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Charging of heavy goods vehicles: Eurovignette Directive
Most EU countries charge hauliers for using their transport infrastructure, notably roads. The EU has introduced the Eurovignette with the aim of recovering construction, maintenance, repair and environmental costs, ensuring fair competition and preventing discrimination.
ACT
Directive 1999/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 1999 on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures.
SUMMARY
WHAT DOES THE DIRECTIVE DO?
It replaces earlier legislation - Directive 93/89/EEC - which had been annulled by the European Court of Justice in 1995. It harmonises the conditions under which national authorities may apply taxes, tolls and user charges on goods carried by road.
KEY POINTS
Directive 2003/96/EC sets minimum tax levels for all motor fuels. Countries with road user charges may apply a reduced rate for gas oil used by those vehicles.
WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?
From 20 July 1999.
BACKGROUND
In 2014, the Commission adopted a strategy to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from transport. This emphasised the contributions new technology, including alternative fuels, and a shift to other forms of transport could make.
For more information, see the European Commission’s road charging website.
REFERENCES
Act |
Entry into force |
Deadline for transposition in the Member States |
Official Journal |
Directive 1999/62/EC |
20.7.1999 |
1.7.2000 |
Amending act(s) |
Entry into force |
Deadline for transposition in the Member States |
Official Journal |
Directive 2006/38/EC |
10.6.2006 |
10.6.2008 |
|
Council Directive 2006/103/EC |
1.1.2007 |
1.1.2007 |
|
Directive 2011/76/EU |
15.10.2011 |
16.10.2013 |
|
Council Directive 2013/22/EU |
1.7.2013 |
1.7.2013 |
RELATED ACTS
Council Directive 2003/96/EC of 27 October 2003 restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity (OJ L 283 of 31.10.2003, pp. 51-70).
Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - Strategy for reducing heavy-duty vehicles’ fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (COM(2014) 285 final of 21.5.2014).
last update 30.04.2015