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. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate the classifications:

Class 1: Light Vehicles

• Vehicles: Sedans, coupes, convertibles, station wagons, minivans, small utility vehicles, and 4x4s.
• Criteria: Vehicles that are under 2 meters in height and have 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: Vehicles that are between 2 and 3 meters in height and have a PTAC of 3.5 tonnes or less.

This is the class for most campervans and motorhomes that remain under 3 meters 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: Vehicles that exceed 3 meters in height or have a PTAC greater than 3.5 tonnes.

This class includes most larger motorhomes, especially those over 3 meters 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: Vehicles with a height of greater than 3 meters or those with a 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

• Vehicles: Motorcycles, sidecars, and quadricycles.

Class 5 applies to small vehicles like motorcycles and is irrelevant for most campervan or motorhome users.

Why Toll Classifications Matter

Understanding these classifications is crucial when planning a road trip in France, especially if you drive a campervan or motorhome. The toll costs can rise significantly if your vehicle falls into a higher class. For instance, many campervans under 3 meters in height will fall into Class 2, but larger motorhomes, especially those exceeding 3 meters 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.