How can I check my car is registered for French barrier-free motorway tolls?

Reader Question: How can I make sure that my car has been picked up by the systems on a ‘free-flow’ motorway?

The easiest way to ensure that your car is detected on a free-flow (flux-libre) motorway is by signing up to email notifications from the motorway operator that your vehicle has gone through a barrier-free toll. 

Two operators of flux-libre motorways (ALIAE and Sanef) offer this service, which you can subscribe to online with your vehicle number plate and email address. 

An added benefit of using these systems is that if you fall victim to a number-plate fraud - where someone else uses your plate number to avoid paying when crossing the toll – you will be informed and so will be able to contest the fee. 

However, note that Vinci, which operates a free-flow style toll system on the A10 and A837, does not currently offer such a service. 

Emails and texts seemingly from the company stating you have a toll to pay are fraudulent and potentially part of a 'phishing' scam.

Owners of certain télépéage (toll-badges) can sign up to similar alerts, informing them when their badge has been used through the badge itself as opposed to the motorway operator.

If you are concerned your vehicle has not been registered going through a toll, you should inform the company. 

Paying in advance an option

Drivers have 72 hours to pay the toll after passing through, or risk a fine. 

Tolls can be paid using a one-off payment or by making an account on the website of the relevant motorway operator, where you can set up automatic payments with a linked bank card. 

Télépéage holders will be charged through the badge at the end of the month. 

Some operators and télépéages including Aliae also allow you to pay for a journey in advance. 

This can be useful if you are using the road on a one-off occasion and want to be sure you follow the rules.