Road tolls in Europe for campers with a gross vehicle weight (GVM) over 3.5 tons are a hotly debated topic. There are many myths surrounding this topic, which I'm trying to debunk. I'll prove to you that sometimes you can travel cheaper with campers over 3.5 tons than with campers under 3.5 tons.
As I drive a camper van with a GVM over 3.5 tons , I'll try to describe the road tolls in several European countries that are the most popular holiday destinations for Poles. I've driven in these countries myself or have verified that this is the case. I'll try to keep this article updated, so if you have any comments, verified and confirmed changes, or have information about a country not covered here, please send me an email .
I won't provide specific rates per kilometer driven, as many factors influence the rate in a given country, and prices themselves change frequently. The main factors influencing the price are the number of axles, emission class, altitude... so you'll find links to websites where you should find the most up-to-date information.
Campervan over 3.5t – what does it mean?
To be more specific, a campervan over 3.5 tonnes is a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) exceeding 3,500 kg. Additionally, the vehicle's registration certificate lists it as a SPECIAL CAMPER VEHICLE.
Road tolls and toll collection systems for campers over 3.5 tonnes in some countries are different from those for heavy goods vehicles!
Do you need to use a tachograph when driving a camper with a GVM over 3.5t?
This question often arises when someone is considering purchasing a heavy camper. The answer is simple: NO. A tachograph is only mandatory for commercial transport of people or goods.
In 2023, amended regulations requiring the use of tachographs in vehicles with a GVM over 7.5 tonnes came into force across the European Union. The new regulations were originally introduced with professional transport in mind, but campers were not exempted—probably due to an oversight by the legislature. In practice, this means that owners of private recreational vehicles over 7.5 tonnes should record their driving on a tachograph, and police in EU countries have the right to fine drivers for driving "beyond the tachograph." While not every patrol enforces this policy, the risk is real. Manufacturers of large campers have already responded—a petition has been submitted to the European Parliament to clarify the regulations and exempt recreational vehicles from this requirement. Change is expected, but the legislative process may take time.
Road tolls in Poland for campers over 3.5 tonnes
Every camper with a GVM over 3.5t driving on most national roads and highways in Poland is subject to the e-Toll toll collection system.
Some motorways in Poland are excluded from the e-Toll system and in such cases the toll is paid at the ticket office at the motorway toll booths.
How much do roads and highways cost in Poland for a camper with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes?
Road tolls in Poland depend on the emission class, number of axles, and kilometers traveled. More information about rates can be found HERE.
How to register a camper with e-Toll?
All information can be found HERE
What are the alternative options for paying e-Toll in Poland?
You can use external payment operators such as:
I personally use the operator UTA. Specifically, their DKV Box device, which allows me to make automatic payments in various European countries covered by the EETS system.
How much more will a camper over 3.5 tonnes pay to use roads in Poland?
Example for a trip along the main roads from Warsaw to the Czech border in Cieszyn:
Camper ≤ 3.5 t: travel on the main roads on the above section will be free of charge.
Campervan > 3.5t: Fees depend on actual kilometers traveled, road type, number of axles, and emission class. However, if you're driving a new campervan with a GVM up to 7.5t and the highest emission class, driving the indicated section will cost you approximately 140 PLN one-way.
Road tolls in the Czech Republic for a camper over 3.5 tons
Every camper with a GVM over 3.5t driving on Czech motorways is subject to the Myto CZ electronic toll collection system.
How much do roads and highways cost in the Czech Republic for a camper with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes?
Road tolls in the Czech Republic depend on the emission class, number of axles, and kilometers traveled. More information about rates can be found HERE.
How to register a camper in the Myto CZ system?
You can register online at www.mytocz.eu or directly at a customer service point (located near the border), and prepay your account before traveling and pay a deposit for the device. All information on this can be found HERE .
What are the alternative options for paying road tolls in the Czech Republic?
If you have a fuel card, e.g. from the DKV operator, you can rent a DKV Box device, which will automatically settle all journeys without the need to check whether the account is topped up with funds or not - the most convenient option.
How much more will a camper over 3.5 tonnes cost on Czech highways?
Example for a 2-week trip to Austria via the Czech Republic:
Camper ≤ 3.5 t: when purchasing a 1-month e-vignette , it costs approximately PLN 100 and it does not matter which route and how often you will drive.
Campervan > 3.5 t: Fees depend on actual kilometers driven on highways, the number of axles, and the emission class. However, if you're driving a new campervan with a GVM up to 7.5 t and the highest emission class, a one-way trip from Cieszyn towards Vienna will cost around 30 PLN . a return trip will cost approximately PLN 60 for road tolls alone - which is cheaper than with a camper with a GVWR ≤ 3.5 t.
Road tolls in Slovakia for a camper over 3.5 tons
Every camper with a GVM over 3.5t driving on motorways in Slovakia is subject to the standard toll collection system, i.e. it is enough to buy a standard vignette as for a passenger car.
The condition for exemption from the electronic toll collection system for vehicles with a GVM above 3.5 t is to have an entry in the registration certificate in item J (Vehicle category) with the designation: M1, N1, N1G or M1G
Where to buy a vignette for a camper in Slovakia?
The road toll vignette in Slovakia is available in electronic form and can be purchased online at Wizax
How much more will a camper over 3.5 tonnes cost on highways in Slovakia?
Campers with a GVM over 3.5t will pay exactly the same amount for passage through Slovakia as campers with a GVM below 3.5t.
Road tolls in Austria for a camper over 3.5 tons
In Austria, campers with a permissible gross vehicle weight of over 3.5 tonnes do not use a normal vignette like light vehicles, but are subject to the mileage-based toll system – the so-called GO-Maut (GO-toll) on motorways and expressways.
In practice, this means that a heavier camper must be equipped with a GO-Box or other EETS-compliant on-board unit , which automatically records the kilometres travelled and calculates fees based on distance, number of axles and CO₂ emission class .
This system works similarly to telematics solutions in other countries and is mandatory for heavy campers, trucks and buses.
How much do roads and highways cost in Austria for a camper with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes?
Road tolls in Austria depend on the emission class, number of axles, kilometers traveled, and specific road sections. More information on rates can be found HERE .
How to register a camper in the Go-Maut system?
You can pick up a toll collection device at one of our many customer service locations. Simply pay a deposit for the device and top up your prepaid account with any amount. You'll need your registration certificate.
Important note: a copy of the vehicle's approval certificate confirming the appropriate emission class must be sent to the email address provided on the invoice within 30 days of receiving the device. Failure to do so will result in a €200 fine.
What are the alternative options for paying road tolls in Austria?
If you have a fuel card, e.g. from the DKV operator, you can rent a DKV Box device, which will automatically settle all journeys without the need to check whether the account is topped up with funds or not - the most convenient option.
How much more will a camper over 3.5 tonnes cost on Austrian highways?
Example for a 2-week trip to Italy via Austria:
Campervan ≤ 3.5 t: by purchasing 2x 1-day e-vignettes (1 day for each journey) it costs approx. €20 and it does not matter which route you take, you just have to stay within one day.
Campervan > 3.5t: Tolls depend on actual kilometers driven on motorways, the number of axles, and the emission class. However, if you drive a new campervan with a 7.5t GVW and the highest emission class, a one-way trip from Mikulov via Vienna, Graz, and Villach towards Venice will cost around €120 . a round trip will cost around €240 for tolls alone, which puts Austria on the top of the podium when it comes to the amount of tolls for campers over 3.5 tonnes.
Road tolls in Slovenia for a camper over 3.5 tons
In Slovenia, campers with a permissible total weight of over 3.5 tonnes do not use classic e-vignettes like light vehicles, but are subject to the electronic toll collection system "DarsGo" .
Motorways and expressways are tolled in Slovenia. For vehicles > 3.5 tonnes, the fees depend on the distance traveled , number of axles, weight, and emission class. These fees are calculated automatically by the on-board unit (OBU/transponder) installed in the vehicle. The driver registers the vehicle in the DarsGo system through the operator's website or at a service point (e.g., at the border), and the device then records each journey and charges the appropriate fee.
How to register in the DarsGo system?
You can register via the website www.darsgo.si or directly at the customer service point (located at the border) and prepay your account before traveling and pay a deposit for the device.
What are the alternative options for paying road tolls in Slovenia?
Alternatively, you can use intermediary solutions that integrate payment systems, which allows you to settle tolls without having to purchase and install your own device (e.g. via DKV BOX solutions or other devices compatible with the DarsGo system – similarly to other European countries).
How much more will a camper over 3.5 tonnes cost on Slovenian highways?
Example for a 2-week trip to Croatia via Slovenia:
Camper ≤ 3.5 t: when purchasing a 1-month e-vignette (2A) , it costs approximately €43 and it does not matter which route and how often you will drive.
Campervans > 3.5 t: Tolls depend on actual kilometers driven on motorways, the number of axles, and the emission class. However, with a new campervan with the highest emission class, driving from Graz towards Zagreb (Sentilj - Donji Macelj section) will cost around €7 one-way, and driving across Slovenia towards Istria (Sentilj - Dragonja section) will cost around €30 one-way.
Road tolls in Germany for a camper over 3.5 tons
From 1 July 2024, the obligation to pay toll via the Toll Collect system in Germany applies to all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of over 3.5 tonnes on motorways and federal roads if they are used or intended for the transport of goods . This means that heavier campers may also be subject to this obligation if they meet the statutory criteria.
However, the Toll Act provides for a number of exceptions and exemptions (more information about exemptions can be found on this website: https://www.toll-collect.de/pl/toll_collect/rund_um_die_maut/mautbefreiung/mautbefreiung.html ), which may also apply to certain campervans – especially those not used for transport activities or meeting specific conditions for exempt status . Under German law, certain vehicles are simply not subject to tolls because they do not fall within the definition of a toll vehicle, while others may be covered by specific exemptions provided for in the Act (e.g. special vehicles, environmentally friendly vehicles, or vehicles used in specific roles).
To avoid potential inspections, document checks, or misunderstandings on the road , it's worth taking advantage of Toll Collect's voluntary registration of your vehicle as toll-exempt . This registration doesn't constitute legal confirmation of exemption —it's the law that determines whether a vehicle is actually exempt—but it facilitates faster journeys and reduces the risk of having to explain things during an inspection .
Practical tips: How to register your camper with Toll Collect
Create a Toll Collect customer account – visit the Toll Collect website and begin the registration process (online form). During this step, you'll receive a customer number and Master PIN , which will allow you to manage your vehicles in the system.
Log in to the customer portal and add your vehicle – after creating an account, you can register your vehicle or vehicle combination by providing technical data, GVM, registration number, etc.
Specify the vehicle's status – specify on the registration form that the vehicle is to be treated as exempt from tolls. This is good practice, even if it's not legally required, as it facilitates system identification and any potential inspections.
Supporting documents – carry documents or even photos of the interior of the campervan that can confirm that the campervan is not used for the transport of goods or meets the conditions of the exemption (e.g. confirmation of private use).
Toll Collect Support – If you have any questions, you can contact the Toll Collect hotline or use the FAQ section on their website for additional information and help with registration.
Thanks to this registration, your camper will be included in the Toll Collect system as a toll-exempt vehicle, which in practice can reduce the risk of stops and checks by road authorities when traveling in Germany.
How much more will a camper over 3.5 tonnes cost on German motorways?
Most campers with a GVM above 3.5 tonnes will not pay any toll on German highways.
However, there may be exceptions for campers that you have converted yourself, or campers with a large garage hatch that can accommodate a car, for example, so it is worth registering your vehicle with the Toll Collect system to ensure that the vehicle will be exempt from tolls.
Road tolls in Croatia for a camper over 3.5 tons
Croatia doesn't have a vignette system , and highway tolls are collected through toll gates (pay-per-use) . Campervans with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes are typically classified in Category III or IV , depending on the number of axles and vehicle height, which directly impacts the toll amount. Rates are charged for the actual section of highway traveled and are regulated by the state highway operator , Hrvatske autoceste . Payment can be made traditionally at toll gates – by cash or card – or without stopping, using electronic toll systems.
The most popular local system is ENC , while for heavy vehicles and campers >3.5 tonnes , EETS (European Electronic Toll Service) is a particularly convenient solution, implemented by devices such as the DKV Box . These enable automatic toll charging on Croatian highways and in many other European countries, without the need to use toll gates or purchase vignettes in advance.
How much more will a camper over 3.5 tonnes cost on Croatian highways?
An example price difference on the Zagreb - Split route (A1 motorway) for a camper with a GVM up to 3.5t is €41.40 (up to 3.5t) and €55.20 (over 3.5t) , i.e. approximately 30% more.
Road tolls in Switzerland for a camper over 3.5 tons
Every camper with a GVM over 3.5t driving on Swiss roads is obliged to purchase an electronic vignette, different from the one for passenger cars.
How much do roads and highways cost in Switzerland for a camper with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes?
The cost of a vignette for campers with a GVM above 3.5 tonnes in Switzerland depends on the period for which the vignette is purchased.
How to purchase an e-vignette in Switzerland for a camper over 3.5 tonnes?
The easiest way to buy an e-vignette in Switzerland is via the website: https://via.nivel.bazg.admin.ch/shop/dashboard
How much more will a camper over 3.5 tonnes cost on Swiss roads?
Example for 1 week of road travel in Switzerland:
Camper ≤ 3.5 t: is obliged to purchase an annual vignette, which costs approximately €55
Camper > 3.5 t: Can rent for only 7 days for only €28, which is cheaper than in the case of a camper up to 3.5 t
Road tolls in Italy for a camper over 3.5 tons
Every camper with a GVM over 3.5t is subject to motorway tolls in Italy.
How much do roads and highways cost in Italy for a camper with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes?
Road tolls in Italy depend on the distance traveled and the number of kilometers. Additionally, the vehicle class, which includes the vehicle's height (measured from the ground to the highest point of the vehicle at the front axle) and the number of axles, is important.
More information about vehicle classes in Italy can be found HERE .
How to pay road tolls in Italy?
Tolls are paid at motorway toll booths or using an electronic toll-accelerating device (optional).
Electronic devices enabling automatic road tolls for vehicles with a GVM above 3.5 tonnes include:
How much more will a camper over 3.5 tonnes cost on Italian highways?
Example for the journey from the Brennero Pass to Verona:
Camper ≤ 3.5 t: will pay approx. €18 at the toll gate for this section.
Campervans > 3.5 t: Tolls depend on the actual kilometers traveled on motorways, the number of axles, and the emission class. However, driving a new campervan with the highest emission class will cost approximately €15 , which is cheaper. However, keep in mind that in Italy, many motorways are operated by different companies, and these price differences may vary.
Road tolls in France for a camper over 3.5 tons
Every camper with a GVM over 3.5t is subject to motorway tolls in France.
How much do roads and highways cost in France for a camper with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes?
Road tolls in France depend on the distance traveled and the number of kilometers. Additionally, the vehicle class, which includes GVM, vehicle height, and number of axles, is important.
More information about vehicle classes can be found on this website: https://www.autoroutes.fr/en/vehicle-classification.htm
How to pay road tolls in France?
Tolls are paid at motorway toll booths or using an electronic toll-accelerating device (optional).
Electronic devices enabling automatic road tolls for vehicles with a GVM above 3.5 t include:
Road tolls in Belgium for a camper over 3.5 tons
Camper vans with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes are exempt from paying fees that apply only to heavy goods vehicles.
How much do roads and highways cost in Belgium for a camper with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes?
Campervans with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes are exempt from road tolls in Belgium. More information on the exemption for these vehicles can be found on this website: https://www.viapass.be/en/who-is-it-for/
What are the road tolls in Hungary? for a camper over 3.5 tons
Every camper with a GVM over 3.5t driving on Hungarian highways is obliged to purchase an E-Vignette at https://nemzetiutdij.hu/pl
This system allows for electronic settlement of road tolls. The toll amount depends on the duration of the trip and the vehicle category. A vignette can be purchased for 10 days, 1 month, 1 year (the entire country), or 1 year (a selected region).
How much more will a camper over 3.5 tonnes cost to drive on Hungarian roads?
A D1 vignette for a camper with a GVW of up to 3.5t for 10 days costs HUF 6,900 ( approx. PLN 77 ) and a D2 vignette, for a camper over 3.5t, also for 10 days, costs HUF 10,040 ( approx. PLN 112 ), which is approximately PLN 35 more.
Road tolls in Lithuania for a camper over 3.5 tons
According to the tariff information available at https://lakd.lt/en/user-charge-vignettes/ , only trucks transporting goods (vehicle categories N1-N3) and 9+-capacity vans (vehicle categories M2-M3) are subject to road vignettes in Lithuania. Therefore, all M1-rated campers (including Morelo campers for rent ) regardless of tonnage are exempt from tolls, just like passenger cars.
Road tolls in Latvia for a camper over 3.5 tons
According to the price list available at https://www.lvvignette.eu/tariffs , every vehicle over 3,000 kg is required to purchase a vignette. The determining factors for the vignette amount are the vehicle's GVM, emission class, and the vignette's validity period. Therefore, all campers with a GVM over 3.5 tons are required to purchase a vignette in Latvia.
What are the road tolls in Estonia? for a camper over 3.5 tons
According to the price list available at https://teetasu.ee/rates , every vehicle over 3,500 kg is required to purchase a vignette. The determining factors for the vignette amount are the vehicle's GVM, emission class, and the vignette's validity period. Therefore, all campers with a GVM over 3.5 tons driving on Estonian roads are required to purchase a vignette.
Campervan over 3.5t – CampRest tests
Below you can see some videos from my tests of campers with a GVW over 3.5 tons.
Carthago Chic E-Line 61XL camper test
A nice 3-axle camper built on a Mercedes chassis, which we tested from Trans-Al Rentals from Skawina during a winter trip to Caravan Park Sexten .
Morelo Loft 82LB BAR camper test
A fantastic camper that we took for a short test from the Morelo rental company in Skawina .
Frankia F-Line 890 QDB camper test
We traveled around various European countries in this camper for 6 months.
Concorde Carver 790L camper test
We drove the camper in Spain, France and Germany.
Concorde Charisma 860 LI camper test
We drove around Italy in a campervan.
Adria Supersonic 780 SL camper test
Niesman & Bischoff Arto 77e camper test
We drove the camper in Spain, Portugal, France, Germany and the Czech Republic.
Frankia Platin 7900GD camper test
We drove the camper in Germany, Austria and Italy.
Frankia Platin I8400 QD camper test
Rapido Distinction i190 camper test
We drove around Poland in a campervan.
The main driver, founder and the brain of CampRest. He is the one who runs the whole mechanism, implements new ideas faster than he is able to invent them. He used to be a professional driver and have run his own freight forward company - as you can see, he has always been drawn to sleep in the car;) He likes to drive large motorhomes and encourages you to get a C driving license and buy motorhomes over 3.5 tons.
