Switzerland
The Switzerland motorway vignette is a toll sticker required for vehicles using Swiss motorways and expressways. Unlike many other countries, Switzerland still uses a physical sticker that must be displayed on your vehicle’s windshield. This system covers a full calendar year and is linked to the vehicle, not the driver.
All motor vehicles up to 3.5 tons, including passenger cars, motorcycles, and vans, must have a valid vignette to use the Swiss motorway network. Trailers and caravans also require a separate vignette. Vehicles over 3.5 tons are subject to the Heavy Vehicle Fee (HVF) instead.
A vignette is required for all Swiss motorways and expressways marked with white and green signage. Local roads, city streets, and secondary roads do not require a vignette. Failure to display a vignette when required can lead to fines.
Switzerland currently offers only one type of vignette with a fixed validity: it is valid for one calendar year (from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year). Short-term vignettes are not available.
You can purchase the Swiss motorway vignette at gas stations near the border, post offices, customs offices, and online. If you buy it online, allow time for delivery by mail. It must be affixed to the inside of your windshield before using motorways.
The vignette is valid from December 1 of the year before the printed year until January 31 of the following year. For example, the 2025 vignette is valid from December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2026.
Swiss police and customs officers visually check vehicles for the presence of a properly affixed vignette sticker. It must be placed on the inside of the windshield in a clearly visible position.
No, the Swiss vignette is not transferable between vehicles and is non-refundable. It is valid for only one vehicle and must be destroyed if removed.
Driving on motorways without a valid vignette can result in an on-the-spot fine of CHF 200, plus the cost of a new vignette. The vehicle may also be denied entry at the border.
Yes, you can purchase a vignette for another vehicle, but once affixed, it cannot be transferred to another vehicle.
Yes, all foreign vehicles using Swiss motorways must display a valid vignette. This applies to tourists, transit vehicles, and any vehicle entering the country.
If you buy the physical vignette online, it will be mailed to you. You do not need to print anything, but you must wait for delivery and affix the sticker before using toll roads.
Vignettes for the next year are typically available starting in December of the current year. For example, the 2025 vignette is available starting December 1, 2024.
Yes, as long as it’s within its validity period and has been properly affixed to your windshield.
You can pay with cash or card at points of sale. Online purchases typically accept major credit and debit cards or local payment methods depending on the vendor.
Switzerland Motorway Vignette: Rules, Pricing, and Toll System Information
The Switzerland motorway vignette is a mandatory toll sticker for all vehicles up to 3.5 tons using the national motorway and expressway network. Valid for a full calendar year, the vignette replaces distance-based tolls with a flat-rate system. It must be displayed on the windshield and is enforced through visual inspections by police and customs authorities.
Validity Periods and Pricing Structure
Switzerland offers only an annual vignette, which costs CHF 40. It is valid from December 1 of the previous year through January 31 of the following year, offering a 14-month usage period. No short-term options are available, making it ideal for regular or long-term visitors.
Purchase and Activation Requirements
The vignette must be purchased and affixed before entering Swiss motorways. It is available at border crossings, gas stations, and online shops. Once received, the sticker must be properly applied to the windshield and is immediately valid within its active period.
Enforcement and Penalties for Non-Compliance
Swiss authorities conduct visual checks of vehicles to ensure the vignette is displayed. Driving without one results in a CHF 200 fine plus the cost of a new vignette. Authorities are strict in enforcing the rule, including at border entry points and random roadside inspections.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Emergency vehicles, diplomatic vehicles, and vehicles that only use non-vignette roads are exempt. Vehicles over 3.5 tons do not use the vignette system but are charged under the Heavy Vehicle Fee (HVF) scheme based on kilometers driven and emissions.
Official Information and Ensuring Compliance
For up-to-date information, official prices, and authorized points of sale, consult the Swiss Federal Customs Administration or official online retailers. Always purchase from trusted sources and ensure your vignette is properly displayed before entering toll roads.