French motorway breakdown fees rise in 2026: how does the system work?
Motorway operators are responsible for callouts on roads they control
Only certain mechanics can attend breakdowns on a French motorway
Roman Babakin / Shutterstock
Fees for breakdown assistance on motorways have increased this year with the new rates being published in the Journal Officiel.
The pricing for roadside assistance on French motorways (autoroutes) is set at a fixed national level by the government and payable upfront to the roadside assistance service which comes to a driver’s aid.
For 2026, a standard callout now costs €151, with a 50% surcharge for callouts between 18:00 and 08:00, at weekends, and on public holidays.
Additional charges, including for any materials needed to fix the vehicle, are possible, and rates are higher for vehicles weighing 3.5 tonnes or more.
Motorway operators are responsible for providing assistance
Whereas breakdown assistance on smaller roads in France can come through your insurer, on motorways you must contact the concessionaire that operates the stretch of road you break down on. These operators are responsible for sending roadside assistance to your location.
You do not need to contact your insurer at the time of the incident and should only contact emergency services in the event of a genuine emergency.
There are some immediate safety steps to follow after a motorway breakdown, see our article here.
Once you have undertaken these you must contact the concessionaire, either:
Through one of the orange phone boxes. These are placed every 2,500 metres along the road with signs every 500 metres notifying you of the closest phone
Using a mobile phone to call them directly
Through an official app where possible
The motorway operator will then send an authorised mechanic to assist. Only these mechanics are authorised to attend motorway roadside breakdowns; third-party mechanics cannot attend motorway incidents.
The mechanic will attempt to fix the vehicle on-site. If this is not possible they will tow the vehicle to their garage, or if you prefer, to a garage within 5km of the motorway exit.
Costs may be covered by insurer
The service is payable upfront.
However in many cases, your vehicle insurance may cover this cost as part of your policy, either as standard or via an additional clause, reimbursing you the cost.
Your policy may also have additional extras in place such as paying for the vehicle to be towed to a garage of your choice (within reason) as opposed to the nearest one available, as well as paying for you to stay in a hotel or use a courtesy car.
It is not mandatory to have breakdown cover in France.
