Understanding French Toll Classifications
When driving on French toll roads, your vehicle type and size determine how much you pay. The Autoroutes.fr website breaks vehicles into distinct classes based on their height and weight. For those driving campervans or motorhomes, it's important to understand these classes, as they will impact your toll costs significantly.
Class 1: Light Vehicles
Vehicles: Sedans, coupes, convertibles, station wagons, minivans, small utility vehicles, and 4x4s.
Criteria: Under 2 metres in height and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (PTAC) of 3.5 tonnes or less.
Most standard cars and small vans fall into this category, making it the most common class for light vehicles on French toll roads.
Class 2: Large Utility Vehicles and Campervans
Vehicles: Larger utility vehicles and campervans.
Criteria: Between 2 and 3 metres in height and a PTAC of 3.5 tonnes or less.
This is the class for most campervans and motorhomes that remain under 3 metres in height and don't exceed 3.5 tonnes. If your campervan or motorhome falls into this category, it will be charged at a mid-tier toll rate.
Class 3: Heavy Vehicles and Larger Motorhomes
Vehicles: Heavy vehicles and large motorhomes.
Criteria: Exceed 3 metres in height or have a PTAC greater than 3.5 tonnes.
This class includes most larger motorhomes, especially those over 3 metres in height or with higher weight due to additional features. These vehicles will incur higher toll fees. It's important to check your motorhome's specifications to ensure it doesn't tip into this category if you're aiming to stay within Class 2.
Class 4: Very Large Combinations
Vehicles: Very large vehicles or vehicle combinations.
Criteria: Height greater than 3 metres or PTAC over 3.5 tonnes, often including heavy trucks or large motorhome-trailer combinations.
This class typically applies to commercial trucks and is less relevant to most motorhome drivers, but it may apply if you are towing a very large trailer or drive a particularly large, custom-built motorhome.
Class 5: Motorcycles and Small Vehicles
Applies to motorcycles, sidecars, and quadricycles. Irrelevant for most campervan or motorhome users.
Why Toll Classifications Matter
Understanding these classifications is crucial when planning a road trip in France. The toll costs can rise significantly if your vehicle falls into a higher class. For instance, many campervans under 3 metres in height will fall into Class 2, but larger motorhomes, especially those exceeding 3 metres or 3.5 tonnes, will jump into Class 3, resulting in higher toll fees.
Before heading on your journey, check your vehicle's height and weight to avoid any surprises at the toll booths. For more details, including a toll calculator, visit Autoroutes.fr.