Traveling through europe without paying a toll – that’s hardly possible anymore. With a few exceptions, the use of roads and highways is subject to payment everywhere. the systems for collecting the fee vary widely. Often you have to be active before the trip and via the internet in order not to be punished later as a toll dodger.
It’s almost impossible to travel without one: in most european countries, a toll is charged for the use of a route. Dpp
It used to be fairly simple: you bought your vignette or "pickerl" before crossing the border and was fine. Elsewhere, the cashiers at the toll booths along the route are always given a few coins or bills.
Meanwhile, paying the road toll is supposed to be even easier – yet often becomes much more complicated. At the very least, the vacation trip requires careful planning in this regard. The Internet has long since come into play, and the ways in which digital tolls are collected are being developed with creative ingenuity by the various countries of travel.
Many car travelers do not know, for example, that there are sections of road in England (London), Ireland (Dublin) and, for some time now, also in Italy (north of Milan) for which you have to register in advance on the internet. "For locals this is a matter of course, tourists are often not prepared for it", warns the ADAC. The electronic eye of various scanners does not miss anyone who wants to cheat his way through the country without a toll sticker. If the scanned license plate and the registration list do not match, it’s your turn. At least italy-travelers can still pay the toll up to 15 days later. You can also borrow an electronic telepass from the internet, which will then be used to pay the toll.
Difficulties also often arise when traveling without a credit card. "Cash payment is no longer possible at many unmanned toll booths in France, Italy and Spain", warns the ADAC. Often not even the EC card helps.
Different classifications
Another problem lurks in the form of classification systems that vary from country to country. Caravan drivers and motorhome owners in particular should be aware of this before they start their journey.
Charges: some countries require the purchase of a vignette, while others charge a distance-based toll. ADAC
In france for example, vehicles are classified according to their total permissible weight and height. Fixed superstructures such as air-conditioning units count, but antennas and roof boxes do not. At toll stations without staff, it is possible that the altitude measurement may be incorrect. The ADAC advises checking the category immediately and, if in doubt, calling the toll staff to correct the error. According to the club, incorrect bookings can still be claimed at a later date. However, it is necessary to present the receipt and the vehicle registration document.
In France, only national and departmental roads and some urban highways are free of charge. The amount of the toll is calculated according to the distance traveled. The use of some bridges and tunnels also costs a fee. Payment is made at toll stations.
In italy sometimes there is joy: some barriers remain open due to technical defects. The ADAC, however, warns against driving through here without paying. It is better to press the help button and request a receipt with which the toll can be paid in arrears. As in france, the toll mainly applies to freeways, where it is calculated according to the length of the route. Tolls are also charged for many tunnels and bridges, and in some cases also for inner cities. expressways, on the other hand, are almost always free of charge.
In poland must be paid for vehicles and vehicle combinations (i.e. towing vehicle plus trailer) over 3.5 tons, and not only on freeways, but also on expressways and federal highways. A transponder is required for this purpose, which can be obtained on loan at toll stations. The ADAC strongly advises deactivating this transponder as soon as the caravan is parked at the campsite. Otherwise, the train vehicle, which is allowed to use expressways and federal highways free of charge, pays the toll for the entire carriageway. The toll for freeways can be paid at the toll station in cash or by card.
In portugal on most routes, payment can only be made electronically and via transponder. If a vehicle is on the road without such an electronic transmitter, its license plate number is stored until the toll has been paid. The only problem is that this is only possible 48 hours after driving through the last toll portal at the earliest. Who goes home before, has bad cards. So it is better to take care of a transponder.
In slovenia a vignette is required for cars under 3.5 tons; for heavier vehicles, a route-dependent toll is charged. Experience has shown that vacationers sometimes have difficulty classifying their vehicle in the correct category and may buy the wrong toll sticker. According to the ADAC, there are always "uncertainties," especially for motor homes up to 3.5 tons. In order to avoid a fine, you should inform yourself in good time.
Not always inexpensive: pass roads and tunnels in the alps can cost a lot of money. ADAC
Also in hungary pitfalls lurk. You have to pay for all freeways, according to arag-insurance only parts of the city freeway around budapest are an exception. The electronic vignette "e-matrica" applies to purchase. However, it comes here again and again to a registration error of the license plate. Even before signing the control form, you should check the correctness of the data provided – especially the license plate number and the period of validity. According to ADAC information, each subsequent change costs five euros. It becomes even more expensive if the error is not noticed. in this case, you are driving without a valid vignette and may be confronted with an additional payment of 50 euros. Anyone who then exceeds the additional payment deadline will have to pay a fine of around 200 euros. It is important to keep the inspection certificate for two years so that you have evidence in the event of a complaint at a later date.
Vignette or road toll?
And this is how the toll situation is shaping up in the other travel countries: Bulgaria: according to arag insurance, all cars here require a vignette, which is available on a weekly or monthly basis. Those driving a heavier vehicle (such as a camper van) will face significantly higher charges than for passenger cars.
Greece: most highways cost. payment is made at toll stations.
ireland: most freeways, but also some bridges and tunnels are subject to tolls. It is possible to pay the route charge in cash.
Croatia: here, there is a distance-based toll system that applies to all highways and is graduated according to vehicle classes. Some tunnels and bridges cost extra.
A pickle for austria
Austria: for the alpine republic must be known the "pickerl" which is to be affixed behind the windshield. you can buy vignettes for one year, two months or ten days. In addition, you can expect to pay additional tolls on some particularly busy stretches of freeway. This also applies to some tunnels and private roads.
Different countries, different customs: the way in which tolls are levied varies widely, as the following graphic shows. ADAC
Romania: national roads are subject to tolls, so the electronic vignette "rovinieta" must be purchased at the border at the latest are acquired.
Slovakia: tolls to be levied on freeways and expressways for cars up to 3.5 tons. the payment system provides for an electronic vignette, which can also be ordered online. A toll system similar to that in germany is in place for trucks and buses.
Spain: the state "autovias" are free of charge, but not the privately operated "autopistas". The toll is based on the distance traveled.
Czech Republic: a vignette must be purchased for the use of highways and expressways. On the other hand, if you drive a vehicle over 3.5 tons, you pay a distance-based toll.