In our neighboring european countries, car tolls have long been compulsory and in germany, too, the introduction of the toll is planned for fall 2020. But what exactly is meant by a toll and how does it differ from a vignette? We give an overview of the car toll, the difference in our european neighboring countries and take a look at the german plans for tolls.
toll: definition
The word toll is a term derived from the old high german language, which can be traced back to customs duties within the framework of the road duty. The toll is a road use fee that is based on the distance traveled on a specific highway or road. In many countries especially bridges and tunnels or other traffic constructions are subject to tolls. On the one hand, because these are heavily traveled routes, and on the other hand, to cover the maintenance costs and the costs of the road. To make a contribution to this. Another effect to be achieved by the introduction of toll systems is the reduction of traffic jams or congestion. The more efficient use of traffic routes. Those who do not have to use the motorway are prevented from doing so by tolls. At the same time, this also reduces the burden on the environment, for example, by switching to public transport.
A distinction must be made between the toll and the vignette, which is used in particular in neighboring German countries. This is not a charge for kilometers driven, but a temporary permit to drive on the freeway. This applies regardless of the number of kilometers for the period for which it was purchased.
Where does the toll apply in europe?
Many european countries have already introduced tolls – the following is an overview of the countries where tolls apply and the countries where vignettes are compulsory:
Tolls in europe:
- France
- Italy
- Croatia
- Norway
- Portugal
- Serbia
- Spain
- Poland
compulsory vignette in europe:
- Bulgaria from 11 € / day
- Czech Republic from 12 € / 10 days
- Austria from 5 € / 10 days
- Romania from 3 € / 7 days
- Switzerland from 36,50 € / year
- Slovenia from 15 € / 7 days
- Hungary from 5 € / 10 days
Prices shown are based on charges for car vignettes and are the lowest unit that can be obtained in the respective country (fluctuations due to exchange rates possible, other charges may apply). Also possible). The toll fees are not listed, as they depend on the distance driven and vary in the amount of the fee depending on the section of the journey.
Source: augsburger allgemeine
Tips before starting your trip
Before traveling abroad, always find out whether and to what extent tolls or road tolls apply, because otherwise it can be expensive, especially when crossing the border from a part that is not subject to tolls to a part that is subject to tolls. For caravans, vehicles with trailers or motorhomes, special regulations may apply, these must also be observed. Before starting your trip, consider how long and how much you will be driving on toll roads. In some cases an annual fee or annual vignette is worthwhile. However, if you only drive through a toll country for a short period of time or only pass through freeways occasionally, time-based rates for vignettes are generally more favorable. To determine this, toll calculators are helpful. Google maps, for example, offers the service of marking toll roads.
To speed up the processing of tolls, the ADAC has compiled an overview of helpful tips: tips for fast and stress-free toll processing
German plans for toll introduction
In germany, the toll on passenger cars is regulated by section 16 of the infrastructure charging act (ingrag). The toll regulation was formally introduced as early as 01 January 2009. January 2016. However, tolls are not collected until the necessary system is operational. Transport Minister andreas scheuer expects this system to be ready for use in the fall of 2020 and to comply with the financial and economic framework set by the Bundestag. At the end of 2018, the contract was also awarded to a German-Austrian consortium, which will manage the collection of the tolls.
The passenger car toll in germany is to be structured as follows:
- For nationals the toll will apply on freeways and federal roads. This includes a total of approx. 52.000 kilometers. The charges incurred are debited from the polluter’s account as an annual toll. These are based on the size and environmental friendliness of the engine. The additional burden of tolls is intended to reduce vehicle taxes. By keeping a logbook, it can be proven whether freeways or federal roads were used. If this is not the case, the toll can be refunded. The maximum amount per vignette is 130€.
- For car drivers from the abroad this should only apply to freeways. For drivers from abroad, there are both annual tolls and short-term rates for 10 days or two months. Costs are also based on the type of vehicle and its environmental friendliness. The cost of short tariffs shall start from 2,5€ per 10 days.
In addition to cars, motor homes will also be subject to tolls in germany. Motorcycles, electric vehicles, cars for the disabled and ambulances are excluded. The toll payers will be checked via their license plates by means of an electronic license plate comparison. The recorded data is deleted again immediately afterwards.
As of january 2019
The biggest sticking point, apart from the introduction of a control system, is the eugh’s open decision. Austria and the netherlands had filed a lawsuit against the introduction of a toll on passenger cars in germany because, according to the current situation, it would constitute discrimination against foreign car drivers. Due to the tax relief on vehicle insurance that goes hand in hand with the introduction of the toll, the additional costs will in fact only be borne by drivers from abroad, whereas there will be no additional costs for residents of Germany. The decision of the eugh judges is expected in the spring of 2019. Until then, it remains to be seen what the exact form of the car toll will take in germany.
Truck tolls in Germany
The toll has been in effect for trucks since 19. July 2011. It is regulated by the Federal Highway Toll Act (Bundesfernstrabenmautgesetz). This affects all domestic and foreign motor vehicles or vehicle combinations with a permissible total weight of at least 7.5 tons that are intended for or used for road freight transport. Tolls must be paid on all highways, including gas stations and rest areas, as well as on all federal highways (including inner-city roads). The cost per kilometer driven would be between 9.3 cents and 26.1 cents, depending on the respective pollutant class and type of vehicle. The fees have increased again at the beginning of the year.
decision of the eugh june 2019: the german car toll violates eu law
The European Court of Justice has upheld Austria’s complaint that the levy is indirectly discriminatory against foreign vehicle owners and is therefore not compatible with EU law. Discriminatory because the economic burden would fall almost exclusively on drivers in other EU countries, while German vehicle owners would be relieved of at least the same amount via vehicle tax.