French toll class with a caravan: does your car become class 2?
Two questions, and you know what you will pay.
Step 1 of 2: its height
How tall is your caravan?
Where to find the height?
From the ground to the caravan roof, without what sits on it. The car is lower and does not count.
Not sure? 2.55 m is the most common height for a caravan: it is already set.
Travelling by motorhome or campervan? Toll class of a motorhome
In short
At French tolls, a car towing a caravan is class 2 as soon as the caravan is more than 2 m high, which is almost always the case. The outfit stays in class 1 with a caravan of 2 m or less, and becomes class 4 from 3 m or if the car exceeds 3.5 t. Class 2 costs about 50 to 65% more than the car alone.
· Official sources (in French) : Vehicle classes (Vinci Autoroutes), ASFA class grid (2022), Ministerial answer on harmonised classes (French National Assembly)
How is the class worked out?
French motorway companies all apply the same grid, set by their association, ASFA. Three criteria count: total height, maximum authorised mass and the number of axles on the ground.
For an outfit, the height used is that of the taller element (usually the caravan) and the maximum authorised mass of the car alone. Height is measured without load and without roof accessories.
Trip prices are the official rates from 1 February 2026, taken from the motorway companies' grids. Depending on the company, class 2 costs 1.50 to 1.56 times the car rate (tariff orders of January 2026).
| Class | Height | Max. authorised mass | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 2 m or less | 3.5 t or less | Car, low campervan, car + small caravan |
| Class 2 | Between 2 and 3 m | 3.5 t or less | Most motorhomes and caravan outfits |
| Class 3 | 3 m or more | or over 3.5 t | Tall overcab, heavy 2-axle motorhome |
| Class 4 | 3 m or more | or over 3.5 t | Outfit of 3 m or more, 3-axle motorhome |
Tip: use an electronic toll tag
With a French electronic toll tag (télépéage badge), the class registered on your account is the reference: if the sensors get it wrong, you dispute it online without being stuck at the barrier. Without a tag, use a lane with an intercom and state your class before paying.
Three outfits, three results
2.55 m caravan
A 2.55 m caravan behind a saloon car: the outfit becomes class 2. On Lyon–Marseille, expect €45.70 instead of €28.10 without the caravan.
2.70 m caravan + air con
A 2.70 m caravan with a roof air conditioner: officially class 2, and the sensors see 2.95 m. Still under 3 m, but with no margin.
Small 1.95 m caravan
A small 1.95 m caravan: the outfit stays in class 1, at the same price as the car alone.
Frequently asked questions
Does a car towing a caravan pay more at French tolls?
Yes, in most cases. A caravan is usually 2.40 to 2.70 m high, which puts the outfit in class 2. It stays in class 1 if the caravan is 2 m high or less.
Is it the car or the caravan that sets the class?
Both count: the height used is that of the taller element, almost always the caravan, and the weight used is the maximum authorised mass of the car alone.
Do the axles put an outfit in class 4?
No. As long as the caravan is under 3 m and the car does not exceed 3.5 t, the outfit stays in class 2, even with 3 or 4 axles on the ground.
What about a pick-up or a large 4x4?
If the towing vehicle's maximum authorised mass exceeds 3.5 t, the outfit becomes class 4. This is the case for some American pick-ups.
Does the air conditioner on the caravan roof count?
Not under the official rule, which measures the caravan without accessories. The sensors can still see it: if it takes you above 3 m, you risk being charged class 4.
How much does class 2 cost with a caravan?
About 50 to 65% more than the car alone, depending on the trip. On Paris–Bordeaux, expect €93.60 with the caravan against €60.90 without.
What should I do if I am charged the wrong class?
At a barrier, press the intercom before paying. With an electronic toll tag, report the error from your customer account: the overpayment is refunded on a later bill.
Official sources (in French) (3)
Indicative result with no legal value. Prices are the official rates from 1 February 2026, taken from the motorway companies' grids; only the motorway company's figure is binding.
Prices trip by trip
Paris–Lyon, Lyon–Marseille, Paris–Bordeaux… Official 2026 prices for classes 1 to 4 on 11 major trips, and the rules of each motorway company.
See toll prices →