The Swiss vignette obligation applies to vehicles up to 3.5t on the motorways and certain national roads in Switzerland. International and Swiss drivers must prepare before their trip and obtain a valid vignette if their vehicle weighs less than 3.5t.
Since August 2023, travelers haven’t needed to obtain a traditional toll sticker, as the process can be done electronically. It means you don’t need to look for the sales points, such as gas stations, and put a physical sticker on the vehicle.
There is only one type of motorway vignette available in Switzerland. You can purchase an annual vignette, which is valid for 14 months. The period starts on December 1st of the year before purchase and ends on January 31st of the following year.
Currently, traditional vignettes are also available in Switzerland. However, it is better to obtain a digital vignette, as the process is easier and more convenient. You only need a valid means of payment and a device with an internet connection. Then, provide information in the form, cover the fee, and wait for the email with confirmation.
You must have a motorway vignette (traditional or electronic) on Swiss roads. Without a vignette, you will be punished with a fine of CHF 200 plus the costs of the missing vignette.
Types and prices of Switzerland vignette
There’s only one type of digital vignette available in Switzerland. Travelers may purchase:
- An annual vignette that won’t expire within the next 14 months, valid from December 1st to January 31st of the following year.
A Swiss motorway vignette for a year costs 58 EUR and can be bought online or at the sales points. Note that even when your trip lasts one day or even a few hours, you must purchase an annual vignette to avoid problems. There’s no short-term vignette option yet.
How to get a vignette for Switzerland online?
It is simple to obtain a Swiss motorway vignette, as the process consists of several intuitive steps:
- Visit our website and enter the necessary details in the form. Provide vehicle category, country of registration, and license plate number. Check the information twice to avoid mistakes.
- Cover the service fee. It is possible to pick one of the available payment methods, such as credit or debit card.
- Check the email to receive your electronic vignette. You don’t need to print it out because you can download the file on a mobile device.
There is no cooling-off period, so the vignette Switzerland is active after the purchase. You can also get a traditional vignette at the sales points or a special lane at the Switzerland border.
Why are vignettes needed in Switzerland?
Many countries in Europe, such as Austria, Slovakia, and Switzerland, introduced toll systems. Money raised from the motorway vignette is used to maintain the road network in the country. All drivers of vehicles up to 3.5t, including trailers, cars, and motorcycles, must purchase a vignette.
It is possible to choose routes excluding motorways. In this case, you don’t need an additional vignette, but it could be troublesome as you have to drive extra kilometers. On motorways, it is necessary to obtain a vignette if your vehicle weighs no more than 3.5t. Make sure you purchase it to enjoy a smooth trip.
Penalties
Financial penalties for driving without a vignette are costly. The fine is CHF 200 plus the vignette price. Also, misusing the Swiss vignette is punished by a fine (for example, if you affix the sticker inappropriately or transfer a vignette from one vehicle to another). Additionally, forging the Swiss vignette will result in legal consequences, so keep that in mind.
Advantages of Swiss vignette online
- It is not necessary to put a physical sticker on the vehicle, so you don’t need to scratch it off later.
- The process is done online, so you don’t need to look for sales points, such as gas stations.
- It is simple, convenient, and intuitive to get a vignette through an electronic process.
- No cooling-off period means you can use a vignette right away.
- You will receive a valid vignette via email.
FAQ
Is the vignette Switzerland required on the motorways and expressways?
A vignette Switzerland must be obtained by drivers of vehicles up to 3.5t on the motorways and certain national roads. The process of getting a vignette is easy, as it can be finalized online from the comfort of home.
Where is it possible to purchase a digital vignette?
The vignette Switzerland may be bought online on the website from the comfort of your home or at sales points, such as gas stations. Also, it is possible to wait at the special lane during the border crossing and get a vignette there.
How much does the e-vignette Switzerland cost?
The vignette for Switzerland costs 58 EUR. There’s only one type available: an annual vignette, valid for 14 months from December 1st of the previous year to January 31st of the following year.
When is it possible to purchase a vignette for Switzerland?
It is possible to purchase a digital vignette online on the website, which is very convenient. In the case of the traditional vignette, you can get it at the sales points or during border crossing at the special line.
How long should I wait to use the motorway vignette in Switzerland?
You don’t need to wait to use a motorway vignette in Switzerland. After purchasing and receiving the file via email, you are eligible to use tollways in the country immediately.
Do I need to print out the vignette Switzerland?
No, you don’t need to print out the vignette for Switzerland. The process is done online, so you can download the received file and show it to the police or authorities during the check.
Can I transfer my vignette to another vehicle?
No, it is not possible to transfer a vignette from one vehicle to another, as it is illegal. By doing so, you may come across legal consequences and financial fines.
What is the fine for driving without a vignette in Switzerland?
Those who didn’t pay for a vignette are subject to a fine of CHF 200 plus the costs of a missing vignette. Remember to purchase a proper permit before the trip so it will be smooth and unproblematic.