A surprising fine awaits many motorists at motorway toll booths.
This is a mishap that hangs over the noses of many road users. A motorist recently published a video on the social network TikTok to warn against a payment method that is increasingly used, especially by the new generation. In this content seen several million times, the young driver explains that he was fined while he was preparing to pay for his trip in front of a toll barrier. To his great surprise, because the police were not stopping him for speeding, illegal overtaking or not wearing a seat belt, but rather for the action he was carrying out.
How can paying toll be considered an offense? It’s really all about how you do it. In this specific case, the motorist explains that he used his phone to pay for his trip. Thanks to the Apple Pay application, available on iPhones, it is possible to pay for many purchases, in stores, in restaurants or on websites.
Several toll companies also allow it. To do this, simply hold your phone near the contactless reader as you can with a bank card. Once the payment has been validated, the barrier rises and the driver can continue on their way. Problem, on the road, the use of the telephone is strictly prohibited except in rare emergency situations (breakdown, accident, illness, etc.).
The police can therefore rely on article R412-6-1 of the Highway Code. This indicates that “the use of a telephone held in the hand by the driver of a vehicle in circulation is prohibited.” This applies even when the car is stationary. Tolls are not the only places where motorists risk a fine. Supermarket or fast food drive-throughs can also be the target of somewhat zealous police officers. Although cases of verbalization remain quite rare, it is essential to keep in mind that it sometimes happens. Especially since using the phone in the car is severely punished by law.
This offense, which is increasingly common on our roads – 80% of drivers use their smartphone while driving according to the 2023 AXA Préventions barometer – is punishable by a 4th class fine, i.e. a fixed fine of 135 euros and a withdrawal of 3 points on the driving license. As surprising as it may seem, it is therefore possible to collect a fine for having used a payment method offered by a brand, in the specific case by a motorway company. Enough to puzzle – even annoy – many motorists.