Hi, right here goes: No you dont have to activate your account. Yes you can lend your badge to your brother but you will pay the bill. Yes there is a barrier at the start and finish, just the same as if you were taking a ticket at one end and paying at the other. I dont know what you do if the barrier doesnt lift as it has never happened to us yet, just keep your fingers crossed as you approach. We have ours stuck on the windscreen just behind the rear view mirror. Our car is right hand drive but I think its best in the middle of the windscreen like they tell you. Need know nothing else..... just enjoy, as its lovely when there are long lines of traffic and you just sail through the "Orange t" which is always of the left of the peage. Regards Blondie