German road tolls to include horse transporters over 3.5 tonnes
As of July 1, 2024, German road toll regulations now apply to all vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes, impacting owners and operators of horse transport vehicles.
German federal infrastructure regulations have changed, requiring vehicles with a gross weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes to pay road tolls. This directive affects horse transporters, regardless of whether they are carrying cargo or traveling empty, unless they are officially registered as motorhomes.
Tolls are calculated based on the vehicle’s emission class, ranging from 15.1 to 24.8 cents per kilometer. Böckmann Fahrzeugwerke GmbH notes that an exemption applies to vehicles where at least 50% of the internal area is dedicated to living quarters. However, the company warns that the status of vehicle combinations, such as those hauling trailers, can be complex and may require individual verification.
Drivers must register via the Toll-Collect portal or install an On-Board Unit (OBU) to automate payments. While specific exemptions exist for agricultural or trade-related vehicles, these are not universal. Operators are advised to assess their individual vehicle configurations to ensure compliance with federal law.