What Is the Maximum Height for Toll Lanes with a Car Roof Box?

Toll lane height and roof boxes: what you need to know

Fitting a roof box to your car is a great way to increase your luggage capacity for bulky items. But does the extra height affect your vehicle’s class or the cost of motorway tolls?

Does adding a roof box increase your toll charges?

Your vehicle’s height is a key factor in determining the cost of motorway tolls. Based on this, your car is assigned to a specific class. For example, Class 2 vehicles pay higher tolls than Class 1 vehicles. 

However, adding a roof box does not change your vehicle’s class, as it is considered an accessory, just like an aerial. So, if your car is a Class 1 vehicle, fitting a roof box will not move it into a higher class or increase your toll charges.

Can you use all toll lanes with a roof box?

Yes, if your vehicle’s class is authorised for toll lanes, you can use it even with a roof box. The system automatically detects the height of your vehicle, excluding accessories and any load. 

However, some lanes are restricted to vehicles with a total height exceeding 2 metres. These are clearly marked with the following sign. If your vehicle exceeds this height, simply use one of the other available lanes.

Does the toll badge work with vehicles fitted with a roof box?

Adding a roof box does not affect your car’s compatibility with the Bip&Go toll badge. It is your vehicle’s class that determines whether you can use a toll badge. 

To determine the toll cost and badge compatibility, vehicles are divided into four categories:

• Class 1: vehicles with a height of 2 metres or less and a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 3.5 tonnes or less (saloons, coupés, estates, convertibles, small vans, 4x4s) + vehicles towing a trailer with a height of 2 metres or less (excluding load);

• Class 2: Class 1 vehicles towing a caravan or trailer with a height (excluding load) between 2 and 3 metres + vehicles with a height (excluding load) between 2 and 3 metres and a MAM of 3.5 tonnes or less (motorhomes, pick-ups and large vans);

• Class 3: two-axle vehicles (coaches, HGVs, etc.) over 3 metres high, with a MAM above 3.5 tonnes;

• Class 4: vehicles with three or more axles (coaches, HGVs, etc.) over 3 metres high and a MAM above 3.5 tonnes;

• Class 5: motorbikes, tricycles, quadricycles.

The Bip&Go badge can be used by vehicles in classes 1, 2 and 5. Depending on your badge, it allows you to travel on all toll motorways in France, as well as in Portugal, Spain and Italy.