What does this mean for you and your Krismar horse truck?
The regulations for vehicles used to transport goods are changing. These changes include the introduction of a truck toll (road charge) and an expansion of the tachograph requirements. Below, we explain what this means for you in practical terms.
Truck toll | From 1 July 2026, the Netherlands will introduce a distance-based road charge for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. The toll will apply to motorways as well as selected major roads, with rates based on the vehicle’s weight and emissions. At the same time, the Eurovignette will be phased out.
This measure applies to vehicles with a maximum authorised mass above 3.5 tonnes, specifically those in categories N2 and N3. Krismar 2-horse vehicles, which remain below this threshold and fall within category N1, are not subject to the charge. Vehicles classified as M1 are also, in practice, outside the scope of this regulation.
❗Please note: the vehicle category listed on your registration certificate is the determining factor. It is the only reliable way to confirm whether the toll applies to your vehicle.
Key considerations
→ under 3.5 tonnes (N1)
No truck toll applies
→ between 3.5 and 12 tonnes (N2)
Truck toll applies
→ over 12 tonnes
N3: Truck toll applies
M1: Generally exempt, but always check your registration certificate
To pay the truck toll, you’ll need to set up an agreement with a certified toll service provider. You will then receive an on-board unit (OBU) — a device installed in your vehicle that automatically records the kilometres driven on toll roads. Billing is handled directly through your provider. If you are already using an OBU in Belgium, it’s important to check whether it is also valid in the Netherlands or if it needs to be updated.
❗Already have an OBU?
This does not automatically mean you are covered for the Netherlands.
An OBU does not work across countries by default, always check whether your current contract can be extended.
In many cases, you will need either a separate Dutch OBU or a European OBU (EETS) that covers multiple countries
If you frequently drive internationally, a European OBU is usually the most efficient and straightforward solution.
Extension of the tachograph requirement
From 1 July 2026, the scope of the tachograph requirement will be extended. The key change is a lower threshold of 2.5 tonnes. Vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes will also be required to use a tachograph when engaged in international transport of goods or cabotage operations.
Drivers of lighter vehicles, such as a 2-horse vehicle under 3.5 tonnes, may be exempt from this requirement in certain situations. However, once such a vehicle is used across borders for professional transport, the use of a tachograph can become mandatory. This may apply, for example, when transporting horses for competitions, sale, or on behalf of third parties.
For vehicles registered in Belgium, a tachograph must always be fitted when used for international professional transport, regardless of the vehicle’s weight. Some exemptions do exist — for instance, for non-commercial use or transport within a limited radius — but these are strictly defined and subject to enforcement.
What determines whether a tachograph is required?
In practice, three key factors determine whether a tachograph is needed:
→ Is the transport private or commercial?
→ Are you transporting your own horses or those of others?
→ Is the journey national or international?
When a tachograph is not required
In certain situations, no tachograph is needed when the use is clearly private:
• You are transporting your own horse for leisure, training or competition
• The transport is non-commercial (no payment, no business activity)
• You may travel internationally, but purely in a private context
Transport for medical purposes (such as visits to a vet or clinic) generally also falls within this category.
When a tachograph is required
A tachograph becomes mandatory as soon as the transport has a professional or economic nature:
• You transport horses for payment
• You transport horses for sale or as part of a business activity
• You travel internationally with a vehicle over 2.5 tonnes in a commercial context
The vehicle is used structurally for business purposes
Examples include:
• Transporting horses for clients
• Travelling to competitions in a professional setting
• Trading or training horses as part of a business
Grey areas | Some situations are less clear-cut and may be open to interpretation during inspections:
You transport someone else’s horse free of charge, but via your business
The vehicle is registered to a company, even if the transport is unpaid
You rent out a vehicle to a client
In the case of rental, it is important to note:
The user must comply with tachograph rules if they carry out commercial transport
As the owner, you are usually not directly responsible, but the way the vehicle is used determines the obligations
In such cases, enforcement authorities may still consider there to be a commercial link.
Key considerations
→ 2.5 – 3.5 tonnes
Tachograph required for international and commercial use
→ Private use (own horse, leisure)
No tachograph required, even internationally
→ Commercial transport (paid, sale, business use)
Tachograph required
→ Unclear or mixed use
when in doubt, using a tachograph is recommended
❗Important: When a tachograph is required, the driver must also hold a valid driver card. This personal card records driving and rest times in the tachograph. Without a driver card, the vehicle may not be used in situations where tachograph rules apply. You can apply for one here.
As transport regulations evolve, the right preparation ensures you remain confident and carefree on the road. Taking the time to understand how your Krismar is classified and used is essential. Krismar is here to support you with any questions regarding your horse truck and the applicable regulations. If you are unsure about your specific situation, we are happy to review it with you, ensuring you are fully prepared and can transport your horses with complete peace of mind.
