FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT R-PASS
From 1 January 2027, a new distance-based toll called R-PASS, introduced by the European Collectivity of Alsace, will apply to heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes travelling on certain roads in Alsace. Here you will find all the useful information you need to understand how it works and the applicable rules.
Which roads are covered by R-PASS?
The R-PASS network covers certain major roads in Alsace:
- The non-concession sections of the A35 and A36 located outside the Strasbourg Eurometropolitan area
- The RD83 between Colmar and Sélestat
- The RD1363
- The RD502
- The RD504
Full details of the roads concerned and a map are available on the official R-PASS website.
Which vehicles are subject to the R-PASS toll?
R-PASS applies to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in category N or used for equivalent goods transport operations.
Exemptions are provided for certain vehicles or uses, subject to compliance with regulatory requirements and, where applicable, submission of an exemption request. These include certain vehicles used for emergency services, road maintenance, specific agricultural or forestry activities, as well as zero-emission vehicles.
To check whether you are eligible for an exemption, see the eligible cases on the R-PASS website.
How does the R-PASS satellite toll work?
R-PASS is a distance-based toll: the amount depends in particular on the distance travelled on the tolled network and the vehicle characteristics.
For hauliers using an accredited on-board unit (OBU), the toll for journeys made on the R-PASS network will be recorded automatically.
The R-PASS system uses a combination of technologies:
- Satellite geolocation (GNSS) to calculate the distance travelled
- Short-range communication (DSRC) for roadside enforcement
How will the R-PASS toll be calculated in Alsace?
The R-PASS toll amount depends on several parameters, including:
- The distance travelled on the tolled network
- The vehicle category and its weight (F1 and F3)
- The vehicle’s EURO emission class
The amount due will therefore be calculated according to the kilometers travelled and the vehicle characteristics.
Heavy goods vehicles subscribed through an accredited EETS provider may benefit from a 13% reduction on the infrastructure charge when they make more than 20 journeys per month on the tolled network (entry and exit on the network).
What does the R-PASS toll consist of?
The R-PASS toll consists of several components designed to take into account both infrastructure use and the environmental impact of vehicles:
- An infrastructure charge linked to use of the road network concerned;
- A charge linked to air pollution;
- A charge linked to CO₂ emissions.
Some arrangements are still being defined. For example, the CO₂-related component will initially be replaced by a classification based on the vehicle’s EURO emission class.
For details of the rates applicable to your vehicle, consult the official R-PASS tariff schedule on the dedicated website.
How can the R-PASS toll be paid?
For hauliers travelling regularly on the R-PASS network, the toll can be paid using a compatible satellite toll device such as Lumesia 1.
An e-ticket will also be available in the event of device failure or for occasional journeys. It must be purchased before entering the network.
Lumesia 1: a satellite toll device for R-PASS
As soon as it comes into force, the R-PASS network will be accessible with the Lumesia 1 satellite toll device and will be directly included in its France toll service.
Thanks to its 4G technology and integrated GNSS and DSRC technologies, it enables all types of toll systems to be used in 19 European countries with a single device.
Do your vehicles travel in Alsace but are not yet equipped with a compatible satellite toll device?
Get your fleet ready now for the introduction of R-PASS.