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Dutch Road Tax in 2026: What Used-Car Buyers Need to Know

A practical guide to motorrijtuigenbelasting for used-car buyers in the Netherlands: petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric, weight and province.

By Tom Hoenderdos · Last updated 2026-06-29 · 7 min read

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Table of contents

Dutch road tax, or motorrijtuigenbelasting, can change the economics of a used car completely. A cheap diesel or heavy SUV can become expensive every month.

Always check the official Belastingdienst road-tax calculator before buying.

What determines road tax?

The main factors are:

  • Vehicle weight.
  • Fuel type.
  • Province.
  • Emissions category for some vehicles.
  • Current EV or plug-in hybrid rules.

Weight matters a lot. Two similar-looking cars can have different monthly tax because one is heavier.

Petrol cars

Petrol cars are usually the simplest and often the safest private-use choice. Small and medium petrol cars tend to have manageable road tax.

Diesel cars

Diesel is often expensive in Dutch road tax. It can still make sense for high motorway mileage or towing, but low-mileage private buyers should be careful.

Read buying a diesel used car in 2026.

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids

Normal hybrids usually follow their weight and fuel category. Plug-in hybrid rules have changed over time, so check current rates rather than relying on old forum posts.

RVO notes that from 2026 cars with CO2 emissions from 1 to 50 g/km no longer receive the previous MRB discount.

Electric cars

Fully electric cars receive a reduced MRB rate in 2026 according to RVO, but the discount changes over time. Because EVs are often heavy, future tax matters for resale and monthly cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate Dutch road tax?

Use the Belastingdienst calculator with the car’s weight, fuel type and province.

Why is diesel so expensive?

Dutch tax policy makes diesel ownership costly unless you drive enough to offset it.

Are electric cars tax-free?

Not fully from 2026. Check current RVO/Belastingdienst rules.

Should road tax change my car choice?

Yes. It is a monthly cost and can make a cheap car expensive.

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