The Official Swiss Vignette Guide

Essential information for trouble-free driving on Swiss motorways.

The Swiss motorway vignette is an annual toll sticker required for all motor vehicles and trailers (including motorcycles) up to 3.5 tons wishing to use Swiss national motorways and expressways. These roads are typically marked with green signs. Without a valid vignette, you risk a significant fine.

It's crucial to understand that not all roads in Switzerland require a vignette. Mainly, it applies to the numbered national roads (A-roads). Local and cantonal roads are generally free, but you'll often need to use motorways to travel efficiently between regions.

Map of Switzerland highlighting motorways where vignette is required A schematic map showing Swiss motorways where the vignette is mandatory.

Our goal is clear, helpful info. No sales – just safe travel. We encourage you to always drive responsibly and adhere to local traffic laws.

Acquiring your Swiss vignette is straightforward, with several convenient purchasing options:

  • Border Crossings: Available at most active Swiss border crossings, often directly at the customs office or a nearby kiosk. This is the most common and convenient option for travelers entering Switzerland by car.
  • Post Offices: All Swiss post offices sell the annual vignette.
  • Gas Stations: Many gas stations along the motorway and major roads in Switzerland, as well as those close to the border in neighboring countries, stock vignettes.
  • Tourist Information Offices: Some larger tourist information centers in Switzerland may also sell them.
  • Online (E-Vignette): Since August 2023, the Swiss Federal Customs Administration also offers an official E-Vignette. This digital version is linked to your license plate and does not require a physical sticker.

Border Tip: You must have a valid vignette before using Swiss highways. Do not attempt to enter a motorway without one, as border officials can check and fine you immediately.

Correct application of the physical vignette is crucial to its validity. Improperly affixed vignettes are considered invalid, and you could face a fine.

  • For Cars: The vignette must be affixed directly to the inside of the windscreen. Recommended places are behind the rearview mirror or on the upper left-hand side (driver's side). It must be visible from the outside and cannot be obstructed.
  • For Motorcycles: Affix it to a non-removable, easily visible part of the motorcycle, such as the fuel tank or a fork leg.
  • Important: Stick it permanently! No holders, tape, or other temporary affixation methods are allowed. Once removed, the vignette is no longer valid.
Diagram showing correct placement of a Swiss vignette on a car windscreen Visual guide for proper vignette placement on a car.

Ensure the entire adhesive surface makes contact with the glass or vehicle part. Do not use any liquids or substances that could affect the adhesive.

The Swiss vignette is an annual sticker, valid for a fixed period, regardless of when it is purchased during the year. There are no monthly or weekly vignettes.

  • Validity: The vignette is valid from December 1st of the preceding year to January 31st of the following year. For example, a 2024 vignette is valid from December 1st, 2023, until January 31st, 2025.
  • No Prorating: The price remains the same regardless of the purchase date within its validity period.

Good to know: Plan your purchase accordingly, especially if your travel dates span across the end/beginning of a year. Always ensure your vignette is current before entering Swiss motorways.

Driving on Swiss motorways without a valid or correctly affixed vignette carries significant penalties:

  • Fine: The standard fine for not having a valid vignette is CHF 200.
  • Mandatory Purchase: In addition to the fine, you will be required to purchase a new vignette on the spot.
  • Improper Application: If the vignette is not correctly affixed (e.g., taped, in a holder, or not fully visible), it is considered invalid, and you will face the same fine and requirement to purchase a new one.

Avoid penalties by:

  • Purchasing your vignette before entering Swiss motorways.
  • Ensuring it is properly and permanently affixed to your vehicle.
  • Checking the validity period, especially around the new year.
  • Considering the new E-Vignette for convenience if eligible.

Introduced in August 2023, the E-Vignette (E-Vignette) offers a modern alternative to the traditional sticker.

  • Digital Integration: It is linked directly to your vehicle's license plate number.
  • No Sticker Required: No physical sticker is needed, preventing damage to windscreens upon removal.
  • Convenience: Can be purchased online from anywhere, anytime, before your journey.
  • Transferability: The E-Vignette is linked to the license plate, not the vehicle. If you sell your car but keep the same license plate, the E-Vignette remains valid. However, if you change license plates, a new E-Vignette is required.
  • Verification: Enforcement is carried out through electronic checks of license plates.

The E-Vignette aims to simplify the process for both domestic and international drivers, offering greater flexibility and ease of use. It is available for purchase on the official Swiss customs website.

For additional inquiries, please visit our FAQ section or Contact Us directly.