ZAGREB, 21 Nov (Hina) - The Croatian government sent the final bill on toll collection to parliament on Thursday, under which the new system would be fully operational from 1 March 2027.
Presenting the bill at the cabinet meeting, Transport Minister Oleg Butković said it establishes, for the first time, a legal framework for a single electronic tolling system across Croatia's entire motorway network. Until now, toll matters have been regulated under the Roads Act.
The new system will use two technologies: on-board ENC (electronic toll collection) devices and automatic licence-plate recognition via cameras. It will introduce free-flow tolling without stopping, unlike the systems currently used by Hrvatske Autoceste and Bina-Istra, while the Zagreb–Macelj motorway still has no electronic tolling at all.
The government proposes adopting the bill under a fast-track procedure to ensure timely implementation.
The minister said the new system will mean faster traffic and less congestion, reduced fuel consumption and emissions, improved safety and flow, easier use for drivers of light vehicles and tourists, and better monitoring of vehicles. Non-payment of tolls will be defined as an offence to deter illegal motorway use. The project is backed by €130 million in grants from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
According to government documents, the system will apply to the entire motorway network from 1 March 2027, with no barriers or stopping. Light vehicles will be able to register their number-plate data and valid payment method in the Electronic Tolling System (ESNC); heavy vehicles will continue to use ENC devices, with licence-plate recognition mandatory.
Users will be able to register for the ESNC via a national online portal, a mobile app, other digital services or dedicated fast-registration lanes, as well as through motorway operators' offices and contracted third-party sales points.
Under the bill, anyone using a tolled road without registering will have to pay the toll for the section used plus a statutory penalty charge to curb non-payment.
