Estimate your Dutch road tax (MRB)
Use this quick calculator to estimate motorrijtuigenbelasting (MRB) based on weight, fuel, province, and vehicle profile.
This tool gives an educational estimate only. Official amounts can differ based on exact registration data and current Belastingdienst rules.
If you own or plan to buy a car in the Netherlands, road tax is one of your most important recurring costs. This Dutch road tax calculator helps you estimate what you might pay per month, quarter, and year—so you can budget before you commit.
What is Dutch road tax (MRB)?
Dutch road tax is called motorrijtuigenbelasting (MRB). It is a recurring tax for owning a motor vehicle registered in the Netherlands. In most cases, the tax is billed quarterly, but it helps to think in monthly and yearly totals as well.
The exact amount depends on several factors, including your car’s curb weight, fuel type, and your province.
Main factors that affect your road tax
1) Vehicle weight
Heavier vehicles generally pay more MRB. Weight classes (bands) are a major part of the calculation.
2) Fuel type
- Petrol: usually the baseline in many examples.
- Diesel: often higher than petrol.
- LPG: often higher than petrol due to fuel-specific treatment.
- Electric/hybrid: may receive temporary discounts depending on policy year.
3) Province
The provincial component (opcenten) means your province can change your final amount, even for the same car and fuel type.
4) Special regimes and exemptions
- Some vehicles may qualify for reduced tariffs (for example certain campers).
- Some historic vehicles can qualify for exemption under specific conditions.
- Diesel vehicles may include extra surcharges in some situations.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your vehicle weight in kilograms.
- Select fuel type and province.
- Choose the vehicle profile that best fits your registration.
- Enable diesel surcharge if applicable.
- Apply exemption only if you are certain you qualify.
- Click Calculate road tax to see monthly, quarterly, and yearly estimates.
Example planning use cases
Comparing two cars before buying
If you are choosing between a 1,150 kg petrol hatchback and a 1,650 kg diesel estate, this calculator helps you estimate the tax difference quickly. That can significantly change your annual running cost.
Estimating the impact of a move
If you move from one province to another, your MRB may change due to provincial multipliers. This tool makes it easy to model your new budget.
Budgeting for yearly ownership cost
Many drivers focus on purchase price and insurance, but annual road tax can be substantial. A realistic ownership budget should include fuel, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, and MRB.
Tips to potentially lower your Dutch road tax
- Choose a lighter vehicle when practical.
- Check if your chosen fuel type increases tax disproportionately.
- Review EV policy updates yearly if you drive electric.
- Verify whether your vehicle classification is correct (camper/passenger/other).
- Always confirm final numbers with official government sources before purchase.
Important note about accuracy
This page is designed for fast estimation, not legal or fiscal advice. Real MRB can vary due to detailed registration fields, changing regulations, and specific exceptions. For exact payment obligations, use the official Belastingdienst channels.
FAQ
Is this the official Dutch road tax calculator?
No. This is an independent educational estimator.
Why does diesel often look more expensive?
Diesel frequently carries higher tax treatment than petrol in MRB calculations.
Can EV road tax change in future years?
Yes. EV discounts can be adjusted by policy, which is why the calculator lets you modify the EV discount percentage.
Does this include insurance and fuel costs?
No. This calculator estimates road tax only.