Toll Payment

 

Tolls can be paid by any of the following methods:

Cash payment

On manual lanes, served by toll collectors, payment can be made either in cash or with most of the major credit cards.

Credit and debit cards

To pay the toll with a credit card, you can choose between exclusive lanes for credit cards called “VIAS AUTOMÁTICAS” that are post signed with a cryptogram representing magnetic cards, and mixed lanes that include the same cryptogram.

All Spanish Toll Roads accept as payment most of the major credit cards. This method is more convenient and faster, as it reduces the waiting time at the toll plaza.

On all toll roads information on credit cards accepted is provided before reaching the toll plaza.

Electronic toll collection

Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) permits payment without stopping the vehicle.

Payment is completed through a small device installed in the vehicle known as “On Board Unit” (OBU) that is read from a distance by a beacon installed in specific sign-posted lanes.

There are two types of lanes where ETC can be used for payment:

	Dedicated lanes where only ETC payment is accepted.
	Mixed lanes where, in addition to ETC payment, other payment methods are also accepted.

Both signs are included in the Spanish Traffic Code, published in the Official Gazette on December 23, 2003, and require users wishing to pay the toll with this method to be equipped with a valid OBU.

Vehicle equipment: To make an ETC payment, the user’s vehicle must be equipped with a small OBU. 

This device is linked to a bank account where toll amounts, for journeys made on the toll motorway by the user will be debited whenever he chooses ETC lanes.

The OBU can easily be fitted on the vehicle’s windshield following the instructions provided by the issuer. Some vehicles are equipped with a-thermal windshields containing small metallic components that hinder the correct microwave transmission. Such windshields have a small window in front of the rear view mirror where the OBU should be fitted. 

Where to obtain an OBU: The user can request an OBU from the financial institution with which he usually banks.

To find out which institutions issue OBUs, you can visit the Vía-T website (www.viat.es), section  “Dónde Conseguirlo” (at present, only available in Spanish).

Use of the ETC system : The use of the ETC system is simple, safe and fast. Once the vehicle is equipped with a valid transponder, the user just drives through the ETC lanes keeping the signposted speed limits, without worrying about anything else.

When entering a toll road that provides an entry ticket, the user wishing to make an ETC payment, must enter and exit the toll road through an ETC sign posted lane. The user will not have to stop the vehicle neither when entering nor when leaving the motorway.