Tip 2: use the new kind of toll roads (they are not free!)
In France, toll roads are generally the fastest and most comfortable way to travel long distances. But they are also prone to long traffic jams that form at the toll booths along the way. Especially on Black Saturdays the queue at toll booths can get quite long. There was already a big improvement with the introduction of the toll badge: this is a device that you attach to your windscreen and automatically records the toll charge. The costs will then be debited from your account later. Since this year, there is a new kind of toll road: péage en flux libre. You will no longer need to stop for a ticket or drive slowly with the toll badge. At the péage and flux libre you can just drive on. This new kind of toll roads is also called toll roads with free passage. This does not mean that usage of the toll road is free, but it does mean that you can continue driving without having to stop.
The "péage and flux libre" are toll gates above the road, which consist of sensors that register your number plate, toll badge or toll vignette. The roads with a péage and flux libre are signposted. Afterwards, you will need to pay the costs in either of the following ways:
- Vending machines in parking lots: along the toll roads there are parking lots with vending machines where you can pay the toll.
- Online: You can pay in advance or at the end of your trip for the toll roads you have used.
You will be given a certain amount of time by the French government to pay these fees, which will usually be between 2 or 3 days after having used the toll road. If you fail to do so, you will receive a fine consisting of the toll costs and a substantial surcharge. It doesn't matter if you live outside France, you will always receive a fine if you fail to pay. These new roads are great for eliminating traffic jams etc, but just remember to pay on time.
