In short: Under the revised Eurovignette Directive (Directive (EU) 2022/362), heavy trucks are placed in five CO2 emission classes. Class 1 pays the most; class 5 is zero-emission. In Germany a Euro 6 truck over 18 t with 5+ axles pays 34.8 ct/km in class 1 and 26.9 ct/km in class 4, while zero-emission trucks are toll-free until 30 June 2031.
The five CO2 emission classes
The class depends on how far a vehicle's specific CO2 emissions fall below the reference value for its vehicle sub-group. Toll Collect defines them as follows:
| Class | Criterion | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vehicles that fit none of the other classes | unlimited |
| 2 | More than 5% below the sub-group reference value | 6 years from first registration, then reclassified |
| 3 | More than 8% below the reference value | at least 6 years, then reclassified |
| 4 | Low-emission: more than 50% below the benchmark | unlimited |
| 5 | Zero-emission (ZEV), no more than 3 g CO2/tkm | unlimited |
The six-year reclassification for classes 2 and 3 matters: reference values fall with each reporting period, so a diesel that is efficient today can drop back later. According to a report in the German trade magazine eurotransport, Volvo Trucks considers class 4 out of reach for a diesel truck.
How a truck gets its class
The basis is the specific CO2 value in g CO2/tkm that the manufacturer determines with VECTO, the EU's simulation tool. Toll Collect assigns each vehicle to a vehicle group by axle and chassis configuration and permissible gross weight; groups 4, 5, 9 and 10 are split further by engine power and cab type (for example "LH" for long haul).
Key points for dispatch:
- Default is class 1. Toll Collect and ASFINAG initially place every vehicle in class 1. A better class requires an application with evidence.
- First registered before 1 July 2019: no specific CO2 emissions are documented for these trucks, so they stay in class 1.
- Where to find the CO2 value: the Customer Information File (CIF, fields 2.3/2.6.1), the Certificate of Conformity (CoC, field 49.5) or the registration certificate (field V.7).
- Evidence in Germany: via the Toll Collect customer portal, with the registration certificate plus CIF, CoC or individual approval form where relevant. The "emission class finder" shows the expected class in advance.
- Evidence in Austria: to ASFINAG in advance or within 30 days of the notification. Without evidence the most expensive rate applies. ASFINAG has its own CO2 calculator.
- Fuel does not count: according to Toll Collect, CO2-neutral fuels currently do not improve the class.
Germany: rates by CO2 class
Toll Collect, rates since 1 July 2024 (still valid in 2026), Euro 6, over 18 t, 5+ axles. The rate table carries no VAT note.
| CO2 class | Toll rate | of which CO2 part |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 34.8 ct/km | 15.8 ct/km |
| 2 | 34.0 ct/km | 15.0 ct/km |
| 3 | 33.2 ct/km | 14.2 ct/km |
| 4 | 26.9 ct/km | 7.9 ct/km |
| 5 (zero-emission) | exempt until 30 Jun 2031 | – |
Only the CO2 component changes; infrastructure, air pollution and noise stay the same. All weight classes: Germany truck toll 2026.
Austria: rates by CO2 class
ASFINAG GO toll, valid from 1 January 2026, Euro VI, €/km excluding 20% VAT:
| CO2 class | 2 axles | 3 axles | 4+ axles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.2774 | 0.3856 | 0.5724 |
| 2 | 0.2740 | 0.3810 | 0.5657 |
| 3 | 0.2724 | 0.3788 | 0.5625 |
| 4 | 0.2486 | 0.3440 | 0.5091 |
| 5 (zero-emission) | 0.0587 | 0.0806 | 0.1189 |
For 4+ axles the CO2 charge ranges from €0.1033/km (class 1) to zero (class 5), and class 5 pays only a quarter of the infrastructure charge. Details: Austria GO toll 2026.
Where else CO2 classes apply
According to toll service provider DKV (not an official source), CO2-based differentiation also applies in the Czech Republic (from 1 March 2024), Denmark (1 January 2025), Slovakia (1 July 2025), Slovenia (1 November 2025), Bulgaria (1 June 2026), Belgium/Flanders and the Netherlands (both 1 July 2026), with Lithuania following on 1 January 2027 per DKV. For zero-emission vehicles, the Council of the EU notes that the directive allows reductions of 50–75% compared with the baseline class.
Worked example: class 1 vs class 4 and 5
40 t articulated truck, 5 axles, Euro 6, 100,000 tolled km per year in Germany:
| CO2 class | Toll per year | Saving vs class 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | €34,800 | – |
| 2 | €34,000 | €800 |
| 3 | €33,200 | €1,600 |
| 4 | €26,900 | €7,900 |
| 5 | €0 (until 30 Jun 2031) | €34,800 |
The same truck (4+ axles) on 10,000 km in Austria: class 1 = €5,724, class 4 = €5,091, class 5 = €1,189, all net of VAT. Classes 2 and 3 save little; the real step comes with classes 4 and 5.
Calculate your route: Logist Calculator works out road tolls for every European country where they apply, using HERE routing and toll data; toll rates are reviewed once a year.
FAQ
Where can I find my truck's CO2 emission class?
The CO2 value is in the CIF, the CoC (field 49.5) or the registration certificate (field V.7). Toll Collect's emission class finder and ASFINAG's CO2 calculator show the resulting class.
Why is my truck in CO2 class 1?
Every vehicle starts in class 1 and stays there without evidence. Trucks first registered before 1 July 2019 cannot be moved to a higher class.
Does the CO2 class last forever?
Classes 1, 4 and 5 are unlimited. Classes 2 and 3 are reclassified after six years.
Does my German CO2 class also apply in Austria?
No. Evidence has to be submitted to each operator separately: Toll Collect via its customer portal, ASFINAG in advance or within 30 days.
This article is not legal advice.
Sources
- Toll Collect: CO2 emission classes
- Toll Collect: FAQ on CO2 emission classes (German)
- Toll Collect: toll rates since 1 July 2024
- BALM: HGV toll FAQ (German)
- ASFINAG: GO toll rates 2026 (PDF)
- ASFINAG: rate characteristics requiring evidence
- ASFINAG press release on CO2 pricing (OTS, German)
- Council of the EU: proposal amending Directive 1999/62/EC (PDF)
- DKV Mobility: CO2 toll in the EU (service provider)
- eurotransport: VECTO values decide (German) (trade press)
Last updated: October 2026. Toll rates change regularly – check the operator (Toll Collect, ASFINAG) before quoting.