Paying for French toll costs whilst on a driving holiday could in the past only be done by foreign visitors using cash or their bank card. Meanwhile the French locals are able to use the specially designated Télépéage lanes as they negotiate their way around the Autoroute system. These lanes can be used by vehicles that have the relevant transponder fitted, with the barrier opening automatically. The bank account that the transponder is attached to is then charged for use of the Autoroute. Foreign visitors were not able to make use of this system, unless they had a French bank account. Even for those that did have a suitable account, a good level of spoken French would be required to set the system up.
A new answer
Recent advancements have seen that it is now possible for foreign drivers to make use of the Télépéage lanes. We are now seeing companies offering the transponders on foreign shores thanks to the fact that a French bank account is no longer a requirement. The transponders are officially called Liber-t tags, and you will be faced with a refundable €20 deposit to get hold of one. There is usually a management fee of around €8 and an application fee of roughly €10. Total cost of having the Liber-t tag set up will be about €40, half of which is refundable upon return of the device. For every month that you use the Liber-t tag you are charged €5, with a maximum of €10 chargeable over every 12 month period.
A happy journey
Using a Liber-t tag can really help make your journey easier. Paying French toll costs will no longer mean fumbling around looking for change. The device also removes the need to queue and wait at Autoroute barriers. Whilst the companies offering access to such devices varies dependant on country; UK residents can get their hands on one from www.saneftolling.co.uk.
