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Everything you need to know about the electronic toll device

In this article we comprehensively address everything about the electronic toll device. We invite you to learn what it is, where it is used and what its main advantages are.

What is electronic tolling?

Electronic tolls are an electronic payment method, which works by radio frequency or satellite, and allows vehicles to pay tolls automatically, without the need to brake or use cash.

The system is made up of two main elements: a device, which is placed in the vehicles and a reader antenna that is located at the different payment points. These can be squares with barriers, arches or adopt other modalities.

In general, there is an exclusive lane located to the right or left of the tolls, identified by a sign, which is the one that must be used to make the payment by electronic toll. 

Where can you use an electronic toll system?

Electronic tolling is currently available in all European countries. However, there are differences. Vehicles for private use, such as cars and motorcycles, must have the vignette of the service network that is in force in their country. For example, in Spain the Via-T system is used, which also extends to France, Portugal and Italy. For other geographies, the driver will need to identify the specific provider.For professional transport, on the other hand, there are devices that allow you to concentrate all your payments made on international routes. This way, they need a single appliance and receive the charges on a single invoice. In addition, the contract usually includes other benefits such as discounts or facilities to process the tax refund.

How an electronic toll device works

The operation of the electronic toll device is simple and only requires installing the electronic device in the truck to start operating with the system. 

From this, all lanes that have the electronic toll signal include an antenna with a microwave transmission system that is responsible for reading the data. 

After reading the data, the cost of the toll or parking is charged to the current account associated with the electronic system that supports the car.

It is important to consider that the speed for an adequate reading of the electronic toll system must range between 20 and 40 km/h. Otherwise, the amount may not be charged due to the inability to read the data.

Types of electronic toll devices

Currently, different types of devices are marketed, each with its own particular characteristics and functionalities. The choice will depend on the size of the fleet, the routes and the needs of the company. For example, a company with a staff of drivers of different nationalities will require multilingual devices and attention. On the other hand, another that only transports goods through Spain and France with national drivers will be able to opt for a solution with fewer features.At Andamur we provide solutions adapted to each client so that transit on European routes is dynamic, safe and with competitive prices.

We offer simple and easy-to-install devices, optimising fleet control and management, simplifying invoicing by receiving a single periodic payment and having the possibility of recovering VAT on expenses in Europe.

Currently, we offer our customers three toll devices: Toll4Europe, ServiBOX and EU Interoperable. Let’s see its characteristics and possibilities.

Electronic toll device Toll4Europe

Toll4Europe

  • Travel non-stop through 14 countries in Europe.
  • A total of 16 toll services: Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Denmark Storebælt Bridge, Sweden Øresund Bridge, Germany, Germany Warnowquerung Tunnel, Germany Herrentunnel Tunnel, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Belgium, Belgium Liefkenshoek Tunnel, Slovakia and Hungary.
  • Ability to activate and deactivate countries at no additional cost.
  • France discounts with subscription are optional and individual for each device.
  • Activation and deactivation of services within 24/48 hours of the request.
  • Change of enrolment allowed and processed between 24 and 48 hours.
  • Device blocking allowed per customer or per device with a time frame between 24 and 48 for processing.
  • Available in 22 languages.
  • A free informative app is available.Standard delivery time between 3 and 5 days.
  • Easy installation.

Electronic toll device ServiBox

ServiBox

  • Advanced device.
  • Maximum safety and control over the fleet through its exclusive KMASTER management system.
  • Suitable for 11 countries in Europe (Spain, France, Portugal, Belgium, Belgian Tunnel, Belgium, Italy, Austria, A4 Poland (Katowice-Krakow), Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Germany). The countries are bad, we also had to mention the countries and services as in the case of Toll4Europe. ServiBOX is suitable for 13 countries and has 15 services.Available in 14 languages.
  • It manages and controls consumption, offers the possibility of changing license plates and allows you to keep up to date with services from any mobile device.
  • Easy to activate and deactivate in different countries at no additional cost.
  • Very simple installation without the need for prior configuration.
  • Easy and intuitive.
  • No deposit required.
  • Estimated delivery time of 5 business days.

Electronic toll device Interoperable EU

Interoperable EU

  • Easy installation with radio frequency technology.
  • Available for Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Poland (A4), Austria and the Belgian Tunnel. More than 21,000 kilometres across Europe.
  • Estimated delivery time of 5 business days.

How to install and activate an electronic toll device

The device is installed in the cab of the truck, in the area indicated by each manufacturer, which is enabled for the placement of this type of system. It usually needs to be installed on a stand first, and then the power supply secured.

Once installed, the initial configuration proceeds. Depending on the type of device, requirements may change. But it is always recommended to provide basic data such as the weight of the truck and the number of axles. The axes are always mandatory in the 3 devices, this is a very delicate issue, the installation of the axes, which generates many incidents, 

In addition, it is important to notify in advance which toll services will be required, anticipating the routes that will be taken. When entering a new country, it must be corroborated that all the necessary data has been entered. 

Tips for the correct maintenance of the electronic toll device

It is important to control and maintain the use of the electronic toll device; for this reason, we recommend that:

  • Check regularly that it’s installed correctly and in good condition.
  • You have a balance in your bank account associated with the system to avoid payment problems.
  • Do not expose the device to high temperatures or shocks that could damage it.
  • Update it with the latest versions of the manufacturer’s software so that it works properly.

Advantages of electronic toll devices

Electronic toll devices have become a great ally for those who consider the road as a second home. 

Trucks must take advantage of this system as it speeds up payments automatically, avoiding time losses and optimising fleet routes.

It is also an optimal way to control the costs linked to toll roads and organised access to tax discounts where appropriate, such as VAT.  

Where to contract an electronic toll system?

At Andamur we have different solutions for the automatic payment of tolls that adapt perfectly to the needs of your company and your fleet of trucks.

Our electronic toll devices work on the main European motorways and, thanks to satellite and radio frequency technologies, you can make payments without having to stop the vehicle.

Thanks to this, and the fact that they are simple and easy to install devices, you will be able to optimise the control and management of your fleet, simplifying invoicing and VAT recovery.

With our most advanced device, Toll4Europe, you can enjoy maximum security and control over your fleet through its exclusive management system. 

Contact us.

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Tolls in France: Everything you need to know to plan your route

France has one of the densest motorway networks in the world. In most of them, the toll must be paid. We tell you which sections are affected, how the fare is paid and what you should take into account to plan your routes in the neighbouring country.

Tolls in France

In the neighbouring country, most of the highways and some bridges and tunnels have tolls. Motorways are marked with the letter A (Autoroute) and with the road number, the most important being marked with the letter N (Nationale). On the other hand, regional roads are delimited with the letter D (Department).

Toll booths are easily identified, by reading the legend “péage” and finding a barrier. The payment applies to motorcycles, cars, buses and trucks.

Toll motorways in France

Below, we share the list of sections in which a fee must be paid:

  • A1 Paris – Lille
  • A2 Combles – Belgium A7
  • A4 Paris – Strasbourg
  • A5 Paris – Langres
  • A6 Paris – Lyon (Autoroute du Soleil)
  • A7 Lyon – Marseille (Autoroute du Soleil)
  • A8 Aix-en-Provence – Menton (Le Provençale)
  • A9 Orange – Spain AP-7 (La Languedocienne)
  • A10 Paris – Bordeaux (L’Aquitaine)
  • A11 Ponthévrard – Nantes (L’Océane)
  • A13 Paris – Caen (Autoroute de l’Ouest)
  • A14 La Défense – Orgeval
  • A15 L’Ille-de-France – Cergy-Pontoise
  • A16 L’Isle-Adam – Belgium A18 (L’Européenne)
  • A19 Sens – Courtenay – Artenay
  • A20 Brive-la-Gaillarde – Montauban (L’Occitane)
  • A22 Villeneuve d’Ascq – Belgium A14
  • A23 Villeneuve d’Ascq – Valenciennes
  • A26 Calais – Troyes
  • A27 Villeneuve d’Ascq – Belgium A8
  • A28 Abbeville – Rouen -Alençon – Tours
  • A29 Saint-Quentin – Beuzeville
  • A30 Uckange – Belgium A28
  • A31 Toul – Dijon – Beaune
  • A34 Reims – Sedan
  • A35 Germany – Strasbourg – Switzerland A3
  • A36 Ladoix-Serrigny – Mulhouse (La Comtoise)
  • A39 Dijon – Bourg-en-Bresse (L’autoroute verte)
  • A40 Mâcon – Mont-Blanc
  • A41 Switzerland A1 – Grenoble
  • A42 Lyon – Pont d’Ain
  • A43 Lyon – Aiton – Modane
  • A46 Villefranche-sur-Saône – Rillieux-la-Pape – Communay
  • A47 Chasse-sur-Rhône – Saint-Chamond
  • A48 Bourgoin-Jailleu – Grenoble
  • A49 Moirans – Romans-sur-Isère
  • A50 Marseille – Toulon
  • A51 Claix – Col du Fau
  • A51 Marseille – Gap
  • A52 Chateaneuf-le-Rouge – Aubagne
  • A54 Nîmes – Salon-de-Provence
  • A57 Toulon – Le Cannet-des-Maures
  • A61 Narbonne – Toulouse
  • A62 Toulouse – Bordeaux
  • A63 Bordeaux – Španělsko AP-8
  • A64 Toulouse – Briscous
  • A65 Langon – Pau
  • A66 Toulouse – Pamiers
  • A68 Toulouse – Montastruc-la-Conseillère
  • A71 Orléans – Clermont-Ferrand
  • A72 Saint-Étienne – Nervieux
  • A77 Rosiers – Cosne-sur-Loire
  • A81 Le Mans – La Gravelle
  • A83 Nantes – Niort
  • A85 Corzé – Vierzon
  • A86 Duplex Tunnel
  • A87 Angers – La Roche-sur-Yon
  • A88 Falaise – Sées
  • A89 Bordeaux – Lyon

Planning the toll truck route in France

When planning the route that your truck or fleet will take, it is important that you take into account the following factors:

  • The toll system is linked to the height of the vehicle: for those that exceed 2 metres in height, it will be more expensive. 
  • Counters marked with the letters CB only accept credit card payments and counters with the letter T refer to electronic tolls. 
  • There are some toll-free roads that you can consider and are marked with the letter N, such as the ring road of Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and Marseille, sections in Alsace (Lorraine, Auvergne and Brittany. 

Preliminary considerations

Before the trip, we recommend that you read and internalise very well all the information that we have detailed above.

Also, get advice about toll rates in France and the exact prices you can find on the official Autoroutes website. Also pay attention to the speed limits of each road to avoid violations.

How to pay tolls in France?

Tolls in France are paid through a system that is closed and has entrances and exits. A ticket is usually collected at the booth at the start of a route and paid for at the end of the section. At both points – the beginning and the end – there are usually barriers.

The amount is determined by the route travelled, the category of vehicle and the type of emission (this affects only special toll facilities such as the Mont Blanc or Fréjus tunnel), which means that it varies substantially. There is no general mileage tax, as motorway networks are managed by different companies and tolls vary greatly in some areas.

The toll can be paid with cash, a credit card or conveniently with an on-board unit, i.e. an electronic device that is placed on the truck and which, without the need to stop, issues the payment. 

You only need to pass through special lanes marked with an orange “T” that refer to electronic tolls.

In the case of trucks that are usually of large tonnage and engines, France’s toll system is divided as follows

  • TIS VL System: vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes or up to 3 metres high (class 1, 2 and 5).
  • System TIS PL: vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or more than 3 metres high (class 3 and 4).

Electronic toll devices to pay tolls in France

Andamur toll devices work on the main European motorway networks, and thanks to satellite and radio frequency technologies they will allow you to pay without having to stop your truck.

Thanks to this, and the fact that they are simple and easy to install devices, you will be able to optimise the control and management of your fleet, simplifying invoicing and VAT recovery.

We have 3 devices with the best technology:

Electronic toll device Toll4Europe

Toll 4 Europe

You can pay your tolls in France but also in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Poland, Denmark Storebælt Bridge, Sweden Øresund Bridge, Germany, Germany Warnowquerung Tunnel, Germany Herrentunnel Tunnel, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Belgium, Belgium Liefkenshoek Tunnel and Hungary. Other features are: possibility of activating and deactivating countries at no additional cost, activation and deactivation of services in 24/48 hours from the request, change of licence plate allowed and processed between 24 and 48 hours, device blocking allowed per customer or per device with a period between 24 and 48 for processing, available in 22 languages,  A free informative app available, standard delivery time between 3 and 5 days, easy installation.

Electronic toll device ServiBox

ServiBOX 

It allows payments in Spain, Portugal, France, Belgian Tunnel, Belgium, Italy, Austria, A4 Poland (Katowice-Krakow), Poland (e-Toll Network), Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany and Bulgaria. It is satellite, easy and intuitive. In addition: it allows security and control over the fleet through the KMASTER management service, the possibility of activating or deactivating countries at no additional cost, available in 14 languages and has a delivery time of 5 working days.

Electronic toll device Interoperable EU

Interoperable EU

It is easy to install, has radio frequency technology and is available for Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, A4 Poland (Katowice-Krakow), Austria and the Belgian tunnel. The delivery time is 5 working days.

Warnings about tolls in France: avoid violations

Avoid violations by taking into account this information:

  • The maximum speed on French toll motorways is 130 km/h (in the rain 110 km/h); 110 km/h (drivers with a driving licence of less than 2 years). On unpaid motorway sections, the permitted speed is 110 km/h (in the rain 100 km/h).
  • Anyone who does not pay the toll will be fined €750.

How to recover toll taxes in France

Transport companies based in Spain can recover VAT on their international routes, including the payment of tolls, fuel and parking.

At Andamur we are experts in the recovery of toll taxes in France and in most European countries. 

Benefits of paying tolls in France with Andamur

Andamur is a company with years of experience providing a comprehensive service to carriers: Fuel cards, toll devices, VAT and excise tax recovery.

Our electronic toll devices are simple and easy to install and use. They guarantee maximum security when making automatic payments and allow you to obtain control of what you pay for a truck or the entire fleet. In case of needs or incidents, we are ready to help you. We have a multilingual customer service available 24/7.

By recovering toll taxes in France, companies and fleets can reduce their logistics and transport costs, positively impacting the profitability of the business.

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European electronic toll: how to choose your device

In this article we offer you key information about concessioned motorways, the European Electronic Toll System and the most suitable devices for travelling around the territory. 

European electronic tolls: networks and reach

Electronic tolling, also known as electronic tolling or electronic toll payment, has revolutionized the way drivers travel in Europe. This system allows drivers to pass through tolls without physically stopping or using cash, considerably speeding up road journeys and improving traffic flow. 

At the moment, each country maintains its own electronic toll networks, and establishes the regulations and traffic criteria. Therefore, it is important to know the conditions and requirements when planning routes. Later in this article, you will find specific information about each case.

However, significant efforts have been made to facilitate international movement. The latter, which have a positive impact on freight transport, are detailed below.

European electronic tolls: towards an integrated network

In recent years, progress has been made towards integration, with the possibility of having a single toll system for the whole of Europe. “It is only a matter of time before we allow technicians to work to achieve the goal of having a single device that allows the payment of tolls, fees and vignettes throughout Europe, including security car parks, as well as offering services such as fleet management and vehicle tracking,” says Juan Diego Guillén Saura. Commercial Director of Andamur.

In this sense, we have already seen great progress: there are electronic toll devices that work transnationally, being able to operate on highways and tunnels in different geographies. 

The European Union has tried to simplify the toll payment process across the continent through a service called SET (European Electronic Toll Service). The initiative aims to simplify toll payment on the continent by allowing drivers to use a single on-board unit (OBU) for all toll systems, managed through a single contract with an EETS provider.

Prior to this milestone, freight carriers needed to register their vehicles in each toll system separately. This resulted in multiple contracts with various suppliers, each with its own billing procedure. Thus, a large bureaucracy was generated that consumed time and resources. 

In addition, many toll systems also required their own OBU, leading drivers to have their windshields full of OBUs to cross the continent and to have to familiarise themselves with various systems.

How does the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) work?

There are three main actors in the ETS: users, EETS providers, and toll collectors.

Providers enter into contracts with users and grant them access to the EETS system throughout the European Union. This significantly reduces the amount of paperwork required by the freight forwarder: instead of entering into contracts with each toll domain, they only need to do so with their supplier.

Users subscribe to a SET provider of their choice. It charges them for the tolls their vehicles incur when travelling in the EU.

A great benefit of SET for users is the reduction in the number of OBUs needed: instead of separate OBUs for each toll domain, they can use a single OBU for the entire EU. This reduces distractions for drivers and means they don’t have to familiarise themselves with the specificities of each toll system.

Collectors impose vehicle tolls on a SET domain. They usually have no contact with users unless there is a compliance issue. Less time spent managing toll users means they can focus more efforts on road and traffic management, which is a key benefit of the system.

European electronic tolls: particularities by country

It takes note of these central points for transiting through the main European networks and making appropriate use of electronic toll devices in Europe.

Electronic toll in Spain

The road network in Spain is divided into motorways and dual carriageways. The former can be concession with toll or free; while the latter are free of charge, at the expense of the State or of each Autonomous Community.

Electronic toll in Switzerland

In this country, heavy transports and trailers weighing more than 3.5 tonnes are subject to a tax that is based on criteria such as: kilometres travelled in Swiss territory, total authorised weight and carbon emissions of the vehicle.

Electronic toll in Hungary

Here, the toll road network is managed by NUSZ (National Toll Collection Service) and covers more than 6000 km of motorways and national routes. 

Freight transports with a PTAC greater than 3.5 tonnes have to pay toll rates with a VAT of 27%. This calculation will depend on the type of route travelled, the number of axles of the vehicle and its category.

Electronic toll in Poland

In this country, those transports with a motor that exceed 3.5 tons will have to pay tolls on the Polish network that is managed by the national operator SZEF KAS and other private operators.

The toll system is mixed: On the one hand it is Open in the e-Toll network thanks to the microwave system and Closed in the A1, A2 and A4 networks by video tolling and DSRC technology.

The calculation of the toll to be paid will depend on the number of kilometres travelled, the weight of the transport and the polluting euro class.

Electronic toll in Italy

The network has more than 6000 km and is managed by 25 motorway companies, with different toll systems: closed, open and free flow.

In Italy, payment per on-board device is mandatory and the cost is calculated according to the number of kilometres travelled, the category of the car, the price table, the barrier system and the characteristics of the road.

Electronic toll in France

A large part of the motorways and motorways are toll roads, with values that depend on each route measured in kilometres. The cost for trucks or trailers that exceed 2m in height is higher than the standard value.

In this article you can see more information about the toll network in France.

Electronic toll in Portugal

Here, a significant part of motorways, dual carriageways, some tunnels and bridges are charged, combining two types of tolls: “in sections” and a modern electronic toll system. 

Electronic toll in Germany

This toll network is the largest in Europe and those transports whose weight exceeds 7.5 tonnes remain obliged to pay a fee. 

There are different systems: the “LKW Maut” network with more than 50,000 km of roads and motorways and the El Herrentunnel. It can be paid manually or automatically. 

Electronic toll in Belgium

The network is about 6500 km long and transports weighing more than 3.5 tonnes are subject to a kilometre tax that is mandatory on the road networks of the three regions of Belgium (Wallonia, Flanders and Brussels capital) and requires the availability of an on-board device in each vehicle.

Electronic toll devices suitable for travelling in Europe

At Andamur we offer the best electronic tolls for Europe, allowing your fleet of trucks to become more efficient, avoiding delays in transit through electronic toll networks. 

With our solutions you will be able to travel without inconveniences, in the most optimised way and controlling your expenses. Discover our devices: 

Toll4Europe

Toll4Europe

  • It covers a total of 16 toll services: Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Denmark Storebælt Bridge, Sweden Øresund Bridge, Germany, Germany Warnowquerung Tunnel, Germany Herrentunnel Tunnel, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Belgium, Belgium Liefkenshoek Tunnel and Hungary.
  • Ability to activate and deactivate countries at no additional cost.
  • France discounts with subscriptions are optional and individual for each device.
  • Activation and deactivation of services within 24/48 hours of the request.
  • Change of enrolment allowed and processed between 24 and 48 hours.
  • Device blocking allowed per customer or per device with a time frame between 24 and 48 for processing.
  • Available in 22 languages.
  • A free informative app is available.
  • Standard delivery time between 3 and 5 days.
  • Easy installation.

ServiBox

ServiBox

  • It covers the following countries: Spain, Portugal, France, Belgian Tunnel, Belgium, Italy, Austria, A4 Poland (Katowice-Krakow), Poland (e-Toll Network), Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany and Bulgaria.
  • Satellite device
  • Management of consumption, enrollment and services.
  • Easy and intuitive.
  • Security and control over your fleet through the KMASTER management service.
  • Ability to activate or deactivate countries at no additional cost.
  • Available in 14 languages.
  • Delivery time of 5 working days

Interoperable UE

Interoperable EU

  • Easy installation device with radio frequency technology.
  • Available for Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, A4 Poland (Katowice-Krakow), Austria and the Belgian tunnel.
  • Delivery time of 5 working days.
  • As an Andamur customer, we recover VAT from your invoices under exceptional conditions and minimum commissions.

How to choose your Andamur electronic toll device according to your route?

With several alternatives on the market, we must always emphasise that there is no ideal device for all companies.

The choice depends on the type of routes each one takes, the size of the fleet and the needs of the drivers. Selecting the right one has many benefits. Not only does it reduce stops and optimise time en route, it also favours obtaining discounts and tax refunds.

In addition, there are devices that integrate fleet management systems or mobile applications. If the company requires it, this can be of great help.

Advantages of electronic toll devices 

Using a European electronic toll device will bring great advantages to your vehicle, company or fleet of private trucks. The benefits are:

  • Optimising Truck Fleet Management
  • Simplification of invoicing when recovering VAT on trips.
  • Efficiency of the sections travelled.
  • Organisation of administrative paperwork and its consequent procedures.
  • No language knowledge is required when making the payment since it is done automatically in the corresponding language.
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