Today we drove from Dinan to Amboise. In previous drives over toll roads we had absolutely no problem with US chip card payment. Today was different. We pulled into a credit card only (no cash / no telepayment) line which does not handle US chip cards, just European credit cards. Too later to back up and we were trapped. After much untellable anguished language from the hidden operator over the speaker and some interminable time the gate opened, the light went green, an alarm sounded and we sped to the toll service station, which was apparently unmanned, or we were ignored. We wished to settle accounts, but there was no way or one to do so with. So down the road we went. Can someone give me a hint as to any fallout from this to me directly or through the car rental company? Thanks. (Lesson - always go through a line with a cash option and carry plenty of coin, since it is easier to feed than bills.)
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7029 posts
I hope someone can give you an official answer to this because I can't. However, logic would say that it's not like a speeding or parking violation, after all it's usually only a couple of € at each toll booth. I would think that if the gate opened and you got a green light then it meant you were through ok. The only thing they would have to find you is the rental car plate number so it's always possible that the rental co could bill your cc for the amount if they get charged for it, but it's highly unlikely. Hope someone else has a better answer.
Posted by
Washington
56 posts
I would contact the rental car company and just follow up with them. It sounds like you did everything practicable. Lesson learned for next time to have plenty of Euro coin. No need to worry about an Interpol warrant or getting flagged at the airport....;-) To ease your conscience, next time you are in France and on a toll road, go to a service station with a person and offer to pay double. No worries. It happens.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10188 posts
Nothing. They opened the gate for you. Sometimes, the person in charge just gives up when they can't communicate with you.
Posted by
OP
Centennial, Colorado, USA
112 posts
Thanks to all replies. We have not been thrown into the Bastille as of yet. I hoped and assumed that it might not be worth the effort to collect on this minor issue. It is certainly frustrating for all parties. But given there are ten or so companies running toll systems with often different modes of operation there is a good potential for these odd things to happen. So be prepared for the contingencies.