About Switzerland vignette
The Swiss motorway vignette obligation means you must have a proper permit to use toll roads in Switzerland. The official vignette is required for motor vehicles and trailers with GVW not heavier than 3.5t. The international drivers and those from Swiss must obtain it to travel without problems.
You don’t need to purchase the physical vignette anymore, as since August 2023, it is possible to buy a digital vignette online. The online vignette is not attached to the particular vehicle but the registration number, which is very convenient.
Only one motorway vignette is available in Switzerland: an annual vignette with a validity period of 14 months. The period starts on December 1st of the year before the purchase and ends on January 31st of the next year.
Note that it is still possible to buy a traditional Swiss vignette. However, it is advisable to obtain an e-vignette, as the process of getting it can be done online from any part of the world. You only need an electronic device with an internet connection and a valid means of payment. Just provide the necessary information in the form, cover the fee, and wait for the approval that will be sent to the email.
Moreover, without a valid vignette, you will be punished with a fine of CHF 200 plus the costs of the missing vignette. As the Swiss government states, the physical vignettes may be phased out by the online ones, as drivers prefer buying the digital alternative.
Types and prices of Swiss vignettes
Only one type of motorway vignette is available in Switzerland. So, you can purchase the following Swiss vignette:
- an annual Swiss motorway vignette: it is valid for 14 months from December 1st of the previous year until January 31st of the next year
A Swiss e-vignette and a traditional one are available on the Swiss motorways. You may purchase it at the various vignette outlets for 58 EUR.
Note that you need to obtain an annual vignette, even in the case of a day or few-hour trip, to avoid financial penalties. No short-term vignettes have been introduced yet.
How to buy an online Switzerland vignette
A motorway vignette can be purchased through a simple process that includes a few straightforward points. You only need an electronic device with an internet connection and then:
- Enter the required information in the form, such as vehicle category, country of registration, and license plate number.
- Cover the service fee of 58 euros. You can pick one of the available payment methods, such as PayPal or credit/debit card.
- Receive your Swiss motorway vignette via email. After the payment, you can check the inbox, as it will be delivered shortly after.
You can immediately use your vignette in Switzerland after the purchase, which is very convenient. There is no cooling-off before the active period, so keep that in mind.
Important: If you decide to buy a traditional vignette, you need to find sales points, such as petrol stations located at the border. Besides, you can join the lane at the Switzerland border dedicated to motor vehicles that don’t have vignettes.
Exceptions to the mandatory vignette usage in Switzerland
You can use motorways in Switzerland without a vignette if the vehicle is from the following categories:
- police
- vehicles with military license plates
- test vehicles
- vehicles aimed at helping citizens
- vehicles for driver testing
- trailers and trolleys for motorcycles
- fixed trailers
- certain tractors
Different vehicles up to 3.5t must have a vignette, so keep that in mind.
Special toll
Traditional and digital vignette in Switzerland cover most tunnels. It is good to know that the following tunnels require paying additional fees:
- the San Bernardino tunnel
- the Munt la Schera tunnel (Livigno)
Also, you need to consider the extra fees while using:
- the Oberaar panorama road at the Grimsel pass
- some ferries
- car trains
Why are vignettes mandatory in Switzerland
Like many other European countries, Switzerland implemented the vignette system for specific vehicles to maintain the national road infrastructure. Currently, drivers of motor vehicles with GVW up to 3.5t, such as cars, trailers, and motorcycles, must obtain a vignette.
Those who don’t have a vignette will be punished with a fine in case of traveling on the motorways in Switzerland. The only possible way, without a vignette, is to travel by routes excluding motorways. However, it could be very inconvenient. Remember to purchase a vignette earlier to avoid trouble during the trip.
Penalties
Those who use the motorways in Switzerland without a vignette must expect a costly experience, as the fine is CHF 200 (plus the vignette cost). The misuse of the vignette will result in legal consequences and financial penalties as well (such as transferring the vignette from one vehicle to another or forging).
Benefits of obtaining a Swiss vignette online
- A digital vignette can be obtained online from any part of the world.
- You don’t need to look for sales points; everything is done online.
- Getting a digital vignette is very convenient and simple, as the process consists of three main steps.
- There is no need to put a physical sticker on the windshield.
FAQ
Do I need to buy a vignette to use the Swiss motorway?
If you are a driver of a vehicle that is not on the exception list, you must have a vignette. Purchasing it is very simple. You can do it on the sales points or online.
What types of vignettes are available in Switzerland?
There is only one type of vignette in Switzerland: an annual vignette that can be used for the whole year. No short-time vignette is available for now.
Where is it possible to obtain a vignette for Swiss motorways?
You can obtain a vignette at sales points, such as petrol stations, or online via the website. The second option is more convenient, as you can apply from any part of the world within a few minutes.
How does an e-vignette work in Switzerland?
E-vignette enables you to use motorways. Your license plate number is registered in the system, and cameras can detect if you have paid for the permit.
Is it necessary to print out an e-vignette?
You can download your permit on a mobile device, so it is not necessary to print it out. With a valid vignette, you are allowed to use tollways in the country for the whole year.
How can I pay for the vignette for motorways in Switzerland?
You can pay through one of the available payment methods, such as credit/debit card, PayPal, Klarna, and so on. Check the details while getting a vignette online or at the sales points.
What is the validity period of a vignette?
A vignette is valid for 14 months from December 1st of the previous year until January 31st of the following year. Currently, there is only one type of vignette available.
What are the exceptions to vignette obligation?
The vignette is not necessary in the case of police, vehicles with military license plates, test vehicles, vehicles aimed at helping citizens, vehicles for driver testing, trailers and trolleys for motorcycles, fixed trailers, and certain tractors.