Toll Rosds In France

[Nottm_George]

Can anyone help me regards to the toll rods in France are they expensive and do they calculate how far you travel then charge on the exit, or how do they work.

Thanks

[royfromaus]

Get a ticket when you get on, pay when you leave.

http://www.autoroutes.fr/index.htm?lang=en

[ChillDoubt]

Not overly expensive. Yes, they do calculate how far you have travelled on a certain route and calculate accortdingly, depending where you joined/which junction you left the autoroute.
Also, don't worry about having the correct amount to hand. Some are manned, some aren't and you also have the option to use your credit card instead of cash at some of the automated ones.

[ChillDoubt]

Just to add, some will average out your speed between tolls. If you've completed a journey in say 50 minutes that ought to take 70 you may be hit with a fine, as it's obvious you've broken the speed limit on your journey.

[Buenchico]

Using this (excellent) route planner will show you exactly what the toll charges will be:
http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/
(As an example of what it might cost you, I've just entered a journey from Paris all the way to Barcelona in Spain. The total cost is €55.80).
Note that there's an 'Avoid tolls' option available on that route-planner as well.

You can also search for toll fees on the ASFA website:
http://www.autoroutes.fr/en/key-rates.htm
or find them listed on the AA site:
http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/overseas/european_tolls_results.jsp?country=France

There are plenty of payment options:
http://www.autoroutes.fr/en/payment-methods.htm

Scroll down to 'French Motorways' here for the signs that you'll see and the exact procedure for paying:
http://about-france.com/travel.htm

[mushroom25]

Contrary to a sometimes-heard myth, toll tickets are not knowingly used to compute a car's average speed between two points. but the French authorities are beginning to use average speed cameras - these are not marked!

[ToraToraTora]

make sure you have a Hi Vis for all occupants and 2 breath kits! you probably need a few other things by now!

[shoota]

For France you need a reflective triangle, hi-vis for driver, 2 x breath kits (although this legislation is not currently enforced,) headlamp beam deflectors and of course a GB sticker if not included in your number plate.
A spare bulb kit is a good idea as on the spot fines can be given for duff lights.

[Buenchico]

>>>you probably need a few other things by now

Well your information is definitely out of date, TTT, but possibly not in the way you meant!

Legislation requiring motorists to carry ONE breath test kit was introduced in July 2012. (French motoring organisations, and our own AA, recommended carrying two but it was never in the legislation). While that law remains unchanged, the legislation bringing in an €11 penalty for not carrying one has been postponed indefinitely, so you can't be fined for not having one.

French law also requires drivers to carry ONE hi-vis jacket, together with a reflective triangle. (There has never been a requirement to carry a hi-vis jacket for all occupants but, whichever country you're driving in, it's probably sensible to do so).

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/compulsory_equipment.pdf

[boxtops]

...and you can buy the breath test kits on the ferry going over (certainly you can on the Dover routes)

[boxtops]

..and P&O do indeed sell them in pairs https://www.poferries.com/tourist/content/pages/template/routes_travel_information_NEW_BREATHALYSER_LAW_NEW_BREATHALYSER_LAW_FOR_DRIVING_IN_FRANCE.htm

[ToraToraTora]

....and any lamb they find in your car will be burned at the road side!

[boxtops]

I don't get it, TTT. (Live exports from Dover are a very unpleasant hot potato at the moment.)

[ToraToraTora]

remember the 80s boxy?

[boxtops]

I don't remember that bit!

[ToraToraTora]

come on, French farmers angry over cheaper (and better) lamb from UK, stopped trucks and burnt it on the side of the road. A source of endless frog bashing in the tabloids! Some might say the golden age of Frog bashing!

[ChillDoubt]

You also need a fire extinguisher for your private vehicle as I distinctly remember having to buy one on the ferry in 2008.

[boxtops]

Nope, I'd forgotten that, TTT. They're happy enough to accept the live shipment of sheep now into French ports. It's a horrible trade.

[murraymints]

I was hit with a fine on leaving a toll road in France as I got there too soon ! It is NOT a myth as my pocket can testify.

[shoota]

Fire extinguishers are not a legal requirement in France - but you must also carry your driving licence and vehicle documents.
See this:
http://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/traveller-info/driving-in-france/

[ChillDoubt]

FAO boxy:

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19900908&;id=4qNUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=F5ADAAAAIBAJ&;pg=3796,2142552