Toll France
What is a toll (obligation)?
Most countries in Europe charge toll fees. There is a so-called toll obligation. But what does this mean? For the use of many motorways and expressways as well as tunnels and bridges , so-called toll fees are charged. The money raised through the toll is invested, for example, in the road network. This enables you to have a smooth journey on your way to your holiday. The primary areas for investment are infrastructure, traffic management and road safety, as well as environmental protection measures.
Infrastructure: construction and maintenance of roads and motorways
Traffic safety and traffic management: new technologies such as intelligent traffic systems or toll gantries
Environmental protection: expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce emissions
How is the toll charged in France?
Distance-based toll, special toll and city toll
In France there is no vignette requirement. Instead, the distance-based toll applies to the motorway. The distance-based toll is calculated based on the distance travelled and the vehicle class and must be paid at toll stations. You can orient yourself using the markings of the routes. The following rules apply:
Motorways (A): blue (toll required)
National roads (N): green (toll-free)
Departmental roads (D): white (toll-free)
There are also routes that are subject to a special toll. This means that for these routes (certain tunnels and bridges), you must pay a fee independently of the distance-based toll. In addition, a large number of cities are subject to a city toll. Therefore, you need an environmental badge for these cities.
Distance-based toll: regulations and vehicle classes
Regulations for motor vehicles
Specific regulations apply to the following motor vehicles, which form the basis for the classification into the different vehicle classes:
Motorcycles: are always tolled the same, i.e. motorcycles with a trailer as well as trikes are tolled like motorcycles.
Cars: are tolled according to the total height.
Vehicle combinations: If your trailer has a height of up to 2 m, it is not tolled separately. Only combinations with a height of more than 3 m are tolled separately. In addition, combinations with a towing vehicle weighing more than 3.5 t gross vehicle weight are classified as vehicle class 4.
Motorhomes: are tolled based on their total height and weight. For motorhomes with a total height of more than 3 m and/or a weight of more than 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, a higher toll fee must be paid (class 3 or 4). Since often only a height measurement is taken, your motorhome may be classified in class 2 despite a weight of more than 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. The total height includes all fixed superstructures such as air conditioning units, but not roof boxes, antennas or lighting equipment. If you need detailed information on the exact toll fees for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, you can check, among other things, the Autoroutes website under "Itinéraires et services" and select your vehicle category there.
Vehicle classes
The various motor vehicles can be assigned to different vehicle classes:
Class 1: motor vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, also with trailer (such as folding, luggage and folding caravan trailers) and a height of up to 2 m
Class 2: motor vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight and a height between 2 m and 3 m. Motorhomes may also belong to this class. This class also applies to combinations with a towing vehicle up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight and a height of 2 m to 3 m.
Class 3: 2-axle motor vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight or a height of 3 m or more
Class 4: motor vehicles with 3 or more axles and over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight or a height of 3 m or more, as well as combinations with a towing vehicle over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight or a height of 3 m or more
Class 5: motorcycles (also with trailer/sidecar) and trikes.
Please note that in France, tandem axles are considered as two single axles (i.e. not as 3 axles).
Distance-based toll: payment of toll fees
In France, tolls can be paid in various ways. A special feature is the free-flow toll. With this system, the license plate is recorded electronically, and thus so is the toll fee, meaning you don't have to stop to pay the toll. Please note, however, that digital payment (depending on the operator) usually has to be made within 72 hours after driving the route. Motorway routes that are recorded using the free-flow system include, for example, the A13/A14 and the A79. In the future, the free-flow system is intended to be implemented on all motorway routes, but classic toll stations still exist on most motorway routes. The toll stations can follow the following system:
Closed toll system: When entering the motorway, you must take a ticket, which you then have to pay for later when leaving the motorway. The amount is based on the distance travelled as well as your vehicle class. Payment is possible both with cash and credit card.
Open toll system: The open toll system applies whenever a flat fee is charged at toll stations, which is levied independently of the distance travelled. The lanes are assigned to the payment options and the respective staff: lanes with a green arrow are open to all vehicle categories for paying the toll, while at automatic "cb" counters only credit card payment is possible. In addition, staffed payment points are indicated by a pictogram. The lanes marked with a "t" are only accessible to users of the télépéage system.
Télépéage system: This system works via a previously purchased transponder, which is used to record the distance travelled and must be installed in the vehicle beforehand. This means you don't have to stop at toll stations and can continue driving directly through the "t" lanes at the toll stations. Vehicles under 3 m in height can use this transponder (transmitter).
Special toll: tunnels and bridges
This section gives you an overview of the toll-required tunnels and bridges in France.
Tunnels connecting two countries:
In these tunnels you can pay with cash, credit card (e.g. Mastercard or VISA) or with some fuel and service cards. The amount of the special toll differs depending on the tunnel:
Fréjus Road Tunnel (France-Italy): You can find detailed information on prices on the official website of the tunnel.
Mont Blanc Road Tunnel (France-Italy): Please note that the tunnel may be temporarily closed in the coming years due to renovation work. In addition, vehicles operated with autogas (LPG, liquid gas) must be registered at the toll station. The vehicle owner receives a label there, which must be attached to the windscreen during the crossing. You can find detailed information on prices on the official website of the Mont Blanc Road Tunnel.
Tunnels within France:
Prices for crossing differ depending on the tunnel:
Tunnel Maurice Lemaire
Tunnel de Puymorens
Tunnel Prado Carénage Marseille
Tunnel Prado Sud Marseille
Tunnel Duplex A68
Tunnel de Caluire
Bridges:
Prices for using the bridge differ depending on the bridge:
Ile de Ré: The amount of the special toll differs not only by vehicle class but also depending on the time of year. Accordingly, the special toll is more expensive in the period from 15.06 to 15.09 than in the period from 02.03 to 14.06 and 16.09 to 14.11. The bridge is cheapest during the period from 15.11 to 01.03.
Pont de Normandie
Pont de Tancarville
Viaduc de Millau: For this tunnel as well, the amount of the special toll differs not only by vehicle class but also depending on the time of year. Accordingly, the special toll is more expensive in the period from 15.09 to 19.06 than in the period from 16.9 to 14.6.
The environmental badge: city toll
In France there are environmental zones, which also partly apply in cities. Therefore, you must purchase a paid environmental badge Crit'Air in order to be allowed to drive into the respective cities. Outside these environmental zones, however, no environmental badges are required in France.
To visit the following cities, you need, among other things, an environmental badge. It is important to note that this list only represents a selection of the cities requiring a fee and only the best-known places are listed. Therefore, you should take care of the environmental badge in good time and find out about your destinations or other destination cities before starting your trip.
Grenoble
Lille
Lyon
Marseille
Montpellier
Nice
Paris
Strasbourg
Toulouse
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a good trip and an unforgettable travel adventure. Feel free to use our route planner for your planning. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.
FAQ: Questions About Your Trip
Answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
Is there a vignette requirement in France?
No. In France there is no vignette requirement as there is, for example, in Austria or Switzerland. On many motorways, a distance-based toll is charged instead.
How does the motorway toll work in France?
The toll is generally calculated based on the distance travelled and vehicle class. In most cases, you pay at toll stations, either in a closed system (take a ticket, pay upon exiting) or in an open system (flat fee at a toll station).
What is the difference between a closed and an open toll system?
Closed system: You take a ticket when entering and pay when exiting, i.e. the amount depends on the distance traveled and vehicle class. Open system: A flat fee is charged at a toll station, regardless of the distance traveled.
What does "free-flow tolling" mean in France?
With free-flow tolling, there are no barriers or traditional toll booths. The license plate is recorded electronically, and the toll is then settled via the payment methods offered by the operator (e.g. online or through partner payment points).
How do I pay the free-flow toll and what deadlines apply?
Payment is made afterwards via the respective operator portals or connected payment methods. Important: Payment deadlines apply, which can vary depending on the route/operator (often within a few days after passing through). Pay attention to the notices along the route.
Can I pay the toll in France in cash or by card?
Yes. At many toll stations, payment by credit card is possible, and often also by cash. The signage and symbols in the lanes help with selection (e.g. card symbol/"cb" for card payment).
What is the Télépéage system and do I need a device for it?
With Télépéage, the toll is charged automatically via a transponder. This allows you to use special lanes at many toll stations and, in most cases, you don't need to stop. Note: Télépéage offers are usually services provided by external providers or operators.
What is the special toll in France?
Special tolls are additional fees that apply independently of the normal motorway toll. This affects, for example, certain tunnels or bridges (including international connections such as Mont Blanc or Fréjus).
Do I need an environmental sticker (Crit’Air) in France?
In certain low-emission zones (sometimes also in cities), the paid Crit’Air sticker is required. Outside these zones, it is generally not mandatory.
In which cities does the Crit’Air requirement apply?
This depends on the designated environmental zones and can change (e.g. due to new regulations or temporary measures). Before starting your trip, find out about your route and destinations as well as the environmental zone rules applicable there.
How are vehicle classes categorized for tolls in France?
The classification is based, among other things, on height, maximum permissible weight (MPW), and number of axles, depending on the vehicle type. As a result, cars, combinations, and motorhomes can be classified differently.
