A user charge must be paid on motorways for motor vehicles or combination vehicles intended or used exclusively for the carriage of goods by road. From what gross vehicle weight rating does this apply?

The user charge for motorways in Germany is applied to vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 7.5 tons or more. This regulation aims to ensure that heavier vehicles, which cause more wear and tear on road infrastructure, contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the roads through toll payments.

By specifying a GVWR threshold of 7.5 tons, the regulation targets commercial vehicles and larger transport vehicles, recognizing their impact on road usage. Thus, vehicles below this weight limit are not subject to this specific toll, which helps regulate traffic and funding for road upkeep without imposing unnecessary charges on lighter vehicles. Understanding this threshold is key for drivers of heavy vehicles to comply with traffic laws and avoid penalties.