Toll evasion on the Autobahn using repeated exits: an illegal manoeuvre that can cost you more than you try to save

In some countries bordering Germany, tolls are charged for trucks and heavy vehicles using the motorways (Autobahn). While such tolls do not (currently) apply to regular cars in Germany, the truck toll system (Lkw-Maut) is mandatory. Some truck drivers or transport companies try to evade these tolls by using repeated exits to bypass toll collection points – a behaviour that is not just a minor offence, but a form of organised fraud that German law punishes strictly.

What is meant by exit-based toll evasion?

Some drivers register an official route in the toll system that avoids toll points (for example via secondary roads), but in reality they keep re-entering the Autobahn after each exit, attempting to hide their actual use of the toll-liable motorway.

This manoeuvre is referred to in German traffic terminology as:

“Mautvermeidungsverhalten” – toll-avoidance behaviour

Once an unnatural, repetitive pattern of this behaviour is detected, it is considered a deliberate intention to evade the toll system.

How is this type of evasion detected?

The truck toll system is operated by Toll Collect in cooperation with the police and the Federal Office for Goods Transport (BAG). It relies on several technical and analytical components, including:

• Satellite-based monitoring (GPS tolling)

• Sensors on overhead control gantries (Kontrollbrücken) on motorways

• Automated analysis of recurring driving patterns, routes and exits used

In practice, excessive and traffic-wise illogical use of exits over short distances triggers an alarm message (Alarmmeldung) in the system, which can lead to a detailed investigation of the vehicle and the operating company.

What are the legal consequences if evasion is proven?

Under the Federal Trunk Road Toll Act (BFStrMG, § 10), deliberate evasion of motorway tolls is classified as:

• a serious financial administrative offence,

• a form of administrative fraud that can escalate into criminal prosecution,

• a breach of a company’s duty to maintain transparent and truthful operational records.

Possible sanctions include:

• Single use of a toll road without payment
  – Fine: approximately €150–€300 per incident

• Repeated use of exits to systematically evade tolls
  – Fine: up to €20,000 for companies
  – Possible additional measures, such as review or restriction of tax-related or commercial arrangements

• Repeated or organised toll fraud
  – Consequences: criminal proceedings
  – Possible revocation of transport licences or operating permits for administrative fraud

• Impact on the company’s rating with the BAG
  – Risk: loss of transport contracts or regulatory approvals, or exclusion from certain tenders

Position of transport companies and administrative responsibility

If toll evasion is committed by a driver working for a transport company, the practical situation is usually as follows:

• Responsibility typically lies with both the driver and the operator/company.

• Authorities may impose double or increased fines or withdraw or restrict parts of the company’s operating licences.

• Larger companies may be subjected to unannounced inspections by the BAG, during which journey logs, GPS data and toll records are examined.

Conclusion

Avoiding Autobahn tolls by using repeated exits may look like a clever trick at first glance, but from the perspective of German law it is a form of premeditated toll fraud that can ultimately cost you far more than the tolls you tried to save. In a country where every kilometre and every minute is carefully recorded, legal security is worth much more than a short-term, questionable saving.

The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information through thorough research and by consulting multiple sources when preparing articles. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some information may be incomplete or not fully confirmed. Therefore, the information in this article should be regarded only as an initial point of reference. For binding, case-specific legal advice, readers should always consult the relevant authorities, legal professionals or specialised advisors.