Truck road tolls in Europe: devices, registration, apps

Truck tolling in Europe is not one system. Each country has its own rules, its own device or its own registration method. We do not give amounts here, because charges change often with vehicle class, number of axles, emissions class and date; but knowing how the systems work lets you prepare before the border.

Two main models

• Distance-based charge: the vehicle pays for the kilometres it drives on the network. A device or app tracks position.
• Time-based charge (vignette): you buy the right to use the network for a set period. It is usually held as an electronic record tied to the plate.

Examples by country

• Germany, Toll Collect: distance-based charge for heavy vehicles. It works through an on-board unit (OBU) or an app and the registration must be ready before you set off. Scope and rates can change by law, so check the current rule on the official site.
• Poland, e-TOLL: an electronic tolling system. The vehicle is registered in the system, with a device or an app, and the charge is calculated from recorded position data.
• Hungary, HU-GO: electronic road charge. The vehicle is registered by plate number and the system calculates road use.
• Austria, GO-Box: distance-based toll for heavy vehicles (GO-Maut). The GO-Box device in the truck pays automatically and works on a pre-pay or post-pay basis.
• Bulgaria: electronic distance-based toll for heavy vehicles, plus time-based registration for some vehicles. A device or an app may be needed.
• Romania: a time-based electronic registration for heavy vehicles (rovinieta); some bridges and crossings may carry a separate charge.

These are examples only; charging structures in these countries can change too, and other countries such as Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Belgium have systems of their own.

Device or app?

Most systems offer three routes: an on-board unit (OBU), a phone app or an electronic registration (by plate). There are also EETS providers that offer one device valid in several countries. For a fleet that runs often, one device is usually more practical than registering at every border.

Notes for shippers and carriers

1. The route decides how many systems you pass. The choice between a shorter tolled road and a longer free one belongs in the whole cost calculation.
2. No registration can mean a fine. If the vehicle is not registered or the device does not work, expect a fine and a delay at the checkpoint. Check the device balance and registration before the trip.
3. Who pays the tolls? Writing "tolls included" or "tolls excluded" in the listing prevents a later argument. State it clearly in the freight offer.
4. Vehicle data must be right. If emissions class, axle count or weight are wrong in the system, the charge is calculated wrongly.

This is a general framework; details and current rules of each tolling system should be checked in the country's official source.

Short pre-trip check

1. List the tolling system and registration method for every country on the route.
2. Check that the device or account balance and the vehicle data are current.
3. Tell the driver what to show at a check and whom to call if something goes wrong.
4. Write the toll item separately in the freight offer.

On Order And Load you can set a price when creating a listing or collect offers; saying in the listing whether tolls are included makes offers easier to compare. Short definitions of the terms are in the Freight Glossary.