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Reader Question: We are looking at getting a toll-badge for our vehicle, but there seem to be quite a few options out there. Do we have to get a specific one that covers the roads in our area (south-west France)? 

There are several ³Ùé±ôé±èé²¹²µ±ð badges (electronic toll badges) that can be used on French motorways, but their differences are relatively minor. 

French motorways are operated by several major groups in concession agreements with the state. 

These include Vinci, Sanef, APRR, AREA, and some others, which roughly limit their holdings to a geographical area of the country and have little overlap.

When it comes to toll badges however, they are not limited to working only on certain motorways – all badges are fully compatible with the overall road network, and one toll badge will work at all French tolls. 

This is the case despite these operators creating and controlling some of the more famous toll badges used by drivers in France. 

For example, Ulys (Vinci), Bip and Go (Sanef), and Fulli (APRR) are all operated by major motorway groups.

Most of the badges can usually be used at tolls in certain other EU/EEA countries, provided you have set them up to do so.

The badges are linked to a payment system (for example, your bank card), with money automatically deducted when passing through a toll. 

Télépéage users benefit from special lanes at physical tolls, and the badges can be used on new barrier-free (flux-libre) toll roads.

Read more: Map: where are there free motorways in France?

Low upfront cost

Therefore, the main difference between the badges comes down to their price and associated benefits. 

The badges themselves are usually free (most of the time you need to pay postage and package for them to be sent to you, that costs a few euros) with users paying a monthly fee to operate them in their vehicles. 

This can either be done through a monthly subscription, or without one (sans engagement) in which case it is slightly more expensive but the monthly fee is not paid if the badge is not used at all that month or the badge is returned by the driver. 

However, in most cases the cost of using the badge is between €1 and €4 per month, excluding the price of any tolls you pass through. 

There are usually different tiers of badge, ranging from a ‘flexi’ or ‘basic’ service up to a premium, with the latter styles naturally having more options included but a higher base price.

Badge holders are usually invited to create an account with the brand they use, where they can, if they wish, upgrade the level of services associated with their badge and purchase additional extras. 

You may wish to simply go with whichever company runs the motorways in your area, however there is no obligation to do so, and no particular benefit other than that it may have local premises where you can call in, in person, should you wish to do so.

Read more: Can French Télépéage badges be used across multiple vehicles?

What are the additional benefits? 

Most companies offer drivers the ability to use their badge in other European countries (Spain, Portugal, and Italy) for between €2 and €2.50 extra per month.

Many also offer access to parking lots in France via the badge (with the costs then charged to your card associated with the badge). 

Certain badges that require a higher monthly subscription cost provide a discount at tolls – the ‘Ulys 30’ badge provides a -30% discount, perfect for frequent drivers. 

Others are geared more towards occasional drivers – the ‘Fulli Liber-t Vacances’ allows drivers to pay for tolls using °ä³óè±ç³Ü±ð²õ-³Õ²¹³¦²¹²Ô³¦±ð²õ holiday vouchers. 

Ultimately, the best badge for you depends on your driving habits in France, and how often you use your vehicle on France’s toll-roads.