Liber-t and VIA-T Automated Toll Payment Service
Sanef, the French motorway operator has now extended its Liber-t automatic toll payment service to UK motorists. The Liber-t tag will work on the entire French toll road network and can also be used to pay for parking in some car parks.
The VIA-T tag is supplied by our group partner Bip and Drive and it will work on the entire Spanish and Portuguese toll road networks and can also be used to pay for parking in some car parks.
To use the service all you need to do is register for the specific product (i.e. France OR Spain/Portugal) on our dedicated UK website and we will send you a small electronic transponder (tag) that you attach to your windscreen just behind the rear-view mirror. As you approach the barriers, a device by the barrier will read your transponder (tag), securely extract your unique reference and then automatically open the barrier without you having to stop and manually pay the toll. You will receive an invoice the following month and then around 15 days later we will automatically collect the payment in £ (GBP) from your bank account via Direct Debit in the UK.
Who are Emovis Tag UK Ltd?
Emovis Tag UK is a wholly owned subsidiary of Abertis SA the ultimate majority owners of Sanef SA, a French motorway company who operate toll roads in France and other toll systems around the world. We manage our IT systems and customer services from our office in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
To access your account click on "My Account", input your username and password and select "login". Your invoice is available to download at the bottom of the page.
If you have received the invoice notification email and cannot open it simply right click on the PDF text and click "Save Link As". If you are still experiencing problems downloading your invoice click here.
NB. Your first invoice will include all the setup fees (including Local VAT) as outlined in section 1.1. below even if you have not yet traveled to France.
1.1. What does it cost?
- 10€ application fee (+Local VAT)
- 6€ annual account management fee per service type (one for Liber-t and one for VIA-T) (+Local VAT) - Payable each year on the subscription anniversary date
- 20€ refundable security deposit (no Local VAT) - returned back to you when we receive your tag back.
- 5€ per month that the tag is used, capped at 2 months of usage (maximum of 10€ in any subscription year, per tag (+Local VAT))
- Your toll usage
- Pay in £ via direct debit (we use an average mid market exchange rate for the relevant month + 2% (less than bank/Credit card)
Summary: the tolls are the same cost that you would pay at the barrier. This new service simply allows you to use the automated lanes saving you time and reducing the hassle of manually paying tolls in euros.
Monthly Active Service Fee
A monthly fee is payable for each calendar month that you actively use your tag on a toll road but only up to a maximum of €10 in a single year i.e. if you purchase a tag in June and then use your tag in July and August, you will be charged €10 (€5 for July and €5 for August) but you will not be charged a monthly active service fee for the remaining months up to and including the following May. A new 12 month period would start in June.
Toll Charges
All toll charges incurred.
All fees and tolls will be collected by direct debit in £GBP. (the exchange rate used in outlined in section 1.4 below)
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1.2. Why are the fees charged by the UK service different from those charged by local operators?
Our operating costs are slightly different and subsequently so are our fees. In addition to this, the usage profile of UK customers is very different from those of local residents who obviously use their tags much more frequently.
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1.3. What exchange rate is used when my bill is converted to GBP?
The exchange rate that we use is the average for the calendar month the invoice is for. It is based on the average mid market commercial exchange rate (NOT the tourist rate) for the month that the tolls were incurred The daily historic mid market rate used to compute the average are sourced from exchangerates.org.uk.
There is a 2%+Local VAT (equivalent to 2.4% for Liber-t transactions) foreign exchange finance charge when converting the currency but the overall exchange rate is still very competitive.
An example is provided below using the French TVA rate and is based on rates obtained on 12th December 2013.
Local VAT (French VAT) is charged at 20.0% (prior to 01/01/2014 Local VAT was charged at a rate of 19.6%)
Exchange Rate £1 = €1.19
Foreign Exchange Finance Charge: 2%+Local VAT (equivalent to 2.4%)
Example invoice:
Total bill in Euros inc. Local VAT: €100
Total foreign exchange finance charge @ 2.4% inc. Local VAT: €2.4
Total bill in GBP (converted at £1 = €1.19): £86.05
This is more favourable than rates provided by a leading UK trusted brand on the same day:
M&S Travel Money (0% commission, £1 = €1.14): £87.72
M&S Visa Card (2.99% commission, £1 = €1.188779): £86.63
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1.4. Can I pay by credit/debit card?
No. The only way of paying for the UK service is by direct debit from a UK bank account.
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1.5. Does the tag cost more than a cash payment at the toll booth?
There is a one off charge for the tag (refundable), an initial admin charge to cover logistics and 3rd party fees, a low annual management fee of €6 plus a €5 charge every month that you use it in France, Spain or Portugal (limited to a maximum of 10€ per year per tag). The exchange rate we get is the same as for other card transactions i.e better than the high street, so you might save a few pence on each toll payment.
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1.6. How much will my tolled trip cost me anyway?
It depends on where you start and finish! There is a toll calculator for all of France, Spain and Portugal (in English) here. In addition, you can use the route planner to plan your end to end route and automatically calculate the tolls.
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1.7. When does the bill arrive?
We bill by calendar month. Invoice notification emails are sent out by email around the 14th of the month and payment is collected on the last business day of the month. For example if you subscribe in July, you will receive your first invoice on 14th August which will contain your setup fees, deposit and any tolls accrued in the month of July. Payment will be taken from your bank account by direct debit on the last business day of August.
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2.1. When will I receive my tag?
Orders received before 14:00 (Monday to Friday) will be shipped by Royal Mail 1st Class post on the same day so you should expect to receive your tag in 1 to 2 business days. If you select 'guaranteed next day delivery' your tag will be received on the next working day (including Saturday for orders placed Friday). For orders placed after 2pm the order will be dispatch the next working day. The parcel is small enough to fit through your letter box and does not require a signature unless you selected guaranteed next day delivery which needs signing for or Royal Mail will leave a card and you can collect the package from your local sorting office within 7 days.
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2.2. Can I have my tag delivered to an alternative address?
No. For security reasons, we are only able to deliver the tags to your home address. The parcel is small enough to fit through your letter box and does not require a signature unless you selected guaranteed next day delivery that does need signing for.
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2.3. What if I need more than one tag linked to a single account?
If you need an additional tag to be payable from the same bank account e.g for additional family members, you need to sign up as normal. You will then be able to log into your 'My Account' page and there is an option to order an additional tag. There is a charge of €5+Local VAT per tag for 1st class postage and packing and also an additional €20 refundable deposit payable per tag. The charges for all your tags will be shown on your monthly invoice.
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2.4. Can I order an extra clip / tag holder?
Your tag will be shipped with one clip. If you require additional clips, please go to your 'My Account' area to place the order and we will send you the additional clip/s at a cost of €2+Local VAT each including the First Class postage, the cost will be added to your next invoice. If you need some additional clip/s quickly there is also a guaranteed next day delivery option for an extra €10 + Local VAT
Additional clip/s can also be obtained from one of the Sanef points of sale in France. A single additional clip will normally be provided for free with additional clips at €2. The location of the Sanef points of sale can be found here.
A limited supply of free clips is also held at the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Folkestone Terminal behind the 'Customer Service desk'
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3.1. Where in my car do I place the tag?
The tag must be visible from above in the centre-top of the windscreen so that it can be detected by the transponder by the barrier at the toll plaza. Please read these instructions prior to fixing the tag. The tag MUST be placed behind the rear view mirror on the shaded / mottled area.
THIS IS CRITICAL FOR VEHICLES WITH ATHERMIC WINDSCREENS.
Some model of car may not have this shaded area. If this is the case simply place the tag behind the rear view mirror as shown above. All issues with athermic windscreens can be overcome by holding the tag out of the vehicle side window, this should only be done when stationary in the toll plaza lane.
Equipment occupying all the mottled area?
Some vehicles are known to have equipment in the mottled area such as rain sensors or automatic emergency braking sensors. E.g. Volvo XC60 / 90, some Mercedes.
The mottled / shaded area behind the rear view mirror will be free of any heat reflective metallic coating that is sometimes applied to the glass in the factory to reflect the sun and keep the car interior cool on a hot day. The tag must go in the mottled area as it is free of any heat reflective coating, so the signal to it is not blocked by the metallic coating on the glass.
In situations like this please fix the tag on the clear windscreen glass next to the casing of the equipment that is occupying the mottled/shaded area.
If you have a People Carrier / MPV or Van with a long windscreen please note: The tag needs to face forward towards the barrier, not upwards towards the sky.
NB. If you have a motorhome with a "luton" / overhanging sleeping compartment you MUST ensure that the Tag has "line of sight" with the reader (i.e. can see the reader on top of the pole by the barrier). If you install the tag behind the rear vision mirror it may not be able to see the Tag reader and will not work - in this instance you have to put the tag at the bottom of the windscreen BUT ONLY if you do not have an athermic windscreen. Or hold out of the side window when stopped in the toll plaza lane.
Vehicles known to have athermic windscreens are listed below but this list is not exhaustive so please check with your vehicle manufacturer before fitting your tag.
BMW: 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X5
Citroen: Picasso, C5Xsara, Xantia
Ford: Galaxy, S-Max, Mondeo
Fiat: Multipla
Mercedes: W220-S Class, Vaneo
Peugeot: 206, 306, 307, 607
Renault: Traffic, Scenic, Espace, Megane, Safrane, Laguna, Clio, Master, Kangoo, Picasso Vauxhall: Zafira
See the how does it work section for more details.
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3.2. I’ve got a sunstrip - will it block the signals?
No. But if you have a new car with a metallic windscreen you need to fit the tag in the black spotted area under the rear vision mirror as this lets the signal through.
See the how does it work section for more details.
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3.3. How does the tag work?
You should approach the barrier at walking pace, once the transaction has completed, the tag will "beep", the traffic light will change to green and the barrier will open. On certain dedicated lanes you can drive through at up to 30 km/hr. These lanes are clearly signed.
See the how does it work section for more details.
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3.4. Is there any danger from the microwaves used by the tags?
The same tags are used all over the world, from the US to UK and Australia. They use microwaves at really low power, they have been tested extensively and are completely safe.
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3.5. Will my tag work first time – how can I be sure of this?
Yes, we will make sure your tag works before it is posted to you. The transponder that reads your tag is next to the barrier so please get right up to the barrier so your tag can be read. When the tag arrives you will need to confirm receipt of the tag on our website by following the instructions provided with the tag before it can be used.
You should activate your tag on receipt in your 'My Account' area.
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3.6. How fast can I drive at the barrier?
You should approach the barrier at walking pace. Once the transaction has completed, the tag will "beep", the traffic light will change to green and the barrier will open.
On certain dedicated lanes you can drive through at up to 30 km/hr, these lanes are clearly signed as follows
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3.7. Which lanes can I use?
France
In France Cars and trailers under 2m can use any lane showing the 
but you will find there is often a tag only lane on the left hand side of the plaza that will save you most time.
Motorbikes, Caravan and motorhome or vehicles between 2m and 3m tall and less than 3.5t, i.e. Class 2 or 5 should use ANY non height restricted lane that has the Liber-t symbol illuminated.
For more information click here to review the vehicle classifications.
Spain and Portugal
Light vehicles (cars, car + caravan, motorbikes and motor homes with no more that 2 axles) can use any lane showing the VIA-T (Vía-Verde in Portugal) symbol VIA-T IMAGE HERE 
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3.8. Can I use the Liber-t or VIA-T tag in the UK at Dartford/ M6 toll/ Severn Crossing?
No,
The Emovis Tag UK Liber-t tag will work in France only.
The Emovis Tag UK VIA-T tag will work in Spain and Portugal only.
Emovis Tag UK is a separate company to Emovis Operations Leeds who operate the Dartford crossing.
The contact details for Emovis Operations Leeds are correspondence@dartford-crossing-charge.service.gov.uk
Emovis Operations Leeds telephone number is 0300 300 0120
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3.9. Can I swap the tag between vehicles?
Yes! There is no link to a particular vehicle. You can also lend it to your friends if you like, but please note: You are the account holder and are responsible for all tolls and fees incurred.
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3.10. What if there is a queue at the tag lane?
Sometimes the sheer volume of tag users means there is a bit of a queue on the way in to the toll plaza. However, the tag lane is always the fastest moving lane.
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The battery in the tag is designed to last between 5 and 7 years depending on how often it is used and how it's looked after. We recommend not leaving your tag in your vehicle when it's not in use, particularly over winter. If your tag stops working, please contact us and we will send you a new one.
If your tag battery is shown as near expiry or expired in your 'My Account' area you can swap out your Liber-t tag by selecting 'Order Additional Tag' and 'Return a Tag' Take care to order the type of tag you require (Liber-t or VIA-T)
4.1. What’s the height limit?
In France on certain dedicated class 1 Liber-t lanes there is a 2 metre height limit. These are always on the left hand side of the toll plaza. However there is always other lanes available for vehicles over 2 metres or class 5 (motorbikes), simply go though one of the other open lanes that is displaying the Liber-t or VIA-T symbol.
For more information about Liber-t click here to review the vehicle classifications.
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4.2. I’ve got a caravan... can I have a tag?
France - Liber-t tag
Yes! Provided your vehicle and caravan overall height is less than 3 metres and GVW of the towing vehicle does not exceeding 3.5 tonnes. You can use any non height restricted lane that has the Liber-t symbol illuminated.
For more information about Liber-t click here to review the vehicle classifications
Spain and Portugal - VIA-T tag
Yes, you can use the VIA-T lane with a car + caravan
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4.3. I’ve got a motorhome?
France - Liber-t tag
As long as your vehicle is lower than 3 metres and less than 3.5 tonnes GVW you can use any non height restricted lane that has the Liber-t symbol illuminated. A vehicle of this size falls into the Class 2 fee structure. If your vehicle is larger than this then please contact our sister company Eurotoll.
For more information click here to review the vehicle classifications.
Spain and Portugal - VIA-T tag
Providing your motorhome has no more than 2 axles you can use the VIA-T lane
NB. If you have a motorhome with a "luton" / overhanging sleeping compartment you MUST ensure that the Tag has "line of sight" with the reader (i.e. can see the reader on top of the pole). If you install the tag at the top of the windscreen behind the rear vision mirror it may not be able to see the Tag reader and will not work - in this instance you have to put the tag at the bottom of the windscreen BUT ONLY if you do not have an athermic windscreen - click here for more details. All issues with athermic windscreens can be overcome by holding the tag out of the side window but only when stationary and right up to the barrier in the toll lane.
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4.4. I’ve got a motorcycle?
France - Liber-t tag
You can use a Liber-t tag with a motorcycle with some limitations, the main one being that to avoid being charged as Class 1 vehicle you must use the manual lane and hand over the tag to the person in the toll booth. They will use a barcode scanner to read the tag and will charge you as a Class 5 vehicle. The main advantage is that it saves you fumbling for cash / payment cards with gloves on. If there is no manned lane, use the automated Liber-t lane. When using the automated lane on a motorcycles just hold your tag up to the gantry or put it in your top jacket pocket, ensuring it is the correct way round as per the instructions it came with. Take care that you are in the middle of the lane, right up to the barrier and no other vehicle or motorbikes are in the lane as the equipment in the automated lane may register you as a larger vehicle and charge for a car (class 1). You can check your transactions in the 'My Account' area a few days later. If this happens you would need to contact us and request a toll adjustment. If you use the automatic lane then we can only request a toll adjustment if you have used the non-height restricted Liber-t lane, all vehicles using the 2 meter (car only) height restricted lane will be classed as class 1 with no option to adjust this.
Spain and Portugal - VIA-T tag
When using the VIA-T lane on a motorcycles just hold your tag up to the gantry or put it in your top jacket pocket, ensuring it is the correct way round as per the instructions it came with. Take care that you are in the middle of the lane, right up to the barrier and no other vehicle or motorbikes are in the lane.
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4.5. I’ve got a trailer.
France - Liber-t tag
Vehicles with trailers (class 1 or class 2) should use use any non height restricted lane that has the Liber-t symbol illuminated.
Spain and Portugal - VIA-T tag
Vehicles with trailers should use any lane that has the VIA-T symbol ADD VIA-T SYMBOL HERE
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4.6. What if I have a roofbox or bike on the roof and need a toll adjusting?
France - Liber-t tag
If you are a Class 1 vehicle and have a roof load such as a roof box or bicycle that takes your overall height over 2m, you will still be charged as a Class 1 vehicle. There is equipment (laser and 3D imaging) in the Liber-t lanes that can distinguish between 'Class 1 + roofload' and Class 2 vehicles. You should be charged at Class 1 rate.
Occasionally however, this auto detection equipment may incorrectly identify you as Class 2. We advise you to check your bill when you receive it or view your future toll balance in your 'Account Summary' area and if you have been incorrectly charged at Class 2 rate, please open a toll adjustment request. Just go to your 'Account Summary' area, scroll down and next to 'My Tags' click 'View Tolls', click on the toll you wish to be adjusted, click 'Raise a Toll Adjustment Request' and complete the toll adjustment request form. We will ensure that you are reimbursed the difference the following month. Toll adjustments must be requested within 3 months of the transaction date.
Spain and Portugal - VIA-T tag
Vehicles with roof load should use any lane that has the VIA-T symbol
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4.7. Large Motorhomes / Commercial Vehicles.
France - Liber-t tag
The Liber-t tag is only for class 1, 2 & 5 vehicles. Emovis Tag UK does not offer the TIS-PL tag for class 3 and 4 vehicles, but our sister company Eurotoll do offer the TIS-PL tag for Class 3 and 4 vehicles.
Spain and Portugal - VIA-t tag
The VIA-T tag is for light vehicles. That's cars, car + caravan, motorbikes and motorhomes with no more than 2 axles. We are unable to offer a tag for heavy vehicles for the Spanish and portuguese road networks.
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5.1. What if the tag is stolen, lost or damaged?
Either :
- Notify us through the contact form.
- Email our customer centre at support@emovis-tag.co.uk
- Phone us on 01423 299017
You are not responsible for any toll usage after you tell us your tag has been lost or stolen, so if this does happen please do not delay in telling us so we can place a block on the tag to prevent unauthorised usage.
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5.2. What if it doesn’t work?
Tags do 273 million transactions a year in France alone – probably a billion around the world so we are confident it will. But if things do go wrong. Simply hand the tag to any of the operators in the toll booths – they will then charge it as if it worked, or tell you if you need to pay using an alternative payment method. You must activate your tag when it arrives at your address – it will not work unless you do this, just follow the simple instructions that are provided with or go to your 'My Account' area here.
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6.1. Which roads does this new product include?
France - Liber-t tag
It includes all the toll motorways in France (excluding the Mont Blanc and Fréjus tunnels). Although Sanef run the toll roads in northern France, the new tag will work with every toll road across France. Sanef will simply send you one single bill for your entire trip. See http://www.sanefgroupe.com/en_instit for general information about the network, planning your trip, facilities, radio traffic news in English (107.7FM on the hour, every hour) and how Sanef put the customer first. The Tag also works on any car park displaying the logo. The full network of motorways is shown below
Spain and Portugal - VIA-t tag
All the motorways in Mainland Spain work with the VIA-t tag. The system is also available for paying on Portuguese toll roads showing the VIA-t symbol ADD VIA-T SYMBOL HERE
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6.2. Is there an alternative to tolls?
Yes! There are free roads if you do not like smooth, high quality motorways and don’t mind arriving late for your ferry. The N138 is our favourite, but a section of that is shut in mid June so the Brits can race cars on it (Le Mans).
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6.3. Will it be used for catching me speeding?
The data in our system can’t be used by law enforcement agencies for detecting excessive speed, but please do keep in mind that speeding is very seriously. French police patrols and radar traps employ heavy fines. The speed limit on French roads is 130kph (when it is dry - anyway) – a bit more than in the UK. The time you save with a tag means you won’t have to think about speeding, or the cost of missing the ferry.
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6.4. Will you be tracking me – are my movements secure?
We keep the identity of the user and the tag information as separate data – we cannot track your movements. We simply know when you pay for a toll. There is no record on the tag either.
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6.5. Are there any discounts for disabled people?
France - Liber-t tag
Yes. Blue badge holders who have a Class 2 vehicle (not valid for car + caravan) are entitled to be charged at Class 1 rate if the vehicle is adapted for disabled persons. However, in order to be charged at Class 1 rate in the automated lane, you will need to stop and press the intercom button to request the correct toll to be applied. Alternatively you can use the manual lane and hand over your tag to be scanned. Please note the reduction is applied at the discretion of the particular auto route operator of the toll road you are using. More information can be found at http://www.autoroutes.fr/en/services-for-disabled-people.htm
Spain and Portugal - VIA-t tag
All vehicles using the VIA-T tag (cars, car + caravan, motorbikes and motorhomes with no more than 2 axles.) are classed / charged at the same rate so a discount is not applicable.
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6.6. Can I use a Liber-t and VIA-T tag for business?
The service we offer is for consumers, not businesses. Our advice to people wishing to use a Liber-t or VIA-T tag for business is to subscribe using a personal bank account and then claim back through your company's expenses process.
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6.7. Closing your account if you have a Sanef France credit card account.
Simply download and complete this form and return it and your Sanef France tag to the specified address
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