In Brief
In October 2026, several developments affect motorists: the enactment of a 100-euro fuel subsidy for certain workers, higher tow/impound and historic vehicle registration fees, and expanded penalties for using a phone while driving with immediate license withdrawal in new departments. Additionally, the A69 highway adopts open-road tolling from October 15, and specific restrictions apply to Euro 5 diesel vehicles in Italy. These changes impact drivers’ budgets and travel habits.
As with every month, motorists must face a slew of changes. Here’s what to expect for October 2026.
The Start of the Fuel Allowance
October is particularly stacked with new measures for drivers. Changes to be aware of in order to avoid surprises and to plan your budget as far as possible. For instance, the new 100-euro subsidy for “heavy-road users” comes into effect for the period from October 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026. In fact, a single person with a net salary up to €2,035 and who uses their vehicle for professional purposes is eligible for this boost. In total, 5.5 million French residents are affected by this aid.
Another change: higher tow/impound fees. The towing charge now stands at €135, up from €127.65 previously. The daily storage is set at €7.15, up from €6.75. Finally, the immobilization of the vehicle will be billed at €7.60. Note that certain major metropolitan areas operate under a derogatory regime. Thus, in Marseille, Lyon, and Toulouse, the daily storage is €10 and the sale listing €61.
The Collection Registration Card on the Rise
Among October’s other changes, the move to open-road tolling on the A69 highway between Castres and Toulouse is introduced. This marks the third French motorway to implement open-road tolling. The service is scheduled to begin on October 15.
In France, the use of a cellphone behind the wheel is more severely sanctioned. Another department will implement immediate license withdrawal. This is the Vienne department. In total, 16 departments in the country apply this sanction. Among the departments now affected are Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pas-de-Calais, Charente-Maritime, Vaucluse, Deux-Sèvres, Ardèche, Oise, Aisne, Réunion, Indre-et-Loire, Haute-Loire, Yonne, Drôme, Corrèze, and Vienne. It’s worth noting that the Interior Minister has urged prefects to nationwide generalize this sanction.
October also brings a rise in the fees for the historic vehicle registration card. The FFVE services will now carry a standard VAT rate of 20%. If FFVE pricing had not changed for a decade, it will now with a certificate of authenticity rising from €60 to €75.
Note that if you’re planning to travel to Italy, circulating restrictions now apply to vehicles with Euro 5 diesel engines.
Comparison Table
| Element | Before October 2026 | After October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel allowance for “high-mileage” workers | Not applicable | €100 (Oct 1 – Dec 31) |
| Tow/impound fee | €127.65 | €135 |
| Daily storage (impound) | €6.75 | €7.15 (€10 in Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse) |
| Vehicle immobilization | Not specified | €7.60 |
| FFVE Certificate of Authenticity (historic vehicle registration) | €60 | €75 |
| VAT on FFVE services | Not specified | 20% |
| Sale listing (impound, major cities) | Not specified | €61 |
Key Takeaways
- The €100 fuel allowance for “high-mileage workers” will be paid from October through December 2026.
- Tow and storage fees rise, with city-specific rates in several large cities.
- The FFVE certificate of authenticity for historic vehicle registration increases from €60 to €75, and FFVE services are now subject to 20% VAT.
- The A69 now offers open-road tolling starting October 15, 2026.
- Immediate license withdrawal for texting while driving applies in 16 departments, with potential nationwide expansion.
- Italy imposes circulation restrictions for Euro 5 diesel vehicles.
FAQ
Who qualifies for the €100 fuel allowance in October 2026?
Single workers with a net salary up to €2,035 and who use their vehicle for professional purposes qualify.
What is the new fee for tow/impound?
The fee rises to €135 starting October 2026, up from €127.65.
Which departments implement immediate license withdrawal for phone use?
Sixteen departments are affected, including Vienne, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pas-de-Calais, and others listed in the article.
When does open-road tolling begin on the A69?
Implementation is planned for October 15, 2026, between Castres and Toulouse.
How are the historic car registration fees evolving?
The FFVE certificate of authenticity rises from €60 to €75, and FFVE services are taxed at 20% VAT.
