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The switch of the toll display to the OBU, as well as the central toll collection are completed, the weight classes are visible.
As I have already mentioned several times in my posts, the 01.07.2018 is getting closer and closer. Now there are only about 2 weeks left until the toll on our federal highways is also expanded.
But as already written in the last post , the switch to the central toll collection in the OBU is completed.
Why all this
The Federal Ministry of Transport has entrusted Toll Collect with further developing the truck toll system. Within the framework of this development, Toll Collect, as the operator, has also created the possibility to differentiate vehicles according to weight classes.
Among other things, to enable the planned toll increase in 2023.
There are now 3 weight classes that have been displayed since 01.06.2018 and are divided as follows:
- < 7.5 tons
- ≥ 7.5 tons – 11.99 tons
- ≥ 12 tons – 18 tons
18 tons
When must the weight classes be set?
I think the question that is burning on everyone’s mind is, what happens if the weight classes are set incorrectly …
For now, nothing. Since there is no official statement yet on when the weight classes will take effect and whether an incorrect setting will be penalized, it should be set as quickly as possible, especially for those where the classes can change quickly.
But how should one set the classes?
It’s actually quite simple. The classes are based on the permissible total mass of the vehicle combination! Yes, you read that right.
Vehicle combination here means nothing else than whether you are driving with or without a trailer / flatbed.
As an example, the truck with a permissible total mass of 7.49 tons should be mentioned here. Because this one is actually toll-free, as it does not exceed 7.5 tons. If you drive this truck with a trailer, the vehicle combination (comprising the tractor and trailer) becomes toll liable, and the toll device itself must be set to ≥ 7.5 tons.
In general, the toll devices are already set as you specified during the device registration. In my case, it’s 18 tons, but with a flatbed behind me, I have to set it to >18 tons. (See image above)
For vehicles like trailer trains, the highest possible weight class is already displayed by default, as these are allowed to have a higher total mass. Here, nothing needs to be set and nothing else needs to be done.
Toll Collect itself has uploaded a video online on YouTube, explaining all of this again.
In terms of toll, therefore, from 01.07.2018, only the fact that it also applies to federal highways changes. So, if you are still driving with an incorrect weight class, nothing will happen here. That means, no penalty notice will be sent to your home.
Nevertheless, we should not forget that drivers have a so-called duty of cooperation. That is, as drivers, we are obliged not only to have the correctly set axle number but also to make sure that the toll device is active and not switched off or similar.
Federal Motorway Toll Act
With the Federal Motorway Toll Act, short BFStrMG , the entire last change is now related. Well, there is also a so-called Way Cost Report , which has contributed to the fact that new toll rates will soon be introduced. New duties of cooperation also apply to us drivers, such as the correct setting of the weight class. The legislator has kept the introduction of new weight classes open after the aforementioned way cost report. That means, a more precise differentiation may still take place. Here, Toll Collect has made it possible to set the weight classes in steps of 1.5 tons.
Toll Terminals, Pillars and the App
The old toll terminals are no longer active, and the new ones have been installed. The Toll Collect app is a sensible alternative to the terminal. The search for a terminal becomes unnecessary, as it can be used anywhere, provided you have a stable internet connection.
The setup of the control pillars is in full swing. By 01.07.2018, about 600 units will be installed nationwide. The blue pillars are also part of the control system, just like the control bridges on the motorways. Although there are misleading “reports” on social media, these pillars are not speed cameras!
Is anything else happening until the start on 01.07.2018?
The new toll system is ready for operation. The main task of Toll Collect is now to continue informing about the toll expansion. This happens both at information events, as well as at the chambers and guilds of crafts, as this clientele has not yet had to deal with the toll. Here, Toll Collect sees a need for enlightenment, as most businesses have not been subject to the toll obligation so far. But also for new toll users, there is a video: https://youtu.be/Ie1kriJ1NPs .
Information is also being provided on social media channels. Here, I can recommend you the “Toll Magazin” from Toll Collect. Especially in issues 8 and 9, the weight classes are discussed.
You can also ask questions or simply get informed at the Toll Collect stand at the Truck Gran Prix. There, Toll Collect has a large stand with an autograph hour, prize draws, explanations on how to set up the toll devices, as well as smartphones and tablets to demonstrate and explain the app.
I hope to meet one or more of you there, I will also be present.
More about this topic?
- Expansion of toll to all federal highways
- Toll booking via app
- Lorry toll on all federal highways
- TollCollect is ready (This article)
- 4 weeks of toll on our federal highways
