Martine van der Klauw
EditorMartine dreams of back-to-basics camping but travels by caravan with her husband and their two children. She writes about caravans and campsites for Campingtrend.
Péage en Flux libre: an increasing number of invisible toll roads in France
Last year, we wrote about a new phenomenon on French motorways: barrier-free toll roads, also known as flux libre. Since then, new stretches have been added, and more and more holidaymakers are encountering these invisible toll roads. Convenient? Absolutely. But if you set off unprepared, you risk a fine. That’s why we’ve rounded up the latest developments and practical tips for you.
What is flux libre again?
With flux libre, you simply drive on without stopping at a toll booth. No barriers, no queues, but still a toll charge. Cameras and sensors along the road register your number plate. You then have to pay the toll yourself within 72 hours via an app or website. If you don’t, you face a fine that can rise up to 375 euros.
Where can you find flux libre?
The first sections with flux libre were in the north of France, on the A4 (between Boulay and St-Avold) and the A79 in the Auvergne. Now, the A13 between Paris and Caen has also been partially converted. By 2027, motorway operator Sanef aims to equip the entire route between Paris and Normandy with this system. Other motorway operators are following suit.
For campers travelling towards the south-west or Spain, it’s essential to pay close attention. The chances of unknowingly driving on one of these stretches are growing all the time.
How do you pay the toll?
The simplest way is with a toll badge. If you already have one, nothing changes for you.
It gets more complicated if you don’t have a toll badge, because you still have to pay regardless. You can do this online from seven days before to 72 hours after driving on the road. This is where it gets trickier, as you do this by registering your number plate on the website belonging to the relevant toll road. For the A4, A13 and A14, for example, that is Sanef, and for the A79 Aliae.
Please note: the number plate must be correctly registered. Do you have a number plate with a zero or an O? Check carefully whether it has been entered correctly, otherwise the system won’t process your payment and you still risk a fine.
Furthermore, you can pay (within 72 hours) at one of the Nirio locations or at the service stations along these motorways. There you’ll find payment machines where you can pay the toll using either your bank card or cash.
Forgotten to pay?
You won’t get mail from the French authorities immediately, but the fine will eventually land on your doorstep via a European debt collection agency. The standard fine is then 90 euros, which can rise to 375 euros if you don’t pay on time.
Although flux libre takes some getting used to, the system is designed to improve traffic flow and reduce queues at toll plazas. And let’s be honest: that’s pretty nice when you’re on your way to your campsite on the Atlantic coast or in the French Alps.
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