Free-flow: operation, payment, and tollbadge

Differences between free-flow tolling and traditional barrier tolling

Free-flow tolling differs from traditional barrier tolling in that it operates entirely without stopping: gantries equipped with sensors and cameras automatically detect vehicles, allowing traffic to flow smoothly and reducing congestion at highway entrances and exits. In contrast, barrier tolls require drivers to stop or slow down significantly to take a ticket, pay in cash or by card, or even use a dedicated electronic toll lane. Free-flow tolling thus optimizes driving comfort, reduces fuel consumption and emissions associated with slowdowns, while offering deferred payment via a license plate or electronic toll badge such as those offered by Fulli. However, this modernization requires new habits: checking your registration, paying online on time, or using electronic tolling to avoid any oversights. These new mobility habits are part of a broader trend toward the digitization of travel, whether for highway journeys or for organizing high-end trips abroad, such as yacht rentals in Dubai, where it is possible to view the fleet.

Deployment in France: networks and highways concerned (A13, A14, A79, etc.)

The deployment of free-flow tolling in France is currently focused on several major highways. Among the first networks concerned are the A79, a pioneer in full free-flow tolling, where the old toll barriers have been replaced by detection gantries, as well as sections of the A13 and A14 in the Île-de-France region, which are set to evolve towards smoother traffic flow between Paris and Normandy. For drivers equipped with an electronic toll collection badge, these new infrastructures mean journeys without mandatory stops at barriers and a unified experience across the entire network concerned, whether for daily commutes or long holiday trips. 

Gantries, sensors, and license plate reading cameras

Free-flow toll gantries are at the heart of the modern system deployed on highways: installed high above the lanes, they incorporate a combination of sensors (ground loops, radars, laser measurement devices) and automatic license plate reading cameras (ALPR). Together, these devices identify the type of vehicle, its category, and its license plate in a matter of milliseconds, without the need for barriers or significant slowdowns. The sensors detect the presence and position of the vehicle, while the cameras capture and interpret the license plate, allowing each passage to be accurately linked to an tollbadge account or subsequent online payment. This redundant technical architecture limits the risk of error, even in bad weather, heavy traffic, or when the plate is dirty. For the user, everything is completely transparent: the journey remains smooth and continuous, while the passage data is secured and processed in accordance with regulations before being translated into billing or direct debit via Fulli solutions. 

Automatic payment by tollbadge

Automatic payment by tollbadge, via a Fulli badge, allows you to pass through free-flow toll zones without any restrictions or additional steps once the device has been installed in your vehicle. Once the badge has been linked to your customer account and chosen payment method, each time you pass under a toll gate is recognized in real time: the journey is recorded, the vehicle class is identified, and the amount due is automatically debited. This solution is particularly convenient for regular users of free-flow routes or those combining several motorway networks, as it avoids any payment deadlines on the internet, limits the risk of surcharges in case of forgetfulness, and centralizes all journeys in a single statement, which is useful for budget monitoring or expense report management.

Payment without a badge: internet, physical terminals, mobile app 

With badge-free payment, motorists can continue to enjoy the simplicity of Fulli free-flow tolls thanks to several complementary channels. Online, it is possible to pay for tolls in just a few clicks by entering your license plate number and the date of the trip, then choosing a secure payment method, which is convenient for occasional users or drivers of rental vehicles. Physical terminals installed near highway exits or at service areas also allow users to pay quickly by credit card, without creating an account, by entering their license plate number: a useful solution for those who prefer to pay immediately after their trip. The Nirio network also allows users without a badge to pay for their trips. 

Deadlines for paying tolls and adjustment procedures

The deadline for paying tolls in free-flow traffic is 72 hours. After this initial deadline, the amount due may be increased once, then subject to additional penalties in the event of persistent non-payment. To avoid these additional costs, it is recommended that you check your journeys online, especially after traveling with a rental vehicle or a recent change of registration. In the event of an oversight or error (incorrect license plate number, vehicle sold, badge not recognized), there are procedures for rectifying the situation: users can contest a payment notice, request a license plate correction, or request a review of the situation by providing the necessary supporting documents (rental agreement, certificate of sale, proof of payment, etc.).

Risks in the event of non-payment: compensation, fines, reminders

In the event of non-payment of the free-flow toll, the user is liable to a series of financial and administrative consequences that quickly increase the initial cost of the journey. After the payment deadline, an initial notice of increased payment may be issued: this includes the amount of the toll due, plus a fixed compensation fee to cover the costs of managing the case. If the situation is not rectified within the specified time frame, this penalty may be increased and turned into a larger fine, which may be forwarded to the relevant authorities, with the risk of receiving successive reminders (letters, emails, or even collection procedures) that complicate the situation and may impact the household or business budget. Beyond the simple additional cost, these incidents also result in a loss of time in responding to the end user. To limit these risks, it is advisable to opt for Fulli tollbadge : tolls are then collected automatically, any missed payments are avoided, and each journey is tracked in a detailed history, offering better control over expenses and a much more peaceful travel experience.

List of best practices for a smooth free-flow toll experience

To get the most out of free-flow tolling with Fulli, there are a few best practices you can follow to avoid inconveniences and make every trip easier, whether you're using electronic toll collection or electric charging. 

• Prepare your Fulli account in advance: check that your license plate number, vehicle type, and payment method have been entered correctly so that each toll gate passage and each recharge are correctly associated.

   

• Check your journeys regularly: consult your customer account or the app after a trip (especially with a rental or newly registered vehicle) to confirm that your journeys have been recorded.

   

• Maintain a smooth driving style under the toll gates: observe speed limits and stay in your lane to ensure optimal detection by sensors and cameras, without sudden braking or lane changes.

   

• Pay in advance if you don't have a badge: if you don't have an electronic toll badge, get into the habit of paying quickly online or via the app, noting the date of the journey to avoid any subsequent surcharges.

   

• Update your information in case of change: change the license plate associated with the badge to avoid journeys or top-ups being billed to the wrong account.

With the Fulli tollbadge, users can pass through free-flow tolls securely while enjoying a smooth, controlled journey that is perfectly suited to both everyday trips and long journeys.