New toll rules in the Netherlands for motorhomes
As of 2026, the Netherlands has changed its toll system for heavy motorhomes. Drivers must register online and pay tolls digitally to avoid fines.
Select currency
Popular
—
Report a problem
Updated: 16.05.2026
Diesel
$2.57 /l
€2.38 · £2.02/l
107 of 113
pricier than 94% of countries
Petrol
$2.62 /l
€2.42 · £2.06/l
106 of 112
pricier than 94% of countries
LPG
$1.13 /l
€1.04 · £0.89/l
34 of 46
pricier than 72% of countries
As of 2026, the Netherlands has changed its toll system for heavy motorhomes. Drivers must register online and pay tolls digitally to avoid fines.
A kilometer-based truck toll will be introduced in the Netherlands on July 1, 2026. Motorhomes registered as M1 category vehicles are exempt from this toll, but owners of vehicles over 3.5 tons are advised to pre-register on vrachtwagenheffing.nl/de to avoid erroneous fines. Separately, since the end of 2024, a toll on the A24 (Blankenburgverbinding) near Rotterdam applies to all vehicles, including motorhomes, with payment required within 72 hours.
Ahead of the summer season, authorities in the Netherlands and Belgium remind that caravans, motorhomes and trailers may be parked on public streets for no more than three consecutive days. Fine: €129, possible towing.
A Dutch consumer organization has filed a lawsuit against Stellantis, alleging that thousands of motorhomes with Fiat Ducato diesel engines, produced between 2009 and 2019, may have been equipped with illegal software to manipulate emission data. The plaintiffs claim this means the vehicles may not comply with Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards. Stellantis strongly denies all allegations, stating its technology complied with all applicable regulations at the time.
Consumer groups and a camper club have filed a class-action lawsuit against Stellantis, alleging that diesel Fiat campers with Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines use software that understates emissions, violating legal limits.
Several organizations have filed a collective claim against Stellantis over diesel motorhomes equipped with defeat devices. The claim involves vehicles with Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines delivered between 2009 and 2019, including models from brands such as Hymer and Bürstner. The organizations allege the engines exceed permitted emission levels, reducing the vehicles' value.
The municipality of Oisterwijk has reminded residents of the rules for parking caravans and other recreational vehicles on public roads. According to local regulations, such vehicles may remain on the road for a maximum of three days due to the space they occupy and potential visibility obstructions. For longer parking, a permit costing €122.30 is required, which can be requested via email.
The municipality of Schagen does not plan to introduce special rules for motorhome tourists, deeming the current number of overnight spots sufficient. Authorities note that expanding the offer may only redistribute the tourist flow within the region without increasing its total volume, and developing new regulations would require significant administrative resources.
Importing a Japanese Mitsubishi Delica D:5 camper to the Netherlands involves significant hidden costs. The lack of EU type approval leads to expensive technical modifications and a complex re-registration process with the RDW. Additionally, owners face a high BPM tax, especially on diesel models, which can multiply the vehicle's original purchase price.
The Netherlands is amending the tax definition of a motorhome. From February 4, 2026, the criterion for classifying a vehicle as a motorhome will change from 'one quarter' to 'half' of the useful space. The amendment is retroactive to January 1, 2026.
A new distance-based toll for trucks over 3.5 tonnes takes effect in the Netherlands on July 1. Motorhomes are exempt from this charge as it applies exclusively to commercial vehicles. Foreign motorhome owners may eventually need to register their vehicles to confirm the exemption, though this is not yet required.
From July 1, 2026, the Netherlands will introduce a new kilometer-based toll system for vehicles over 3.5 tons. Motorhomes registered in class M1 are explicitly exempt from the charge, even if their permissible total weight exceeds 3.5 tons. Owners do not need to contract an operator or install an onboard unit to record mileage.
Dutch authorities confirmed that motorhomes, including models over 3.5 tonnes, will not be subject to the new distance-based truck toll starting July 1, 2026
From January 1, 2026, the motor vehicle tax (MRB) rate for fully electric motorhomes in the Netherlands will change. Electric vehicles will no longer pay a quarter of the standard rate but will be charged 70% of it. For motorhomes, a special 50% coefficient applies, resulting in a final rate of 50% of 70% of the base tariff.
New flowcharts and an explanatory video have been released to clarify driver's license requirements for towing a caravan or driving a motorhome. The materials detail which license categories are needed based on vehicle and trailer weight combinations, and explain key concepts like maximum permissible mass. They are designed for businesses to share with customers to prevent misunderstandings about regulations.
From January 1, 2026, the motor vehicle tax for motorhomes in the Netherlands is changing. The preferential quarter-rate is being replaced by a half-rate, effectively doubling the annual tax burden for owners. To save costs, owners can suspend the vehicle's registration if it is not in use and parked on private property.
A driver's license with code 96 allows driving a motorhome with a trailer up to 4250 kg total mass without obtaining category C1. The cost is 300–500 euros, cheaper and faster than C1 (1500–2000 euros).
A doubling of the annual road tax for motorhomes in the Netherlands, effective January 1, 2026, is prompting some owners to sell. The tax for an average camper will rise from €900 to €1,800 per year. Industry representatives report an increase in owners citing cost as a reason for leaving the hobby, with some considering switching to caravans.
The Dutch vehicle authority RDW will reimburse approximately 6700 motorhome owners for overpaid fees related to registration suspension. The overpayments occurred between January 1, 2014, and January 31, 2024. This story was the most-read article on the Aftersales Magazine website in 2025, with over 68,000 views.
From 2028, EU will raise the weight limit for motorhomes on a B license to 4.25 tons, but member states may add extra requirements. In Poland, towing heavy caravans requires a B+E license; driving without it can result in fines up to 30,000 zlotys.
Install OpenVan.camp
Get quick access and offline reading.
The app is already installed on this device.
Use your browser menu to install or add to home screen.