You're back from vacation ? Why you might find a 375 euro fine in your mailbox

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Gone are the days when people systematically stopped at toll barriers to buy a ticket or pay for their journey. French motorway companies have begun modernising their their infrastructure with the introduction of free-flow tolls. This new system, already in place on certain sections such as the A79 between Allier and Saône-et-Loire, the A14 in Yvelines, or the A13 in l’Eure, replaces the traditional barriers with gantries equipped with cameras.

These gantries, real electronic eyes, read the license plates of vehicles passing under their watchful eye. No need to stop, look for a ticket or change: the journey is recorded automatically. This is undeniable progress in terms of traffic flow and reduction of CO2 emissions linked to frequent stops and starts.

However, this technological advancement is accompanied by a new constraint for users: they now have 72 hours to pay the cost of their journey. A period that may seem comfortable, but which has turned out to be a real trap for many vacationers.

The bad surprise of returning from vacation

The return from vacation has thus turned into a nightmare for some. When they opened their mailbox, they discovered payment notices issued by ANTAI (National Agency for the Automated Processing of Offenses) for sometimes astronomical amounts. While the first reminder increases the bill by 10 euros, the bill increases considerably after 15 days: the fine then increases to 90 euros. And for those who ignored or forgot these first warnings, the bill can climb to 375 euros two months after the first notice was issued!

This situation has created a wave of incomprehension and anger among motorists, many of whom were unaware of the very existence of this new system. Some, thinking they were hoaxes, initially laughed at these letters before becoming disillusioned when faced with the reality of the fines.

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To avoid these inconveniences, several options are available to drivers:

1. Payment at terminals: payment stations are installed on motorway service areas, allowing you to pay for your journey immediately.

2. Online payment: Motorway companies offer web platforms where you can pay your debt within 72 hours of passing through.

3. Payment at the point of sale: The Nirio network, present in many bars-tabacs-presses, offers the possibility of paying your toll.

4. Using an electronic toll badge such as Ulys: This solution, already widely adopted, remains the simplest. The badge is automatically read when passing under the gantries.

5. Creating a customer account: by registering your registration plate and bank details in advance on the motorway company's website, payment is made automatically, avoiding any risk of forgetting.

This last option seems particularly recommended for absent-minded drivers or those who prefer not to have to worry about this formality during their holidays.

Faced with this situation, motorway companies and authorities are called upon to intensify their communication efforts to inform users of these changes. Clear signage on the sections concerned and national information campaigns could help reduce the number of drivers caught off guard.

• Many drivers received hefty fines this summer for not paying their journey within 72 hours.
• These fines come from the free-flow tolls that are gradually replacing traditional barriers on some French motorways.
• There are several solutions to avoid these fines, including paying at terminals, online, or via a customer account.

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