The free-flow motorway: payment solutions

The arrival of free-flow tolling marks a major transformation in the French motorway landscape. By removing the physical barriers on the French motorway network, this free-flow toll system improves traffic flow.

Deployed on the Paris-Normandy route (A13 and A14), this system is based on the automatic identification of vehicles using gantries equipped with cameras and sensors to detect and identify the number plate on the lane. Once your vehicle has been detected, payment must be made within 72 hours to avoid any penalties. To facilitate this transition, several payment solutions are available, offering motorists simplified management of their journeys.

For a seamless, stress-free experience, automatic payment is the ideal solution. There are two main options:

The electronic toll tag: unrestricted access

Taking out an electronic toll subscription is the simplest way of making your payments in free flow. By attaching a badge to your windscreen, your passage through the gantries is automatically recorded. This system is valid on the entire national motorway network, including sections with conventional tolls.

There are several advantages to using a badge:

Automatic payment via a Sanef customer area

If you do not wish to use a badge, another alternative is to create a customer account on sanef.com. After registering your number plate and bank details, each time you pass through a gantry, a fee is automatically charged.

This option has the advantage of being entirely paperless and accessible in just a few clicks. By activating this function, you no longer have to worry about paying after each journey.

Making a payment within 72 hours: the options available

For motorists who prefer to pay after each journey on the road, payment must be made within 72 hours. Several solutions are available to ensure rapid and secure payment.

Online payment on sanef.com

The sanef.com website makes payment quick and easy. Simply enter your registration number, check the amount due and pay by credit card. For added convenience, the option to save your details makes future payments even easier.

Payment at an approved tobacconist

Thanks to our partnership with the Nirio network, you can also pay for your journey at an approved point of sale (tobacconists, newsagents). Simply present your number plate and the toll will be automatically identified and paid on the spot.

This alternative is particularly useful for users who prefer to pay in cash or who do not wish to enter their bank details online.

Avoid penalties: activate reminder notifications

Forgetting to pay for a free-flow journey can result in a €90 surcharge after 72 hours. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, Sanef offers a free notification service alerting users before the payment deadline expires.

How do I activate the payment reminder?

Activation is quick and easy:

Thanks to this feature, a notification email is sent before the 72-hour deadline, allowing the payment to be settled in good time and avoiding any penalties.

A system designed to simplify mobility

The free-flow motorway system transforms the driver experience by eliminating compulsory stops at toll gates and making it easier for drivers to pass through. This method of operation makes traffic flow more smoothly, while offering several payment solutions tailored to each user profile.

Whether using the BIP&GO electronic toll tag, automatic online payment or one-off payment at the point of sale, every driver can choose the solution that's most convenient for them. For a worry-free journey, anticipation is key: by choosing an automated payment system or activating a payment reminder, you can take full advantage of the benefits of free flow, with complete peace of mind.