Germany Maut 2026: Complete LKW Toll Guide
Germany operates one of the most extensive — and most expensive — truck toll systems in Europe. With over 51,000 km of tolled roads, a CO2 surcharge introduced in December 2023, and further adjustments effective January 2026, understanding the German Maut is essential for every freight forwarder operating in Central Europe.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the German truck toll system in 2026: current rates, registration, payment, penalties, and practical tips.
What is the German Maut?
The German LKW-Maut (truck toll) is a distance-based toll system covering all federal motorways (Autobahnen) and federal highways (Bundesstrassen) — a total network of approximately 51,000 km. It is managed by Toll Collect GmbH on behalf of the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM).
Since 1 July 2024, the toll obligation applies to all motor vehicles used for freight transport with a technically permissible maximum laden mass (TPMLM) exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
2026 Toll Rates by Weight and Emission Class
The toll rate per kilometre is composed of four components:
- Infrastructure costs (varies by weight class and axle count)
- Air pollution surcharge (based on EURO emission class)
- Noise pollution surcharge (varies by weight and axles)
- CO2 emission surcharge (based on CO2 emission class 1-5)
Rate Table: EURO VI, CO2 Class 1 (most common for modern trucks)
| Weight Category | Rate per km |
|---|---|
| 3.5 - 7.49 tonnes | 15.1 ct/km |
| 7.5 - 11.99 tonnes | 17.7 ct/km |
| 12 - 18 tonnes | 23.8 ct/km |
| Over 18t, 3 axles | 30.3 ct/km |
| Over 18t, 4 axles | 32.4 ct/km |
| Over 18t, 5+ axles | 34.8 ct/km |
Rate Table: EURO VI, CO2 Class 4 (best available non-zero class)
| Weight Category | Rate per km |
|---|---|
| 3.5 - 7.49 tonnes | ~11.4 ct/km |
| Over 18t, 4+ axles | ~26.9 ct/km |
Older Vehicles (EURO 0-II) pay significantly more
| Weight Category | Rate per km |
|---|---|
| 3.5 - 7.49 tonnes | ~20.5 ct/km |
| Over 18t, 4+ axles | ~43.3 ct/km |
Key 2026 change: From 1 January 2026, vehicles must pay 25% of the partial toll rate for infrastructure costs plus air and noise pollution surcharges. Electric trucks remain fully exempt from all toll components until mid-2031.
CO2 Emission Classes Explained
Germany uses five CO2 emission classes:
- Class 1 — Highest emissions (default for all vehicles, and automatic for trucks registered before 1 July 2019)
- Class 2 — High emissions
- Class 3 — Medium emissions
- Class 4 — Low emissions (vehicles registered from 1 July 2019 can apply for reclassification)
- Class 5 — Zero emission (fully exempt)
The CO2 surcharge is set at EUR 200 per tonne of CO2, translating to roughly 4-16 cents per km depending on the class.
Registration Process (Step by Step)
- Register your company on the Toll Collect customer portal
- Register your vehicle(s) — provide vehicle registration documents, TPMLM, emission class certificates
- Choose your toll method:
- OBU (On-Board Unit) — automatic toll collection via GPS satellite tracking. Installed by authorized Toll Collect service partners
- Online booking — manual route booking up to 24 hours in advance via the Toll Collect portal
- Toll Collect app — mobile booking for smartphones/tablets
- OBU installation — schedule an appointment at an authorized service partner. The OBU records vehicle position and automatically calculates tolls
- Activate and test — verify OBU is transmitting correctly before your first tolled journey
Payment Methods
- Direct debit (SEPA) — linked to your Toll Collect account
- Credit/fuel cards — for online and app-based bookings
- EETS providers — single invoice across multiple European countries (e.g., DKV, UTA, Eurowag)
Penalties for Non-Payment
- Driver fine: EUR 200
- Vehicle owner fine: EUR 400
- Maximum fine: up to EUR 20,000 for systematic evasion
- Enforcement via 300+ mobile patrol vehicles and automatic control gantries
- Grace period: If toll was missed accidentally, self-reporting within 2 working days may avoid penalties
Exemptions
- Electric trucks — fully exempt until mid-2031
- Craftsmen's vehicles (3.5-7.5t) — exempt if registered for trade use
- Municipal and emergency vehicles — fully exempt
- Empty transit of agricultural/forestry vehicles
Tips for Freight Forwarders
- Reclassify your fleet — Trucks registered after 1 July 2019 may qualify for CO2 Class 2-4, saving up to 8 ct/km. Check vehicle documentation and apply through Toll Collect
- Use EETS providers — One badge, one invoice for Germany + Austria + Czech Republic + more. Simplifies accounting enormously
- Factor tolls into quotes precisely — A 5-axle truck (EURO VI, CO2 Class 1) on a 500 km route pays approximately EUR 174 in tolls alone. Underquoting kills margins
- Monitor CO2 class assignments — Toll Collect auto-assigns Class 1 by default. If your truck qualifies for better, you are overpaying every kilometre
- Consider route optimization — Not all federal roads carry the same toll rates. Modern route planners can calculate toll-optimized alternatives
Calculate your exact toll costs on this route with NSRoute — free.
FAQ
Do I need an OBU for every truck in my fleet?
Not necessarily. For occasional trips, you can use the Toll Collect online booking portal or app. However, for regular operations in Germany, the OBU provides automatic, hassle-free toll collection and is strongly recommended.
How is the weight class determined — by actual load or vehicle specification?
The toll is calculated based on the technically permissible maximum laden mass (TPMLM), not the actual cargo weight. This is the figure stated in your vehicle registration documents.
Can I get a refund if I was overcharged or assigned the wrong CO2 class?
Yes. If you believe your vehicle was assigned an incorrect CO2 emission class, you can apply for reclassification through the Toll Collect portal with supporting documentation. Refunds for overpayments are processed after successful reclassification.
Last updated: April 2026. Toll rates change frequently. Always verify current rates with Toll Collect.