Weight classes

Check before every journey: Weight class set correctly?


One hand sets the weight and axle class on an OBU. Both entries are visible on the display of the OBU.

TPMLM instead of GVW

The basis for allocation to a weight class has changed.

Previously, the gross vehicle weight (GVW) was the decisive factor. Since 1 December 2023, the technically permissible maximum laden mass (TPMLM) has been decisive.

This means that vehicles could fall into a higher weight class or be subject to toll charges.

The video shows how you adjust the TPMLM in the customer portal.

You can activate the subtitles using the icons at the bottom right in the player.

The weight and axle declaration

The truck toll is calculated in part based on the weight class of the vehicle or the vehicle combination. The decisive factor here is the technically permissible maximum laden mass (TPMLM). This information can be found in vehicle registration document field F.1. If the vehicle weighs more than 18 tonnes, the number of axles is also relevant. The weight classes are:

  • < 7.5 tonnes (not subject to toll)
  • ≥ 7.5 tonnes to < 12 tonnes
  • ≥ 12 tonnes to ≤ 18 tonnes
  • > 18 tonnes

Motor vehicles and vehicle combinations with a technically permissible maximum laden mass of 7.5 tonnes or more are subject to toll. Vehicle combinations are only subject to toll if the motorised vehicle has a TPMLM of over 3.5 tonnes.

TheTPMLM that was specified when the vehicle was registered is always permanently stored in the On-Board Unit. If the TPMLM changes due to a trailer being attached/detached, the TPMLM must be adjusted on the OBU before starting a journey. This applies to vehicles with a TPMLM up to and including 18 tonnes. Above 18 tonnes, the axles must also be specified (≤3 axles, 4 axles or ≥ 5 axles).

Please note

You must ensure that the correct Technically Permissible Maximum Laden Mass (TPMLM) for your vehicle or vehicle combination is configured correctly before starting your journey.

Classification in the weight and axle declaration

For vehicles and vehicle combinations weighing 7.5 tonnes or more, the weight is declared in increments of 1.5 tonnes. No weight class can be set that is below the weight which has been saved on the on-board unit. The Technically Permissible Maximum Laden Mass for vehicle combinations is calculated from the sum of the Technically Permissible Maximum Laden Masses for the individual vehicles.

* in 1.5 t increments

** For weights up to and including 18 t, voluntary entry of the number of axles is possible, but has no effect on the toll charges.

Weight classes Weight declaration* Axle declaration**
Not subject to toll
<7.5 t
< 7.5 t
(Display shows "Toll-free")
-
Weight class
≥ 7.5 t to < 12 t
7.5 t – 9 t – 10.5 t
(Display shows "7.5t .. 11.99t")
-
Weight class
≥ 12 t to ≤ 18 t
12 t – 13.5 t – 15 t – 16.5 t – 18 t
(Display shows "12t .. 18t")
-
Weight class
>18 t
> 18 t, no weight declaration necessary
(Display shows "> 18t")
≤ 3 axles, 4 axles or ≥ 5 axles
(Enter the exact number of axles)

Truck toll in Germany

After starting your journey, the display will continuously show the selected weight range. Here are four examples:


OBU display shows the settings 2 axles and DE toll-free. The green LED lights up.
Vehicle with 2 axles, toll free < 7.5 tonnes

OBU display shows the settings 5 axles and the weight range of 7,5 to 11,99 tonnes. The green LED lights up.
Vehicle with 5 axles, weight 9 tonnes

OBU display shows the settings 5 axles and the weight range of 12 to 18 tonnes. The green LED lights up.
Vehicle with 5 axles, weight 16.5 tonnes

OBU display shows the settings 5 axles and the weight range greater than 18 tonnes. The green LED lights up.
Vehicle with 5 axles, weight > 18 tonnes

Truck toll in Austria

In Austria – with activated AT service (TOLL2GO)


OBU display shows the settings 3 axles and AT service. The green LED lights up.
Vehicle with 3 axles

On-Board Unit entries

After starting the engine, the weight that was set for the last journey is displayed. This may be the Technically Permissible Maximum Laden Mass (TPMLM) that is permanently stored in the on-board unit or a Technically Permissible Maximum Laden Mass that has been actively selected by the driver.

Please note

  • It is not possible to set a weight class that is lower than the Technically Permissible Maximum Laden Mass that is permanently saved in the on-board unit.
  • For vehicles or vehicle combinations with a Technically Permissible Maximum Laden Mass over 18 tonnes, please ensure that the correct number of axles is also set.

Flyer

Share and print: The flyer contains all important information relating to the new weight classes.

Flyer (PDF, 268 KB)

In the customer portal you can see at a glance which axle and weight classes are set on the OBUs of your vehicles. The instructions show you how to proceed.

Instructions (PDF, 984 KB)

Some brief instructions for truck drivers: How to correctly set your weight and axle class.

Instructions (PDF, 46 KB)

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