Switzerland Vignette

What is the Swiss Vignette?

The Swiss Vignette is a mandatory road tax sticker that allows vehicles to use the national motorway network in Switzerland. Introduced in 1985, the vignette system ensures that motorists contribute to the maintenance of the country’s extensive and well-maintained road infrastructure. It applies to all motor vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and trailers, that travel on highways and expressways. The vignette must be visible on the vehicle’s windshield or, in the case of motorcycles, on a prominent part of the bike. In recent years, Switzerland has also introduced the e-vignette, a digital version linked directly to the vehicle’s license plate. This modern approach simplifies the process of purchasing and verifying compliance.

Why is the vignette required in Switzerland?

The Swiss vignette is required as a form of road tax to fund the maintenance and development of the country’s extensive motorway network. Given Switzerland’s mountainous terrain and harsh weather conditions, maintaining roads to a high standard is crucial for ensuring safety and accessibility. The revenue generated from the sale of vignettes is used for infrastructure repairs, upgrades, and services like snow clearing and tunnel maintenance. By having a flat-fee vignette system, Switzerland ensures that both residents and foreign drivers contribute equally to the upkeep of these roads, making it a fair and efficient way to maintain road quality without imposing individual tolls on specific routes.

Toll roads in Switzerland

In Switzerland, almost all motorways and expressways are classified as toll roads, meaning you need a valid vignette to drive on them. These roads are well-maintained and provide efficient routes through the country’s varied landscape, connecting cities, towns, and neighboring countries. Swiss motorways are often used by both locals and tourists traveling through or within the country.

Here’s a list comprising all Swiss motorways and other roads subject to tolls in Switzerland:

• A1 – From St. Margrethen (near the Austrian border) to Geneva, passing through Zurich, Bern, and Lausanne
• A2 – From Basel to Chiasso, passing through Lucerne, Bellinzona, and Lugano
• A3 – From Basel to Zurich
• A4 – From Schaffhausen to Zurich
• A5 – From Yverdon-les-Bains to Neuchâtel
• A6 – From Bern to Biel/Bienne
• A7 – From Winterthur to Kreuzlingen
• A8 – From Lausanne to Geneva
• A9 – From Lausanne to the Italian border
• A12 – From Bern to Vevey
• A13 – From Sargans to Bellinzona
• A14 – From Zofingen to Olten

The vignette is required for highways marked with green signs and white text, which indicate you’re entering a toll road.

Special tolls and exceptions

Notably, while the vignette covers the majority of motorway travel, there are a few exceptions, such as specific tunnels and alpine passes, which may have additional tolls even if you have the vignette. For instance, you need to pay extra toll fees at the Great Sint Bernard Tunnel and the Munt La Schera tunnel. These fees can be paid at the local toll booths. These tunnels are separate from the motorways that require a vignette.

Vignette-free roads

Switzerland allows for some vignette-free driving in specific cases. Drivers can exit the motorway at the first exit near these customs offices without needing a vignette:

• Basel/St Louis motorway
• Kreuzlingen motorway
• Rheinfelden motorway

Vignette sticker vs. online e-vignette

When driving on Swiss motorways, you now have two options: the traditional vignette sticker or the newer online e-vignette. The vignette sticker, in use since 1985, is a physical adhesive sticker that must be placed on the inside of your car’s windshield. It’s valid for the entire calendar year, and it’s easy to spot for authorities checking compliance.

In contrast, the e-vignette, introduced in 2024, offers a more convenient, paperless alternative. Instead of a physical sticker, the e-vignette is linked to your vehicle’s license plate, meaning there’s no need to manually attach anything to your car. It’s especially useful for those who change vehicles often or find it difficult to get the sticker placed correctly. Both versions are priced the same and offer identical validity, but the digital version simplifies the purchasing process and eliminates the need to physically carry the vignette.

Decisive advantages of the e-vignette

No physical sticker required: No need to attach or remove adhesive stickers from your windshield.

Linked to the license plate: The e-vignette is associated with your vehicle’s registration, making compliance checks automatic.

Easier to transfer: If you change vehicles, transferring the e-vignette to a new car is simpler compared to the physical sticker.

Instant purchase: You can buy the e-vignette online at avignette.com and it becomes valid immediately, without waiting for delivery.

Environmentally friendly: Reduces waste by eliminating the need for printed stickers and packaging.

No risk of damage: Unlike stickers, the e-vignette can’t be damaged or lost.

Vehicles covered by the vignette requirement

In Switzerland, the vignette is mandatory for all motor vehicles using the national motorway network. This includes passenger cars, motorcycles, and trailers (with Gross Vehicle Weight not exceeding 3.5 tons). If you plan to drive on Swiss highways, you must ensure your vehicle has a valid vignette, whether it’s the traditional sticker or the newer digital e-vignette. Even if you’re just passing through Switzerland, the vignette is required to access the motorways, helping maintain the infrastructure for everyone who uses it. 

Motorhomes and caravans: Additional vignettes

If you’re driving a motorhome, caravan, or towing a trailer, an additional vignette is required for these vehicles. This means that both the motorized vehicle and the trailer or caravan must have separate vignettes. The cost for these is the same as for any other vehicle, and they ensure that heavier vehicles contribute to the upkeep of the roads, which experience more wear and tear due to larger loads.

Exempt vehicles

While most vehicles need a vignette, there are certain exemptions as follows:

• trailers and trolleys for motorcycles
• vehicles aimed at helping citizens
• test vehicles
• police
• fixed trailers
• vehicles for driver testing
• certain tractors

Any other vehicle weighing up to 3.5 tons must adhere to the vignette requirement in Switzerland.

Requirements for heavy vehicles

The performance-based heavy vehicle charge is a federal tax imposed based on total weight, emissions, and distance traveled within Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

This tax applies to all vehicles and trailers that:

• Weigh over 3.5 tons,
• Are used for transporting goods,
• Are registered in Switzerland or other countries, and
• Operate on public roads in Switzerland.

How Much Does the Swiss Vignette Cost?

The flat fee covers an entire calendar year, from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year, covering a total of 14 months. It remains the same regardless of when you purchase it during the year. If you’re driving with a trailer or caravan, you’ll need to buy an additional vignette for the same price. 

How to Buy a Swiss Vignette?

Avignette.com makes purchasing your Swiss e-vignette simple and efficient, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. Follow these steps to buy your e-vignette hassle-free:

1. Navigate to the Ordering Page: Start by visiting the dedicated Swiss e-vignette ordering page on Avignette.com.
2. Input Travel Details: Enter the relevant travel details, such as the country or region you’re coming from and your destination within Switzerland. This helps tailor the options to your journey.
3. Review and Select Products: Check the “review and order products” section on the left-hand side of the page. Here, you can see the available vignette options suited to your travel needs.
4. Choose Vehicle and Travel Date: Select your vehicle type (car, motorcycle, or motorhome) and input your planned travel date to ensure the vignette is valid when you need it.
5. Automatic Vignette Recommendation: Based on the information provided, Avignette.com’s system will automatically recommend the correct Swiss e-vignette for you.
6. Remove Unnecessary Items: Double-check your cart and remove any extra items you don’t need for your trip.
7. View Required Products: All necessary products for your journey will be displayed clearly for easy review, ensuring you have exactly what you need.
8. Enter Personal Details: Fill in your personal information, such as vehicle registration and contact details, to personalize your e-vignette order.
9. Complete the Order: Securely complete your purchase by choosing from the available payment methods, such as credit card or other online payment options.
10. Instant Vignette Validity: After completing your order, the Swiss e-vignette becomes instantly valid, linked directly to your vehicle’s license plate. This means you’re ready to drive on Swiss motorways immediately without delay.

Ordering your Swiss e-vignette through Avignette.com is not only convenient but ensures you’re fully prepared for your journey on Switzerland’s toll roads. Get started today for a seamless travel experience!

Buying a vignette online vs. at sales points

Buying online offers convenience and speed. You can purchase the digital e-vignette anytime from the comfort of your home, and it’s instantly linked to your vehicle’s license plate. This means no waiting for a sticker to arrive or dealing with physical attachments.

On the other hand, sales points include various locations such as gas stations, border crossings, and retail outlets throughout Switzerland. While this method allows you to get a physical sticker immediately, you might need to visit a specific location, which could be less convenient depending on your travel plans.

How long is the vignette valid?

The Swiss vignette, whether it’s the traditional sticker or the digital e-vignette, is valid for a full calendar year. It is effective from December 1 of the preceding year until January 31 of the following year. This means that a vignette for a given year actually covers a total of 14 months of driving on Swiss motorways.

Is the vignette immediately valid after purchase?

Once you receive confirmation from avignette.com, your digital vignette is activated right away. This rapid process allows you to purchase vignettes conveniently, even while traveling, such as at the Swiss border, directly from your mobile device. Our efficient system ensures that your request is handled swiftly, enabling you to hit the roads in Switzerland without delay.

Penalties for Driving Without a Valid Vignette

Driving on Swiss motorways without a valid vignette can lead to significant penalties. If you are caught without one, the fine is CHF 200 (around €220 or $220), in addition to being required to immediately purchase a valid vignette. This fine applies whether you’ve forgotten to buy a vignette, have an expired one, or are misusing an e-vignette by using it on a different vehicle than registered.

Swiss authorities conduct regular checks on highways, making it essential to ensure your vehicle is compliant before you hit the road. Failing to display a valid vignette can quickly turn a trip into an expensive experience.

Misuse of the e-vignette

Misusing the e-vignette can lead to hefty fines and penalties, just like driving without a vignette. Since the e-vignette is linked directly to a vehicle’s license plate, it’s important to ensure it’s registered correctly. Common misuse includes trying to transfer the e-vignette to a different vehicle without re-registering it or intentionally providing incorrect vehicle information.

Do you need a vignette for rental cars?

Yes, if you’re driving a rental car in Switzerland and plan to use the motorways, the vehicle must have a valid vignette. Most rental cars in Switzerland already come equipped with a vignette, so you won’t need to purchase one separately. However, if you’re renting a car outside of Switzerland and plan to drive into the country, you’ll need to check whether the car has a vignette.

If the vehicle doesn’t have one, you’ll need to buy either the sticker or digital vignette to avoid penalties. It’s always a good idea to confirm with the rental agency beforehand to ensure you’re compliant.