Outgoing Infrastructure Minister Harbers has announced that the current exception will no longer apply from July 2024.
The end of the pilot period for the driver's license exemption for electric commercial vehicles is approaching. This testing ground allowed drivers to drive electric commercial vehicles that exceed the maximum permitted weight of 3.500 kg up to a maximum of 4.250 kg without having a C driving license. The change to make this exemption permanent has been initiated but is being delayed due to complex conditions the Driving License Directive.
After coordination with the enforcement authorities and the European Commission, a temporary solution has been reached. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) will not take enforcement action against drivers who drive these vehicles without a C driving license, under certain conditions. This decision was taken to prevent electric vehicles registered before October 1, 2023 from being taken out of use.
However, from July 1, 2024, this exception will no longer apply, and drivers of electric commercial vehicles must still be in possession of a truck driver's license. This announcement was done by outgoing Minister Harbers of Infrastructure. This decision is a setback for entrepreneurs who have invested in sustainable transport, as they are now confronted with additional costs.
The Dutch government aims to supply city centers with emission-free vehicles from 2025. This means that from that moment on, drivers must also be in possession of a truck driver's license to drive these vehicles. This change could have significant consequences for entrepreneurs who have invested in these electric vehicles, as it will lead to additional costs for obtaining the required driver's license.
In the meantime, cooperation has been established between various authorities, including the ILT, JenV, RDW, the police, the Public Prosecution Service, insurers and the European Commission, to find a solution for the enforcement of the new Driving License Directive.
Electric vehicles are heavier than traditional commercial vehicles due to their heavy battery packs, which means they often exceed the maximum weight of 3.500 kg. This situation plays out in a broader context of efforts to supply cities with emission-free vehicles from 2025. However, there are various regulations and exceptions that make it attractive for entrepreneurs to purchase diesel vehicles. For example, diesel vans and trucks purchased before 2025 may continue to drive until 2028, which limits the effectiveness of the zero-emission zones in the first years.
The solution, achieved in collaboration with insurers, Justice and Security (JenV), the Road Transport Agency (RDW), ILT, police, Public Prosecution Service (OM) and the European Commission, combines temporary non-enforcement action with the aim of making the exemption permanent. while road safety remains paramount.
