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Adopted text

CO2 emission class of heavy-duty vehicles with trailers

TA-10-2026-0328 · P10_TA(2026)0328 · PE784.241

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Parliament's position at first reading on a directive amending Directive 1999/62/EC on road charges for heavy-duty vehicles. It clarifies how vehicles are classified into CO2 emission classes and when Member States must vary tolls by those classes. It sets a 2030 CO2 reduction target of 30% for the emission reduction trajectory, requires reclassification of vehicles classified using a 43% target, and treats retrofitted zero-emission vehicles with a fuel-powered engine as class 1. Member States may cut charges for low-emission vehicles only alongside measures for zero-emission vehicles, limited to 75% before 1 July 2031 and 50% after. The Commission must assess trailer-based tolls and retrofitting by 30 June 2029. Member States must transpose the directive by 31 December 2027 and apply certain provisions from 1 January 2028.

Key points

  1. Member States must vary infrastructure charges and user charges for heavy-duty vehicles according to CO2 emission class, applying the variation after reference CO2 emissions of a vehicle sub-group are published.
  2. For vehicle sub-groups 4-UD, 4-RD, 4-LH, 5-RD, 5-LH, 9-RD, 9-LH, 10-RD and 10-LH, the variation applies at the latest from 13 May 2023, and adjusted reference CO2 emissions from 1 July 2026.
  3. Member States may exempt zero-emission vehicles from charges from 24 March 2022 to 30 June 2031, and may reduce charges for low-emission vehicles only if an exemption for zero-emission vehicles is in place.
  4. Reductions for low-emission vehicles are limited to 75% compared with class 1 charges before 1 July 2031, and to 50% from 1 July 2031.
  5. Member States must reclassify vehicles placed in class 1 or 2 using a 2030 target of 43% by using a trajectory based on a 30% target.
  6. Vehicles whose owner can provide a customer information file are eligible for classification; if first registered before the trajectory start date, the first year's values apply.
  7. Vocational vehicles must be treated as belonging to the corresponding non-vocational vehicle sub-group.
  8. Zero-emission vehicles retrofitted with a fuel-powered engine must not receive class 5 reduced charges and must be charged as class 1.
  9. Manufacturers may use the simulation tool for dual-fuel vehicles produced before 1 January 2024, after notifying the Commission and receiving a positive decision; Member States must accept the results if sent directly in digital format.
  10. The Commission must assess options for varying tolls based on trailer characteristics and for determining CO2 emissions of retrofitted vehicles by 30 June 2029, and may propose amendments.
  11. The Commission must coordinate a group of experts to exchange best practices on vehicle classification data and consider using the electronic certificate of conformity and existing information exchange mechanisms.
  12. Member States must transpose the directive by 31 December 2027 and apply the emission reduction trajectory and dual-fuel provisions from 1 January 2028.

Who is affected

  • Member States, which must vary road charges by CO2 class, reclassify vehicles and transpose the rules by 31 December 2027.
  • Road transport operators, who face charges based on their vehicles' CO2 emission class.
  • Vehicle manufacturers, who may simulate CO2 emissions for certain dual-fuel vehicles after notifying the Commission.
  • Owners of zero-emission vehicles retrofitted with a fuel-powered engine, who lose class 5 reduced charges.

Figures and deadlines

  • 30%: the CO2 emissions reduction target for 2030 used in the emission reduction trajectory.
  • 43%: the CO2 emissions reduction target for 2030 that triggers reclassification of vehicles in class 1 or 2.
  • 75%: the maximum reduction for low-emission vehicles compared with class 1 charges before 1 July 2031.
  • 50%: the maximum reduction for low-emission vehicles compared with class 1 charges from 1 July 2031.
  • 13 May 2023: latest date for applying the charge variation for vehicle sub-groups 4-UD, 4-RD, 4-LH, 5-RD, 5-LH, 9-RD, 9-LH, 10-RD and 10-LH.
  • 1 July 2026: date from which adjusted reference CO2 emissions apply for vehicle sub-groups 4-UD, 4-RD, 4-LH, 5-RD, 5-LH, 9-RD, 9-LH, 10-RD and 10-LH.
  • 30 June 2029: deadline for the Commission to assess trailer-based tolls and retrofitting CO2 determination.
  • 31 December 2027: deadline for Member States to transpose the directive.

Legal basis: Article 91(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.