New Truck Toll Over 3.5 Tonnes May Affect Motorhomes

Germany's expanded truck toll law, which came into effect on July 1, 2024, has raised concerns among motorhome owners. While the law now applies to all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, most motorhomes are likely to remain exempt from the charge, ADAC reports.

The new legislation links the truck toll to a vehicle's CO2 emissions and extends the scope of roads subject to the toll to all vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes. According to the Federal Office for Logistics and Transport (BALM), vehicles permanently equipped with living facilities, such as beds, a kitchen, and a bathroom, and used solely for passenger transport rather than goods, are exempt.

Challenges may arise particularly for vehicles built on truck or bus chassis that do not outwardly clearly resemble motorhomes. Vehicles registered as trucks, even if used as motorhomes, could also face difficulties. In such cases, ADAC recommends registering the vehicle as a 'Special Vehicle Motorhome' to preempt potential future issues.

The exact number of motorhomes affected by the new regulation remains undetermined. It is estimated to be a small fraction of the approximately 160,000 motorhomes in Germany weighing over 3.5 tonnes. ADAC offers assistance and advice on vehicle registration and suggests voluntary registration with Toll Collect.