Pick your route, fuel and Euro standard. You instantly see which vignette you need per country, what it officially costs and which cities your car is not allowed into.
Vignettes for this routeestimate in euro, excluding section tolls€32.00
NL
Netherlands
Transit
No vignette needed for cars.
No vignette. Tolls only at the Kil tunnel and the Blankenburg tunnel (A24, e-tol.nl, pay within 72 hours or €35 extra). The Westerschelde tunnel is free.
Low-emission zones for diesel cars: Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem at least Euro 5, The Hague at least Euro 4. Petrol is free. No sticker, camera enforcement.
Watch out: Holding your phone while driving costs €440.
A digital 2-month or annual vignette bought online is only valid 18 days after purchase. The 1-day and 10-day vignettes are valid immediately.
The red 2026 sticker is the last one and is valid until 31 January 2027. From the 2027 vignette year it is digital only.
Tolls and extra costs 7
A13 Brenner€12.50
A10 Tauern + Katschberg€15.00
S16 Arlbergtunnel€13.00
A11 Karawankentunnel (→ SI)€9.00
A9 Gleinalmtunnel€12.00
A9 Bosrucktunnel€7.00
Felbertauerntunnel€13.50
Watch out: Tyrol: on weekends and public holidays (7 am–7 pm) detour roads in the Innsbruck, Kufstein, Imst and Reutte districts are closed to through traffic. Destination traffic needs proof, such as a hotel booking.
Vignette-free in Austria · You don't need a vignette on these motorway stretches just past the border:
A digital 2-month or annual vignette bought online is only valid 18 days after purchase. The 1-day and 10-day vignettes are valid immediately.
The red 2026 sticker is the last one and is valid until 31 January 2027. From the 2027 vignette year it is digital only.
Section tolls (Sondermaut) are paid on top of the vignette, per trip.
Motorcycle: 1 day €3.80, 10 days €5.10, year €42.70.
A13 Brenner€12.50
A10 Tauern + Katschberg€15.00
S16 Arlbergtunnel€13.00
A11 Karawankentunnel (→ SI)€9.00
A9 Gleinalmtunnel€12.00
A9 Bosrucktunnel€7.00
Felbertauerntunnel€13.50
Low-emission zones 0
No car low-emission zones in our overview.
Watch out
Tyrol: on weekends and public holidays (7 am–7 pm) detour roads in the Innsbruck, Kufstein, Imst and Reutte districts are closed to through traffic. Destination traffic needs proof, such as a hotel booking.
For extreme speeding (60+ km/h over in towns, 70+ outside) the police can seize your car.
Truck toll
ASFINAG GO-Maut · > 3,5 t · GO-Box / EETS
Truck driving ban (> 7,5 t): Saturday 15 h to Sunday 22 h (also trucks with a trailer if either part is over 3.5 t). In summer Saturdays 8–15 h on the A4 and holiday roads, 7–15 h on the A10 Tauern. Night ban 22–5 h. In Tyrol: block clearance at Kufstein, a sectoral ban on the A12 and Luegbrücke (A13) works until about 2031.
The rules and traps that most often earn holidaymakers a fine. First what applies everywhere, then country by country.
Everywhere in Europe
Fines from other EU countries are also collected at home. Not paying only makes them more expensive.
In France and Switzerland speed camera alerts in sat navs and apps are banned (up to €1,500 in France). In Belgium and Luxembourg only radar detectors are banned; warning apps are allowed there.
Form an emergency corridor as soon as traffic jams on the motorway: compulsory in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Czechia, Hungary and, since October 2026, Spain (€200 fine).
Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania have a zero alcohol limit. Even one beer at lunch is too much there.
Keep the hi-vis vest within reach inside the car, not in the boot. In many countries you must put it on before getting out.
Driving a rental car? The rental company often adds an admin fee to every fine. Ask whether a toll tag is fitted when you pick it up.
Emergency number 112 works in every EU country, even without a SIM card or credit.
By country
AAustria
Tyrol: on weekends and public holidays (7 am–7 pm) detour roads in the Innsbruck, Kufstein, Imst and Reutte districts are closed to through traffic. Destination traffic needs proof, such as a hotel booking.
For extreme speeding (60+ km/h over in towns, 70+ outside) the police can seize your car.
CHSwitzerland
Fines are steep: 20 km/h over costs CHF 180 on motorways and CHF 240 outside towns; in towns you are reported. Extreme speeding can mean prison.
Lights by day are compulsory.
DGermany
Using a speed camera warner while driving costs €75 and a point.
Overtaking on the right is only allowed in slow queues (left lane at 60 km/h or less, at most 20 km/h faster); otherwise it is banned.
NLNetherlands
Holding your phone while driving costs €440.
During the day (6 am–7 pm) most motorways are limited to 100 km/h.
BBelgium
Priority to the right applies, also on many bigger roads without a priority sign.
Radar detectors are banned (fine €800–8,000); navigation apps showing camera locations, such as Waze, are allowed.
LLuxembourg
Radar detectors are banned (fine €251–5,000); warning apps such as Waze are allowed.
Fuel is often cheaper than in neighbouring countries: fill up when passing through.
FFrance
Speed camera alerts are banned (up to €1,500). Navigation apps show only 'danger zones' there.
20 km/h over costs €135. Motorways drop to 110 km/h in the rain instead of 130.
Barrier-free tolls (A13/A14, A79, A69): pay online within 72 hours.
IItaly
20 km/h over costs from €173. Pay within 5 days for a 30% discount.
Never drive into a ZTL: every camera gate is a separate fine, often €80–100.
A bike rack that sticks out needs a red-and-white warning panel (50 × 50 cm).
ESpain
20 km/h over costs €100; pay within 20 days for 50% off.
Holding a phone and even wearing headphones or earbuds while driving is banned (€200).
Madrid and Barcelona: register your foreign car before entering the low-emission zone.
PPortugal
Electronic toll gantries have no booths: set up EasyToll or TollCard first, or you will be fined.
Put on the vest when you get out on the motorway.
CZCzech Republic
Dipped or daytime running lights are compulsory all year.
Trams almost always have priority; stop behind a tram at a stop without a platform island.
SKSlovakia
Lights by day are compulsory all year.
Buy the vignette at eznamka.sk: resellers sometimes charge double.
SLOSlovenia
There is no 1-day vignette; cameras watch every motorway (fine €300–800).
Winter tyres compulsory from 15 November to 15 March, or summer tyres with chains on board.
HRCroatia
Drivers under 24: zero alcohol.
In July and August expect long queues at toll plazas and borders: leave early or at night.
HHungary
Forgot the vignette? You can still buy it up to 60 minutes after entering.
Outside towns, lights are compulsory by day.
PLPoland
Lights compulsory 24 hours a day, all year.
Turning right on red is only allowed with a green arrow, and only after stopping.
DKDenmark
Lights by day are compulsory.
The Øresund bridge is much cheaper online or with a subscription than at the toll booth.
SSweden
Radar detectors are banned.
Winter tyres compulsory from 1 December to 31 March in winter conditions.
NNorway
Fines are among Europe's highest: 16–20 km/h over costs NOK 7,450 to 8,650 (about €640–750).
0.2 alcohol limit and lights by day compulsory.
BGBulgaria
The e-vignette also applies on most national roads, not just motorways.
First aid kit and fire extinguisher are compulsory; radar detectors are banned.
RORomania
The rovinieta is needed on all national roads, not only motorways.
Carry two warning triangles, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
UKUnited Kingdom
Drive on the left; speeds are in miles per hour (70 mph ≈ 113 km/h).
London congestion charge: £18 if paid in advance or on the day, £21 up to three days after; then a £180 penalty.
Breakdowns
Who helps when you break down abroad
In danger, always call 112 first. For breakdown help: the country's automobile club, your own club at home or your travel cover.
Breakdown help
Automobile club
Number in country
From abroad/mobile
NL Netherlands
ANWB
088-ANWB-888
–
D Germany
ADAC
22 22 22
+49 89 22 22 22
A Austria
ÖAMTC
120
–
CH Switzerland
TCS
140
0800 140 140
B Belgium
Touring
–
+32 70 344 777
L Luxembourg
ACL
–
+352 26 000
F France
—
112 / borne orange
–
I Italy
ACI
803.116
800 116 800 (+39 06 43232008)
E Spain
RACE
900 112 222
+34 915 948 943
CZ Czech Republic
ÚAMK
1230
+420 261 104 123
SK Slovakia
SATC
18124
–
SLO Slovenia
AMZS
1987
+386 1 5305 353
HR Croatia
HAK
1987
+385 1 1987
H Hungary
MAK
188
–
DK Denmark
FDM
70 27 91 12
+45 70 27 91 12
N Norway
NAF
08505
+47 92 60 85 05
BG Bulgaria
UAB
146
+359 2 91 146
RO Romania
ACR
–
+40 21 222 22 22
France: only approved tow operators may work on motorways, not even your own insurer's. Use the orange emergency phone or 112. Fixed 2026 price for a car: €151 by day, €226.50 at night, weekends and public holidays.
Member of an automobile club (AA, ADAC, ANWB, TCS…)? Call your own club's alarm centre first. Through the network of partner clubs they arrange help on the spot.
No club? Before leaving, check whether your car insurance, lease or credit card package covers breakdown help in Europe. Well-known providers include Europ Assistance, Allianz Partners and AXA Assistance.
Italy: on the autostrada use the SOS column or call 803.116 (ACI); from a foreign mobile 800 116 800.
Safety first: vest on before getting out, everyone behind the crash barrier, warning triangle well back, then call.
Watch out for fake helpers: only accept help you called yourself, and don't pay cash to someone who just happens to stop.
Low-emission zones
Which cities ban which cars
Minimum Euro standard per city for passenger cars. Foreign plates are fined just like local ones.
From November to April many countries apply winter rules. Situational means: compulsory as soon as there is snow, slush or ice.
Winter tyre symbolSnow chains compulsory
Winter
Period
Snow chains
A Austria
In winter conditions
01.11–15.04
Allowed instead of winter tyres
CH Switzerland
No general rule
–
Compulsory where signposted
D Germany
In winter conditions
–
Compulsory where signposted
NL Netherlands
No general rule
–
Not allowed
B Belgium
No general rule
–
Only on snow or ice
L Luxembourg
In winter conditions
–
Only on snow or ice
F France
In designated mountain zones
01.11–31.03
Allowed instead of winter tyres
I Italy
Where signposted
15.11–15.04
Allowed instead of winter tyres
E Spain
Where signposted
–
Compulsory where signposted
P Portugal
No general rule
–
Compulsory where signposted
CZ Czech Republic
In winter conditions
01.11–31.03
Compulsory where signposted
SK Slovakia
In winter conditions
–
Compulsory where signposted
SLO Slovenia
Compulsory in period
15.11–15.03
Allowed instead of winter tyres
HR Croatia
Compulsory in period
15.11–15.04
Carry in the boot
H Hungary
No general rule
–
Compulsory where signposted
PL Poland
No general rule
–
Compulsory where signposted
DK Denmark
No general rule
–
Only on snow or ice
S Sweden
Compulsory in period
01.12–31.03
Only on snow or ice
N Norway
In winter conditions
01.11–04
Only on snow or ice
BG Bulgaria
Compulsory in period
15.11–01.03
Only on snow or ice
RO Romania
In winter conditions
–
Only on snow or ice
UK United Kingdom
No general rule
–
Only on snow or ice
In the car
Mandatory equipment by country
What you must carry as a foreign driver. Keep the vest within reach inside the car, not in the boot.
Warning triangleHi-vis vest
Warning triangle
Hi-vis vest
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Lights by day
A Austria
1×
1×
✓
–
tunnels only
CH Switzerland
1×
–
–
–
✓
D Germany
1×
1×
✓
–
–
NL Netherlands
–
–
–
–
–
B Belgium
1×
1×
–
–(local plates only)
–
L Luxembourg
1×
✓per person
–
–
–
F France
1×
1×
–
–
–
I Italy
1×
✓per person
–
–
✓outside towns
E Spain
2×
✓per person
–
–
–
P Portugal
1×
✓per person
–
–
–
CZ Czech Republic
1×
✓per person
✓
–
✓
SK Slovakia
1×
1×
✓
–
✓
SLO Slovenia
1×
✓per person
✓
–
✓
HR Croatia
1×
✓per person
✓
–
✓winter only (Nov–Mar)
H Hungary
1×
✓per person
✓
–
✓outside towns
PL Poland
1×
–
–
–(local plates only)
✓
DK Denmark
1×
–
–
–
✓
S Sweden
1×
–
–
–
✓
N Norway
1×
1×
–
–
✓
BG Bulgaria
1×
1×
✓
✓
✓
RO Romania
2×
✓per person
✓
✓
✓outside towns
UK United Kingdom
–
–
–
–
–
Spain: Spanish cars use a V16 beacon since 2026; foreign cars may keep using warning triangles.
Speed limits
Speed limits by road type
In km/h unless stated. Local signs always take priority. Many countries set lower limits in rain, when towing a caravan and for novice drivers.
Built-up area
Outside towns
Expressway
Motorway
A Austria
50
100
100
130
CH Switzerland
50
80
100
120
D Germany
50
100
–
130*
NL Netherlands
50
80
100
100 / 130
B Belgium
30–50
70 / 90
120
120
L Luxembourg
50
90
–
130
F France
50
80
110
130
I Italy
50
90
110
130
E Spain
50
90
–
120
P Portugal
50
90
100
120
CZ Czech Republic
50
90
110
130
SK Slovakia
50
90
–
130
SLO Slovenia
50
90
110
130
HR Croatia
50
90
110
130
H Hungary
50
90
110
130
PL Poland
50
90
120
140
DK Denmark
50
80
–
130
S Sweden
50
70–100
–
110–120
N Norway
50
80
–
90–110
BG Bulgaria
50
90
–
140
RO Romania
50
90
100
130
UK United Kingdom
30 mph
60 mph
70 mph
70 mph
* Germany: advisory 130. Netherlands: by day (6 am–7 pm) usually 100. Trucks: the lower figure often applies from 7.5 or 12 t or with a trailer.
Motorcycle
Touring Europe by motorcycle
Vignettes, tolls, mandatory gear, lane filtering and bans for motorcycles in 22 countries – as of October 2026.
On the bike
Vignettes & tolls for motorcycles
Country
Motorcycle price
Note
A Austria
1d €3,80 · 10d €5,10 · 2m €12,80 · 1y €42,70
Each motorcycle needs its own vignette; the digital vignette is linked to the number plate. Section tolls (e.g. A13 Brenner) and scenic roads such as the Grossglockner cost extra.
CH Switzerland
1y CHF 40
Motorcycles need their own CHF 40 vignette (e-vignette linked to the plate), valid from 1 December to 31 January of the following year. There is no short-term vignette.
D Germany
€0
No vignette or motorway toll for motorcycles. Only a few private scenic roads charge a fee.
NL Netherlands
€0
No vignette or toll for motorcycles; the Westerschelde Tunnel has been toll-free since 2025.
B Belgium
€0
No vignette or motorway toll for motorcycles. Only the Liefkenshoek Tunnel in Antwerp is tolled.
L Luxembourg
€0
No vignette and no tolls in Luxembourg.
F France
Cl. 5 ≈ −40%
Motorcycles pay class 5 at toll plazas, roughly 40% less than cars. A motorcycle toll badge saves stopping at the booth.
I Italy
Cl. A
Motorcycles pay class A, the same rate as cars. Telepass also works on motorcycles.
E Spain
Ligeros 1
Motorcycles pay the light-vehicle rate on toll motorways. Many former toll roads, such as the AP-7 in Catalonia and Valencia, are now free.
P Portugal
Cl. 1 · Via Verde Cl. 5 −30%
Motorcycles are class 1; with a Via Verde device they count as class 5 and pay 30% less (not on the Vasco da Gama Bridge). Electronic-only motorways require Via Verde or a toll registration.
CZ Czech Republic
0 CZK
Motorcycles are exempt from the e-vignette (elektronická dálniční známka).
SK Slovakia
€0
Motorcycles are exempt from the Slovak e-vignette (e-známka).
SLO Slovenia
7d €8 · 6m €32 · 1y €58,70
Motorcycles (class 1) need an e-vinjeta; there is no monthly option for motorcycles. The Karawanken Tunnel is tolled separately.
HR Croatia
Cl. IA
No vignette: in 2026 tolls are still distance-based and paid at toll plazas. Motorcycles are class IA and pay less than cars (class I).
Motorcycles need a D1M e-matrica; the "weekly" vignette is valid for 10 days. A county vignette covers a single county only.
PL Poland
A1 · A2 · A4 PLN
No vignette. Only private sections (A1 Gdańsk–Toruń, A2 Świecko–Konin, A4 Katowice–Kraków) are tolled; state-run sections are free for cars and motorcycles.
DK Denmark
Storebælt · Øresund
No vignette; only the Great Belt and Øresund bridges are tolled. BroBizz or an agreement gives a lower price.
Motorcycles pay no Swedish road tolls or congestion tax (Stockholm, Gothenburg). The Øresund Bridge has its own motorcycle rate; ØresundGO costs an extra SEK 545 a year.
N Norway
NOK 0
Motorcycles are exempt from toll roads and city toll rings (AutoPASS). Ferries do charge a motorcycle fare.
BG Bulgaria
€0
Motorcycles do not need a Bulgarian e-vignette (only vehicles with four or more wheels do).
RO Romania
0 RON
No rovinieta is sold for motorcycles; there is no motorcycle category. The Danube bridges at Fetești are also toll-free for motorcycles.
UK United Kingdom
ULEZ GBP 12.50/d (< Euro 3) · CC GBP 0 · Dartford GBP 0
No vignette. In London motorcycles are exempt from the Congestion Charge but pay ULEZ if they don't meet Euro 3 (usually pre-July 2007).
Gear & rules
Helmet
Gloves
Hi-vis vest
Lane filtering
A Austria
✓
–
–
banned
CH Switzerland
✓
–
–
banned
D Germany
✓
–
–
banned
NL Netherlands
✓
–
–
with conditions
B Belgium
✓
✓
✓
with conditions
L Luxembourg
✓
?
✓
?
F France
✓
✓
✓
with conditions
I Italy
✓
–
–
with conditions
E Spain
✓
–
–
banned
P Portugal
✓
–
with conditions
?
CZ Czech Republic
✓
–
–
?
SK Slovakia
✓
–
✓
?
SLO Slovenia
✓
–
–
?
HR Croatia
✓
–
–
?
H Hungary
✓
–
✓
?
PL Poland
✓
–
–
?
DK Denmark
✓
–
–
?
S Sweden
✓
–
–
?
N Norway
✓
–
–
?
BG Bulgaria
✓
?
–
?
RO Romania
✓
?
–
?
UK United Kingdom
✓
–
–
allowed
Belgium: Mandatory: gloves, long-sleeved jacket, long trousers and ankle-high boots. Filtering is allowed up to 50 km/h with a speed difference of max. 20 km/h, on motorways between the two left lanes.
France: Mandatory: CE gloves, reflective stickers on the helmet and a hi-vis vest on board. Lane filtering has been permanently legal since January 2025 on dual carriageways with 2+ lanes and a 70–130 km/h limit, at max. 50 km/h (30 km/h if traffic is stationary).
Netherlands: Filtering is not explicitly banned and is tolerated, provided it is done safely and with a small speed difference.
Italy: Filtering is not regulated: generally tolerated in slow traffic, but you may be held (partly) liable in a crash.
Portugal: A hi-vis vest is only mandatory for Portuguese-registered motorcycles; carrying one is still advisable.
United Kingdom: Filtering is legal when done safely (Highway Code); take care at junctions and with turning traffic.
Spain: Riding between lanes is not permitted according to the DGT; you risk a fine.
✓ = compulsory · – = not compulsory · ? = not regulated / unknown
Emission zones, noise & road bans
Tyrol (Reutte and Imst districts): from 15 April to 31 October, motorcycles with a stationary noise level above 95 dB(A) are banned on roads including the Lechtal, Tannheim and Hahntennjoch routes. Check field U1 on your registration; fines are usually €220.
Bavaria, Kesselberg (B11, Kochel – Walchensee): uphill, a permanent motorcycle ban applies at set times from 1 April to 31 October. Follow the signs on site.
Paris (Grand Paris ZFE): two-wheelers rated Crit'Air 3 or worse (roughly pre-2007) may not ride on weekdays during the day; fines are postponed until 1 January 2027. A Crit'Air sticker is also required for motorcycles in French ZFEs.
Milan (Area B and C): two-stroke and diesel motorcycles Euro 0–1 are banned (Area B Mon–Fri 7:30 am–7:30 pm). The ban on two-stroke Euro 2–3 and four-stroke Euro 0–2 has been postponed to 1 October 2027.
London: the ULEZ covers all of Greater London 24/7; motorcycles below Euro 3 pay GBP 12.50 a day. Motorcycles are exempt from the Congestion Charge and ride the Dartford Crossing for free.
Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands: low-emission zones do not apply to motorcycles in 2026. Amsterdam does ban older mopeds.
Touring tips
Every motorcycle needs its own vignette (AT, CH, SI, HU). An Austrian digital vignette bought online is only valid for consumers after 18 days; buy at a sales point for immediate validity.
A helmet approved to ECE 22.05 or 22.06 is accepted everywhere. New helmets are now only sold to 22.06.
In France, earbuds and headphones are banned while riding; communication systems built into the helmet are allowed.
Always ride with lights on during the day: for motorcycles this is mandatory or strongly recommended almost everywhere in Europe.
A non-approved exhaust or removed baffle can mean heavy fines, a ban on riding on or impoundment in AT, CH and DE. Carry your exhaust's type approval.
High Alpine passes are usually only open from late May/June to October; the Grossglockner High Alpine Road typically from early May to early November. Check the current status before you set off.
Book a motorcycle space on ferries; the crew usually lashes the bike down. A cloth or your own soft straps protect the tank and fairing.
A green card is not required in these 22 countries, but carry proof of insurance and your registration papers. Check that your breakdown cover includes the motorcycle, including repatriation.
Traffic fines from EU countries are enforced across borders; speed cameras photograph motorcycles from behind.
Papers and equipment
What must be in the car or truck
Car: documents
Valid driving licence and passport or ID card.
Vehicle registration document and proof of insurance. A green card is not required in the EU but helps after an accident.
Driving a lease, rental or someone else's car? Carry the owner's written permission.
Outside the EU (e.g. the UK, Switzerland or Norway) you may drive on EU plates, but check that your plate shows a country code.
Car equipment per country is in the table above.
Truck: documents
C/CE driving licence, driver CPC (code 95) and passport or ID.
Tachograph driver card, with records for today and the previous 56 days.
Registration documents for tractor and trailer, proof of insurance and a certified copy of the Community licence.
CMR consignment note (or e-CMR where allowed) and, for dangerous goods, ADR certificate and papers.
For cabotage or cross-trade: the posting declaration (IMI), digital or on paper.
Truck: equipment
Warning triangle and hi-vis vest, as for cars.
Germany: above 3.5 t a yellow flashing warning lamp, and from 4 t at least one wheel chock.
Austria: from 1 November to 15 April winter tyres on at least one drive axle and snow chains for two drive wheels on board. Studded tyres are banned.
Germany: in winter conditions 3PMSF tyres on the drive axles and the front axle.
Toll tags
Drive through tolls without stopping
With a toll tag you use dedicated lanes and pay afterwards. Compare subscription fees, deposits and per-transaction costs.
Driving a foreign car in the Netherlands: BPM rules
BPM is the Dutch car registration tax. If you live in the Netherlands, your car usually needs Dutch plates and you pay BPM.
Registered as a resident in the Netherlands (required if you live here more than 4 months)? Then in principle you may not drive on foreign plates. You must import the car via the RDW and pay BPM and road tax.
Exceptions, only after applying to the Belastingdienst: short use up to 2 weeks (e.g. a rental car), a car from your foreign employer, or a car from your own foreign business if at least 50% of its business use is outside the Netherlands (with a mileage log).
Not registered as a resident? Then you may drive your foreign car for up to 6 months a year without applying; for paid transport of goods or people, up to 3 months.
Workers posted by a foreign employer may use their car tax-free for the whole posting, including commuting. Students too, but those who also work must import the car.
BPM 2026 for cars: €687 base plus an amount per gram of CO₂ in rising bands (€2, €82, €181, €297 and €594 per gram). Diesels pay a surcharge above 69 g/km. A fully electric car pays just the €687.
Importing a used car? You pay residual BPM. Depreciation is set by the flat-rate table, a price guide or a valuation report; pick the most favourable.
Vans: since 2025 businesses also pay CO₂-based BPM (2026: €76.57 per gram). Fully electric vans pay no BPM.
For car and truck dealers
Rules that move vehicle values
Cross-border trade, VAT and BPM, low-emission zones, CO2 tolls and new EU rules, checked against official sources (status October 2026). Not tax advice.
E-vignette or stickerTruck toll box
Car dealers: trade, tax and zones
For VAT, a car counts as 'new' if it has done no more than 6,000 km or is supplied within 6 months of first registration. VAT is then always paid in the country of registration, even when bought from a private seller; the dealer invoices without VAT but may ask for a VAT deposit.
Used cars (over 6,000 km and older than 6 months) are usually sold by dealers under the margin scheme: VAT is due only on the dealer's margin in the seller's country, is not shown on the invoice and cannot be reclaimed. A business buyer gets a VAT-free intra-EU invoice only if the car is not sold under the margin scheme.
Hand over registration certificate Part I and II, the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for EU type-approved vehicles and an invoice with VIN, date and mileage. France requires a 'quitus fiscal' from the tax office before any car bought elsewhere in the EU can be registered.
NL: a dealer with RDW 'Erkenning Export' reports the export, records the odometer, cuts the plates in half and gives the buyer the registration document plus a printed Part II. Part of the BPM is refunded if the car got its Dutch plate on or after 16 Oct 2006, is not a damaged vehicle and is permanently registered in another EU/EEA country within 13 weeks.
Germany: an export plate (Ausfuhrkennzeichen, expiry shown in a red field) requires a valid HU inspection, registration Part I and II, the CoC for new vehicles and insurance valid for at least 15 days. Belgium: vehicles leaving the country use a temporary X plate from the DIV with its own liability insurance.
Importing a used car into the Netherlands, you pay gross BPM minus depreciation, using the most favourable method: price list (koerslijst), appraisal report (only for above-normal damage, by a certified appraiser) or the flat-rate table (81% after 9.5 years, no BPM from 17 years 10 months). A fully electric car pays only the €687 base amount in 2026.
Proposals, not yet law: from 1 Jan 2027 a price list could use the car's actual purchase price (BPM at least 75% of the table result), and the export refund may drop the 13-week rule in exchange for a one-year wait and a limit to cars under 12 years. Since 2025 businesses pay BPM on fossil-fuel vans; electric vans stay exempt.
NL: since 1 June 2026 Arnhem only admits diesel cars from Euro 5; on 1 Jan 2027 Utrecht extends its zone to the whole city and bans diesel cars up to Euro 4. In Dutch zero-emission zones, Euro 5 vans may enter until 1 Jan 2027 and Euro 6 vans until 1 Jan 2028 (an extension to 2029 has been announced), so state the emission class in every ad.
Brussels: since 1 Jan 2026 diesel vehicles need Euro 6 (petrol Euro 3), with fines since 1 July 2026. Greater Paris has banned Crit'Air 3 (e.g. Euro 4 diesel) since 2025 but will not fine before 2027; Euro 5/6 diesels are Crit'Air 2. Milan Area B: Euro 6 a/b/c diesels are out from 1 Oct 2028, Euro 6d-temp/6d from 1 Oct 2030.
Truck dealers: CO2 tolls, tachograph and safety
Germany: since 1 Dec 2023 the truck toll includes a CO2 charge of €200 per tonne, and since 1 July 2024 it applies from 3.5 t (craft vehicles under 7.5 t exempt). Trucks fall into CO2 classes 1–5; a used truck with a documented better class (CoC/manufacturer data) costs less per km, which buyers price in.
Zero-emission trucks over 4.25 t remain toll-free in Germany until 30 June 2031; lighter ones are exempt permanently (law in force since 1 Dec 2025). In Austria a 4+ axle electric truck pays 11.89 ct/km in 2026 versus 57.24 ct/km for a Euro VI truck in CO2 class 1.
Austria: trucks first registered before 1 July 2019 are always CO2 class 1; newer Euro VI trucks with proven low CO2 can get a reduction from ASFINAG. The Euro class still counts: in 2026 a 2-axle truck pays 29.24 ct/km as Euro V/EEV, 27.74 ct/km as Euro VI and 32.74 ct/km as Euro 0–III.
Netherlands: since 1 July 2026 the truck charge applies per km to Dutch and foreign N2/N3 trucks above 3,500 kg, based on weight, CO2 class and Euro class; the Eurovignette ended in NL the same day. From 1 Sept to 31 Dec 2026 rates are 22.3% lower (average €0.148/km); zero-emission trucks pay no CO2 component.
Belgium: Flanders added a CO2 surcharge to the truck km charge on 1 July 2026; trucks registered before 1 July 2019 are automatically class 1 and every OBU must have the CO2 class set (Brussels and Wallonia to follow later). Denmark has charged a CO2-differentiated km toll for trucks since 1 Jan 2025, replacing the Eurovignette.
International transport: non-smart tachographs had to be replaced by 31 Dec 2024 and first-version smart tachographs by August 2025 with version 2 (G2V2); trucks registered from 21 Aug 2023 already have it. Since 1 July 2026 vans over 2.5 t in international transport also need G2V2 and fall under the driving and rest time rules, so check the tachograph version when buying or selling.
Safety (GSR2): since 7 July 2024 all newly registered vehicles need systems such as intelligent speed assistance and drowsiness warning, trucks also blind-spot and moving-off information and tyre pressure monitoring. Since 7 July 2026 new cars and vans also need emergency braking for pedestrians/cyclists and advanced driver distraction warning; from 7 Jan 2029 all new trucks need an event data recorder.
Trucks and vans have their own toll systems, driving bans and rules. This changed in 2025 and 2026.
Truck toll box
Key changes in 2026
Netherlands: since 1 July 2026 a per-km truck charge applies to all trucks over 3.5 t (N2/N3), foreign ones included. A working toll box is compulsory. A temporary 22.3% discount applies from 1 September to 31 December 2026.
Denmark: since 1 January 2025 a per-km KmToll for trucks over 12 t, priced by CO₂ class. Fine without valid registration: DKK 4,500 (about €600). Extension to 3.5 t is planned.
Romania: since 1 October 2026 TollRo (per-km toll) replaces the rovinieta for trucks over 3.5 t.
Big toll increases in 2026: Poland e-TOLL about +45%, Hungary HU-GO about +35%, Austria GO-Maut +10–13%. Recalculate your freight rates.
Vans of 2.5 to 3.5 t in international transport or cabotage: since 1 July 2026 a smart tachograph (G2V2) is compulsory, plus driving and rest times (max 9 h a day, 56 a week, 90 per two weeks, 45 min break after 4.5 h).
Posting: for cabotage and cross-trade your driver counts as posted. File a posting declaration in the EU portal (IMI) in advance and pay host-country wages. Bilateral trips and transit are not covered.
Low-emission zones also apply to trucks, often more strictly: the Netherlands has zero-emission zones for vans and trucks in city centres, and in Denmark a truck violation costs DKK 12,500.
One EETS toll box covers much of Europe: it saves separate boxes per country and avoids fines at borders.
Toll system
From
Pay with
D Germany
Toll Collect
> 3,5 t
OBU / app
A Austria
ASFINAG GO-Maut
> 3,5 t
GO-Box / EETS
CH Switzerland
LSVA
> 3,5 t
OBU
NL Netherlands
Vrachtwagenheffing
> 3,5 t (N2/N3)
OBU / EETS
B Belgium
Viapass
> 3,5 t
OBU / EETS
F France
Péage
> 3,5 t
EETS
I Italy
Autostrade
> 3,5 t
Telepass / EETS
PL Poland
e-TOLL
> 3,5 t
OBU / app / EETS
CZ Czech Republic
MýtoCZ
> 3,5 t
OBU (DSRC)
SK Slovakia
Mýto SK
> 3,5 t
OBU / EETS
SLO Slovenia
DarsGo
> 3,5 t
DarsGo-box / EETS
H Hungary
HU-GO
> 3,5 t
OBU / app / EETS
HR Croatia
HAC / ENC
> 3,5 t
ENC / EETS
DK Denmark
KmToll
> 12 t
OBU / EETS
S Sweden
Eurovignette
> 12 t
e-vignette
L Luxembourg
Eurovignette
> 12 t
e-vignette
RO Romania
TollRo
> 3,5 t
OBU / app
BG Bulgaria
TollPass
> 3,5 t
OBU / route pass
Truck driving bans
DGermany> 7,5 t Sundays and public holidays 0–22 h; Saturdays 7–20 h in July and August on main routes.
FFrance> 7,5 t Saturday 22 h to Sunday 22 h, with extra bans in holiday periods and around public holidays.
AAustria> 7,5 t Saturday 15 h to Sunday 22 h (also trucks with a trailer if either part is over 3.5 t). In summer Saturdays 8–15 h on the A4 and holiday roads, 7–15 h on the A10 Tauern. Night ban 22–5 h. In Tyrol: block clearance at Kufstein, a sectoral ban on the A12 and Luegbrücke (A13) works until about 2031.
IItaly> 7,5 t Sundays and public holidays 9–22 h (June–September 7–22 h); in July and August also most Saturdays 8–16 h and some Fridays 16–22 h.
CHSwitzerland> 3,5 t All day on Sundays and public holidays, and every night 22–5 h.
PLPoland> 12 t Summer weekends and national holidays, often from Friday evening to Sunday.
Driving bans change around public holidays and by region. Always check the country's current calendar.
Customs & logistics
Deadlines for forwarders, logistics and import/export
EU rules and systems taking effect in 2025–2027 that affect declarations, border crossings and costs.
Customs check
ICS2 Release 3: road carriers must file an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before arriving in the EU. No transition period in e.g. the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Czechia and Sweden.
CBAM definitive period: importing more than 50 t a year of cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers or electricity requires authorised CBAM declarant status. Indirect customs representatives always need it. Certificates are bought from 2027; the first annual declaration for 2026 is due in September 2027.
Entry/Exit System (EES) fully live: non-EU drivers give fingerprints and a facial image at every crossing. Waits reached up to 5 hours in the summer peak.
End of duty relief for consignments up to €150: €3 duty per item (per tariff line) until 1 July 2028. The declarant pays, usually the seller or indirect representative.
Product identifiers (PIDs) become mandatory in declarations for low-value consignments.
EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) for large and medium companies: due diligence statement for wood, soy, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber and cattle, among others. Small companies largely from 30 June 2027.
eFTI: authorities must accept electronic freight information via certified platforms. The e-CMR is already used domestically in the Netherlands, France and Spain.
Borders with non-EU countries
NNorway Digitoll: all border data digitally before or at the latest on arrival. The old 'drive through and declare within 10 days' scheme ends on 1 March 2027.
CHSwitzerland Passar: since 1 January 2026 exports run only through Passar; e-dec Export and NCTS are switched off. Transit moved in 2024.
UKUnited Kingdom To the UK: besides the customs declaration, an advance safety and security declaration is needed, and UK border checks apply to food, plants and animals.
Money tip
Buy only from the official seller
The top Google results are often resellers who add service fees, sometimes more than the vignette itself. Every country sells its official e-vignette online, in English too.
Official
Via reseller
SK Slovakia 10 days
€10,80
€16,00 – €21,99
SLO Slovenia 7 days
€16,00
€21,50
CH Switzerland year
CHF 40
≈ €55
BG Bulgaria 1 day
€5,30
€11,99
Example reseller prices found in October 2026.
On the calendar
What is changing, now and next
In forceTransport
Denmark: since 1 January 2025 a per-km KmToll for trucks over 12 t, priced by CO₂ class. Fine without valid registration: DKK 4,500 (about €600). Extension to 3.5 t is planned.
In forceCustoms & logisticsTransport
ICS2 Release 3: road carriers must file an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before arriving in the EU. No transition period in e.g. the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Czechia and Sweden.
In forceDrivers
Brussels bans Euro 5 diesel and Euro 2 petrol. Antwerp and Ghent postpone the same step.
In forceCustoms & logistics
CBAM definitive period: importing more than 50 t a year of cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers or electricity requires authorised CBAM declarant status. Indirect customs representatives always need it. Certificates are bought from 2027; the first annual declaration for 2026 is due in September 2027.
In forceTransport
Big toll increases in 2026: Poland e-TOLL about +45%, Hungary HU-GO about +35%, Austria GO-Maut +10–13%. Recalculate your freight rates.
In forceDrivers
Germany: new EV subsidy for private buyers of new cars first registered from 1 Jan 2026 (leasing included): €3,000 for a BEV, €1,500 for a plug-in hybrid, up to €6,000 depending on household income (max €80,000–€90,000) and children. The car must be kept for 36 months; used cars are excluded.
In forceTransportCustoms & logistics
Entry/Exit System (EES) fully live: non-EU drivers give fingerprints and a facial image at every crossing. Waits reached up to 5 hours in the summer peak.
In forceDrivers
French Constitutional Council strikes down the abolition of ZFE zones: Crit'Air stays compulsory.
In forceDriversTransport
EU: the Council adopted the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation on 29 June 2026; it bans exporting used vehicles that are no longer roadworthy and applies after transition periods. Separately, the roadworthiness package (digital registration certificates, odometer data exchange, yearly tests for cars over 10 years) is still being negotiated.
In forceCustoms & logistics
End of duty relief for consignments up to €150: €3 duty per item (per tariff line) until 1 July 2028. The declarant pays, usually the seller or indirect representative.
In forceTransport
Netherlands: since 1 July 2026 a per-km truck charge applies to all trucks over 3.5 t (N2/N3), foreign ones included. A working toll box is compulsory. A temporary 22.3% discount applies from 1 September to 31 December 2026.
In forceTransport
Vans of 2.5 to 3.5 t in international transport or cabotage: since 1 July 2026 a smart tachograph (G2V2) is compulsory, plus driving and rest times (max 9 h a day, 56 a week, 90 per two weeks, 45 min break after 4.5 h).
In forceDrivers
Bulgaria raises all vignette prices by about 30%.
In forceDrivers
Romania's rovinieta is now priced by Euro standard.
In forceTransport
Romania: since 1 October 2026 TollRo (per-km toll) replaces the rovinieta for trucks over 3.5 t.
ComingCustoms & logistics
Product identifiers (PIDs) become mandatory in declarations for low-value consignments.
ComingDrivers
Euro 7 for new car and van type approvals: limits for brake dust and EV battery durability for the first time. From end of November 2027 for all newly registered cars.
ComingDrivers
Sales of Austria's 2027 vignette start, digital only. The red 2026 sticker stays valid until 31 January 2027.
ComingCustoms & logistics
EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) for large and medium companies: due diligence statement for wood, soy, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber and cattle, among others. Small companies largely from 30 June 2027.
ComingDrivers
Greater Paris starts fining Crit'Air 3 cars in its ZFE.
ComingCustoms & logistics
CBAM: importers must buy CBAM certificates each quarter covering at least 50% of embedded emissions. The first annual declaration for 2026 follows in September 2027.
ComingDrivers
Netherlands: employers pay a 12% pseudo-final levy on non-zero-emission company cars made available for private use from 1 Jan 2027; Euro 5 vans lose access to zero-emission zones and Utrecht's citywide zone bans diesel cars up to Euro 4. The proposed BPM changes also target this date.
ComingDriversTransport
Croatia switches to Crolibertas: barrier-free tolling on the whole motorway network.
ComingDrivers
Tighter collection of foreign traffic fines: EU countries exchange vehicle owner data automatically, and hit-and-run is now included.
ComingCustoms & logisticsTransport
A UK–EU food and plant health (SPS) agreement is expected in 2027: fewer checks and less paperwork for agri-food goods between Great Britain and the EU.
ComingCustoms & logistics
EUDR applies to micro and small enterprises (for most products).
ComingTransportCustoms & logistics
eFTI: authorities must accept electronic freight information via certified platforms. The e-CMR is already used domestically in the Netherlands, France and Spain.
ComingDriversTransport
ETS2: carbon trading for road transport and building fuels starts, a year later than planned. Suppliers pass on the cost, so petrol and diesel get more expensive.
ComingTransport
Denmark extends KmToll to almost the whole public road network (about 75,000 km). Extension to trucks from 3.5 t is planned.
ComingTransport
Euro 7 for new truck and bus type approvals (tighter NOx and particle limits); from May 2029 for all models.
ComingCustoms & logistics
EU customs reform: the EU Customs Authority (Lille) and the EU Customs Data Hub start for distance sellers and IOSS. The temporary €3 duty gives way to normal duty rates, plus a handling fee per item. The seller becomes the importer.
ComingDrivers
Milan Area B and C also ban Euro 6 A-B-C diesel and Euro 4 petrol.
ComingDrivers
New EU driving licence rules apply after transposition: a digital licence in the EU wallet, accompanied driving from 17 across the EU, and a driving ban for serious offences (such as 50 km/h over or drink-driving) applies EU-wide.
ComingDriversTransport
EU CO2 targets: new cars −55% and vans −50% versus 2021 (the Commission proposes 40% for vans); new trucks −45% versus 2019, then −65% in 2035 and −90% in 2040. For 2025–2027 carmakers may average compliance over three years.
ComingTransport
End of the German toll exemption for zero-emission trucks over 4.25 t (30 June 2031). Factor this into the residual value of electric trucks you sell now.
ComingCustoms & logistics
EU Customs Data Hub mandatory for all businesses (voluntary from 1 March 2031). National customs systems are replaced by one EU portal.
ComingDrivers
Current law requires a 100% CO2 cut for new cars and vans from 2035, in effect only zero-emission new sales. On 16 Dec 2025 the Commission proposed 90% with compensation of remaining emissions; Council positions still differ and a European Parliament plenary vote is expected in November 2026.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which vignettes do I need to drive to Croatia?
Via Germany and Austria: an Austrian vignette (10 days €12.80) and a Slovenian one (7 days €16). Via the Tauern or Karawanken you pay extra section tolls. In Croatia itself you pay per section.
Do I need a vignette just to drive through Switzerland?
Yes, as soon as you use a Swiss motorway. Only the CHF 40 annual vignette exists. If you avoid motorways you don't need one.
Can my foreign car enter a German Umweltzone without a sticker?
No. Foreign and electric cars also need the green sticker. The fine is €100. Buy it (€5–20) from ADAC, TÜV, Dekra or via official city portals.
Where do I find my car's Euro standard?
On your registration document (field V.9 in many EU countries) or on the manufacturer's Certificate of Conformity.
What if I drive into a zone by mistake?
Cameras send the fine to your home address, across borders too. In Ghent and Brussels you can sometimes still register or buy a day pass shortly after entering; check the official site straight away.