You need to have a valid vignette if you are going to drive on Swiss motorways and expressways. You can either buy it at selected petrol stations in the form of a toll sticker or make the purchase online. Regardless of the form, the vignette requirement applies to every person driving a vehicle under 3,5t.
The electronic toll system with the product of a digital vignette was introduced in August 2023. The launch of the online vignettes aims to facilitate the mandatory road tax payment. Remember that you cannot use the national highways of Switzerland without buying the relevant toll.
An official vignette should be linked to a vehicle with a total weight under 3,5t. If you are driving a heavier vehicle (for example, a truck or a bus), you are also required to pay the road toll. However, you must use a special device that will calculate the distance traveled on the paid road sections.
Currently, the only available Swiss vignette is valid for a year. It becomes valid on 1 December of the previous year and stays in force until 31 January of the following year. It does not matter when you buy the toll sticker, as it will only remain effective until the set date.
If you need a vignette for Switzerland, you can buy it on our website! The entire process is quite simple, with clear instructions and an intuitive registration form. All you need to do is fill out the questionnaire with essential data about the vehicle and cover the respective fee payment.
WATCH OUT! Check the recent updates on the subject of vignettes before leaving for the trip abroad. According to the Swiss authorities, the standard toll stickers may be phased out in the future.
Swiss vignette types
There is only one type of Swiss vignette that you can obtain for your trip. Although more digital toll stickers may be introduced in the future, you need an annual vignette regardless of the travel duration.
- Annual Vignette Switzerland – 58,00 EUR
The actual validity period of this vignette is 14 months. If you buy a vignette for the year 2025, it will stay in force from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2026. Once you leave the country, the vignette will remain valid, so you can visit Switzerland numerous times.
How to obtain a Swiss vignette online
Although you can still obtain adhesive toll stickers at some petrol stations on the road, it is much more convenient to buy the Swiss motorway vignette online. You can easily do it via our website. One of the the many benefits is that you can count on our support and assistance in case of any questions.
The process of obtaining the Swiss motorway vignette online consists of 3 easy steps:
- STEP 1 – Complete the registration form. Provide details of your vehicle, such as license plate numbers, emissions class, and vehicle category.
- STEP 2 – Double-check the registration form. Make sure that all the data you have provided in the questionnaire is correct and free of mistakes.
- STEP 3 – Cover the road tax for Switzerland. It is mandatory that you pay for the toll using a credit card, debit card, or an online payment service.
It would be best to check your e-mail address regularly, as the purchase confirmation will be sent to your inbox. Sometimes, it may get lost in the SPAM folder, so make sure to check all the messages.
There is no need to print out the vignette confirmation message, as all information about your vehicle will be stored in the online toll system. In the case of control, the data can be verified electronically.
Why are vignettes obligatory in Switzerland
The vignette obligation applies to all drivers of motor vehicles under 3,5t. If you are going to use the Swiss roads, you are required to have a valid digital motorway vignette or an adhesive toll sticker. In the case of a traditional vignette, remember about its correct placement on the windshield.
The Swiss Government decided to implement the vignette program similarly to many European countries, such as Germany and Slovakia. Since high-speed routes are used more often than standard road sections, they must be repaired more often. Vignette sales fund the regular maintenance works.
Penalties
If you fail to buy the motorway vignette for Switzerland, you are breaking the law. There may be serious consequences to your actions resulting in a pricey fine of up to 200 CHF (around 200 EUR). You will also be required to purchase the mandatory vignette so that is an extra purchase.
Apart from the extensive camera system scanning the vehicles driving through the Swiss roads, you may also be stopped by police officers patrolling the toll sections. They will stop you to verify your identity, check the validity of your vignette, and examine the condition of your vehicle.
Advantages of Swiss vignette online purchase
- The online purchase makes it convenient to obtain the mandatory vignette.
- Our website approves plenty of traditional and online payment methods.
- Your data is safe on our secure servers, so do not worry about your safety.
- In case of any questions, feel free to contact us for more details.
- You can cover the fee for a vignette using one of many payment methods.
FAQ
Do I need a vignette for Switzerland?
Yes. Every person driving a vehicle weighing up to 3,5t should obtain a Swiss motorway vignette. Buy a toll sticker at a petrol station or complete the digital vignette purchase online. If you use the national highways without paying the toll, you are breaking the law of Switzerland.
How do I buy a vignette for Switzerland?
Go to our website and complete the purchase form to obtain a digital vignette for Switzerland online. The process is very convenient, as it allows you to pay the road tax before the trip. You can also buy a toll sticker at a petrol station, but you must remember to place it correctly on the vehicle’s windshield.
How much is a vignette for Switzerland?
The annual vignette for Switzerland, obtainable online, currently costs 58 EUR. Cover the mandatory fee using one of the numerous online payment methods approved by our website.
What are the available Swiss vignette validity periods?
As of now, the Swiss toll has only one validity period. The annual vignette will remain valid for up to 14 months from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the next year.
When should I buy a digital vignette for Switzerland?
It does not matter when exactly you buy your Switzerland motorway vignette, as it has a fixed validity period. For hassle-free travel, it is recommended that you pay the toll online prior to the journey.
Can I transfer my Swiss vignette to another vehicle?
No, you cannot transfer your Switzerland vignette to another vehicle – it is not legal.
Do I need to prepare a paper copy of a Swiss digital vignette?
No, all your personal data and essential vehicle details will be stored in an online toll system. There is no need to print out the vignette purchase confirmation. It makes digital vignettes more eco-friendly.
What is the fine for driving without a Swiss vignette?
If you are caught driving without a valid vignette on a Swiss motorway or expressway, you may be obliged to pay a pricey fine. You will be asked to pay 200 CHF for the offense.
