How to pay free-flow tolls in France: A13, A14, A79 and Boulay
Driving from the UK to Normandy or through central France? A road marked péage en flux libre has tolls even though there are no barriers. Unless an active automatic payment service covers your passage, pay within 72 hours. Use Sanef for the A13, A14 and junction 36 at Boulay on the A4, and ALIAE for the A79.
French toll signs and payment terms
- Péage en flux libre · Barrier-free toll. Keep driving and the system records your number plate.
- Payez sous 72 h · If you pay manually, do so within 72 hours of passing.
- Immatriculation or plaque d’immatriculation · Your number plate. The payment form also asks for the country of registration.
- Borne de paiement · Payment kiosk. Look for them at rest and service areas on the A79.
Choose the right operator
Pay through Sanef for the Paris to Normandy A13/A14 corridor and Boulay. Only that A4 junction is covered by this description. For the A79, use ALIAE’s payment portal. Enter your UK number plate and registration country carefully, then check the passages shown.
Pay automatically or during a break
A compatible, correctly fitted télépéage tag can settle the toll automatically. Alternatively, arrange the operator’s number plate payment service before travelling. An account or email alert alone does not necessarily activate payment. Ask your hire company what is included before setting anything up.
Both operators offer payment through participating Nirio shops; ALIAE also has payment terminals at A79 service areas. These options do not extend the deadline. See Sanef’s payment guidance and ALIAE’s payment options.
If you miss the deadline
The French transport ministry describes a €90 surcharge, reduced to €10 if paid within the stated 15-day period. After two months without payment, an increased fine of €375 may follow. Follow the dates on your notice. Set a reminder with our payment deadline tool rather than waiting for a bill. Open the operator’s website yourself instead of following an unexpected payment text.
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Official sources checked on 10 November 2026.