll is booked. This is especially useful in countries like Germany, France or Spain, where different operators and route rules apply.
Dispatchers can directly compare the fastest with the most cost-efficient route and make informed decisions.
Detailed toll cost preview & bulk calculation
The preview breaks down toll costs by country and operator – optionally with or without VAT.
For quotations and post-calculation, a bulk calculation via CSV upload is available. Planned routes can then be sent directly to drivers via the IMPARGO Driver App.
Truck toll booking online (Toll Collect)
Once the final, optimised route has been defined, the toll is booked legally compliant and binding via Toll Collect. This way, the booking is based on the optimal route – without unnecessary corrections or extra work.
Booking can be done online, via the app or using the on-board unit (OBU) in the vehicle.
→ Go to truck toll booking at Toll Collect
Under certain conditions, vehicles are fully or partially exempt from truck tolls in Germany. This includes, among others, craftsmen’s vehicles, municipal vehicles and zero-emission drivetrains.
Exempt vehicles do not incur any truck toll costs in Germany; however, you must still comply with documentation and proof requirements.
Craftsman exemption (3.5–7.5 t)
Craftsmen’s vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes can be exempted from the toll obligation if they are used exclusively for craft-related activities. To avoid checks and diversions, non-tollable vehicles should be proactively reported to Toll Collect: Register craftsman exemption.
Toll exemption & legal basis
The following are exempt, among others:
- Electric trucks (fully exempt until the end of 2025)
- Municipal vehicles in public service
- Emergency vehicles operated by fire brigade, police or disaster relief services
Detailed information on application procedures, exempt vehicle types and legal foundations is available from Toll Collect:
Enforcement and penalties
The toll obligation applies on all motorways and most federal roads. Checks are carried out both at fixed locations and by mobile units. Common errors stem from incorrect vehicle data or wrong OBU parameters.
Before departure, you should verify the vehicle classification and booking to avoid penalties.
An overview of toll roads can be found here:
- Toll roads in Germany (Toll Collect)
- Information on the types of truck toll enforcement is provided by Toll Collect on this page.
Anyone who regularly drives in several European countries can benefit from an EETS provider (European Electronic Toll Service). This allows you to manage different toll systems using a single device and a consolidated invoice.
Technical registration and on-board unit (OBU)
- Vehicle registration is carried out directly via the Toll Collect portal.
- The on-board unit (OBU) can then be installed by authorised Toll Collect service partners.
- Step-by-step support for operating the devices (Bosch DIN slot & windshield versions) is available via the OBU learning software from Toll Collect.
- Planned tours can be sent directly to drivers – for example via the IMPARGO Driver App.
Do foreign trucks pay tolls in Germany?
Yes. Foreign companies are generally subject to the truck toll in Germany when they use toll roads with toll-liable vehicles (registration e.g. via EETS or Toll Collect).
Overview of EETS providers
The official overview of authorised providers is available from BALM – EETS service.
Popular providers include:
The revenue from the truck toll in Germany is used to finance and maintain the federal trunk road network; current annual figures are published by BALM.
Many transport companies are looking for clear, transparent information about truck tolls in Germany – you’ll find tables and calculators above. A key question is how tolls affect pricing and route planning.
How much does the truck toll in Germany cost in 2025?
The cost depends on distance, CO₂ emission class, pollutant class, vehicle weight and number of axles. For an accurate calculation, use the IMPARGO truck toll calculator and get started with a free account.
For the 2024 increase in truck tolls in Germany and the corresponding tables, please refer to the current BALM and Toll Collect overviews.
What are the toll costs per kilometre?
The toll rate per kilometre varies according to the vehicle parameters (CO₂ emission class, weight, number of axles and pollutant class).
You can find detailed background information at Toll Collect:
Calculate your route directly with the truck toll calculator.
How is the truck toll calculated?
Formula: Toll cost = kilometres driven × toll rate (depending on CO₂ emission class, pollutant class (Euro standard), weight and number of axles).
Note: The pollutant class (Euro 0–6) still affects the air-pollution component of the toll rate, especially for older diesel vehicles.
Tip: Create your vehicle profile in the IMPARGO truck toll calculator to compare fastest versus cheapest routes.
Which vehicles have been subject to tolls since 1 July 2024 (3.5 t)?
Since 1 July 2024, vehicles with a tzGm (technically permissible maximum laden mass) of more than 3.5 tonnes used in commercial freight transport have also been subject to tolls.
There are exemptions for craftsmen’s vehicles. For more details, see the Toll Collect FAQ on tolls above 3.5 t or the craftsman activity notification.
How do I correctly register vehicles and the OBU?
Registration is carried out in the Toll Collect portal. For operating the on-board unit (OBU), the online OBU guides (Bosch DIN slot & windshield) are available. Planned tours can then be sent to drivers via the IMPARGO Driver App.
Are there toll-exempt vehicles (e.g. electric trucks)?
Yes. Electric, municipal and certain emergency vehicles are exempt from tolls. Check the criteria under toll exemption and the legal foundations.
What is the easiest way to pay tolls in several countries?
For international trips, an EETS provider is worthwhile (one device, one invoice for many countries). An overview is available from BALM – EETS service.
Examples of providers:
Toll4Europe, Telepass, Axxès, AS24 / TotalEnergies, tolltickets, EUROWAG.
What does truck toll in Germany cost per km?
The toll rate per km depends on CO₂ emission class, vehicle weight, number of axles and pollutant class. The tables above provide indicative values; exact route prices are calculated by the Germany truck toll calculator.
How much is the truck toll in Germany for 40-tonners?
For 40-tonne trucks (typically >18 t), the toll in Germany is based on the relevant axle and CO₂ emission class. Calculate the exact cost for your route in the calculator.
