Understand Your Swiss Motorway Vignette

Your essential guide to navigating Swiss roads legally and effortlessly. Get clear, reliable, and up-to-date information about vignette requirements, ensuring a smooth journey through Switzerland's stunning landscapes and efficient road network.

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Close-up image of a valid Swiss motorway vignette sticker affixed to a windscreen

What is a Swiss Vignette?

The Swiss motorway vignette, also known as the Swiss autobahn sticker or 'Autobahnvignette' in German, 'Vignette autoroutière' in French, and 'Contrassegno autostradale' in Italian, is a mandatory toll permit. It grants vehicles the right to use Switzerland's national motorway network (designated with green signage). It's not a per-kilometre toll, but rather a single annual fee that must be paid regardless of how much or how little of the motorway network is used.

Compliance with the vignette requirement is strictly enforced. The revenue generated from the sale of these vignettes plays a critical role in the financing, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Swiss national road infrastructure, contributing significantly to the country's renowned efficiency in transportation.

  • • Mandatory for using Swiss national motorways (Autobahn/Autoroute).
  • • Funds road maintenance, expansion, and infrastructure projects.
  • • Applies to cars, motorcycles, campers, and trailers/caravans up to 3.5 tonnes.
Illustration showing diverse vehicle types needing a Swiss vignette - car, motorcycle, campervan

Who Needs a Vignette?

Understanding precisely which vehicles require a vignette is essential to avoid unexpected fines. The requirement applies broadly to nearly all vehicles intending to use the national motorway system. This includes passenger cars, motorcycles, vans, motorhomes, and even trailers or caravans. The rule is based on the vehicle type and the intention to use the designated motorways, not the driver's nationality or residency.

Both vehicles registered in Switzerland and those registered abroad must comply if they use or intend to use Swiss national motorways. It's a common mistake for tourists to believe the rule only applies to residents or specific vehicle sizes; however, the requirement covers a wide range of vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Vehicles heavier than 3.5 tonnes are subject to a different Heavy Vehicle Charge (LSVA).

Categories of Drivers & Vehicles Requiring a Vignette:

Tourists & Foreign Drivers

Regardless of origin, any vehicle registered outside of Switzerland (cars, motorcycles, motorhomes up to 3.5t, trailers/caravans) using Swiss national motorways MUST display a valid vignette.

Swiss Residents

Vehicles registered within Switzerland are also required to possess and display a valid vignette for using the national motorway network, ensuring fairness and shared contribution to infrastructure upkeep.

Specific Vehicle Types

This covers standard cars, motorcycles, motorhomes/campers with a maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes, and importantly, trailers or caravans towed by a vehicle that requires a vignette. Note: A separate vignette is mandatory for the towing vehicle AND another for the trailer/caravan itself.

Types of Vignettes Available

For standard passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers/caravans up to 3.5 tonnes, Switzerland keeps its vignette system straightforward. There is currently only one type of vignette available for these categories, designed to cover usage of the national motorway network for an extended period, reflecting the nature of Swiss road infrastructure funding.

Unlike some other countries, Switzerland does not offer shorter-term options like daily, weekly, or monthly vignettes for these vehicle types. This simplifies the system but requires careful planning for drivers only making very brief trips using the motorways.

Graphic illustrating the 14-month validity period of the annual Swiss vignette

The Annual Vignette

This is the primary, and currently only, option available for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Its validity spans 14 months, commencing from December 1st of the calendar year preceding its official year of validity and extending through January 31st of the year following its validity year. For example, a vignette for 2024 is valid from December 1st, 2023, until January 31st, 2025. This generous validity period ensures that even if purchased early or late in the year, it covers the full required period.

Important: The vignette is specifically tied to the vehicle's registration or physical placement, not the owner or driver. If you acquire a new vehicle, you will need a new vignette, unless the purchased vehicle already has a currently valid one correctly affixed or registered digitally.

Where to Get Your Vignette

Acquiring a Swiss motorway vignette is straightforward, with several authorized points of sale available both physically and digitally. To ensure you obtain a genuine and valid vignette and avoid potential issues, always purchase from official or accredited vendors. Planning ahead, especially if you're approaching the Swiss border, is advisable during peak travel times.

The introduction of the digital vignette ('E-vignette') has added a convenient online option, complementing the traditional physical sticker. Both are equally valid, and the choice depends on your preference and travel arrangements.

Illustrative map points showing official places to purchase a Swiss vignette, such as border crossings, post offices, and petrol stations

Look for authorized sellers at borders and service areas, or purchase online.

Authorized Purchase Locations:

  • • Official 'Via' Online Shop: The most convenient way to purchase the digital vignette is directly from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) official online platform. Purchase before your trip to save time.
  • • Swiss Border Crossings: Physical vignettes are readily available at Swiss customs offices situated directly at border points when entering the country.
  • • Post Offices: Many branches of the Swiss Post (Die Post / La Poste / La Posta) sell the physical annual vignette.
  • • Gas Stations & Service Areas: Numerous petrol stations and motorway service areas, particularly those close to border regions and along major transit routes, stock physical vignettes.
  • • Vehicle Registration Offices: Cantonal vehicle registration offices also serve as authorized points of sale for physical vignettes.

Important Safety Advice: To protect yourself from counterfeit vignettes or inflated prices, ONLY purchase your vignette from the official channels listed above. Avoid unofficial third-party websites or vendors.

Digital vs. Physical Vignette

Switzerland has modernized its vignette system by introducing the digital vignette (E-vignette) alongside the traditional physical sticker. Both serve the same purpose – granting access to the national motorway network – but they differ significantly in how they are purchased, associated with a vehicle, and verified. Understanding these differences helps you choose the option that best suits your needs.

The E-vignette, launched in 2023, represents a step towards digitizing administrative processes and offers increased flexibility, particularly for those who frequently change vehicles or use vehicles with temporary registration plates.

Comparative illustration showing a traditional Swiss vignette sticker next to a representation of a digital license plate verification screen

Physical Vignette

The classic sticker that drivers have used for years. It requires physical application to the vehicle's windscreen.

Pros:
  • • Tangible proof of payment, immediately visible.
  • • Widely available at various points of sale near borders and within Switzerland.
  • • Can potentially add value if selling a vehicle with a valid vignette already affixed (though not officially transferable).
Cons:
  • • Must be correctly affixed to the windscreen in a designated spot.
  • • Cannot be transferred between different vehicles.
  • • Difficult to remove without damaging the sticker, making transfer impossible.
  • • Can obscure a small part of the windscreen.

Usage: MUST be affixed securely to the inside of the windscreen (for cars) or a non-detachable, clearly visible part (for motorcycles) using its own adhesive. DO NOT use tape or place it behind tinted areas or within the wiper's resting zone. Improper affixing can lead to fines.

Comparative illustration showing a traditional Swiss vignette sticker next to a representation of a digital license plate verification screen

Digital Vignette (E-vignette)

A modern alternative linked electronically to your vehicle's license plate number. No physical sticker is required.

Pros:
  • • Convenient online purchase from anywhere, anytime.
  • • Linked to the license plate, no physical sticker to worry about.
  • • Cannot be lost, damaged, or stolen.
  • • Ideal for vehicles with interchangeable or temporary license plates (check specific regulations).
  • • No windscreen obstruction.
Cons:
  • • Also linked to the plate, so cannot be moved to a different vehicle even if you sell the original one.
  • • Requires correct entry of license plate number during purchase.
  • • Only available for purchase through the official online channel.

Usage: Purchase via the official FOCBS 'Via' online shop. Enter the correct vehicle type, country of registration, and crucially, the license plate number. The validity begins instantly upon payment confirmation (or on a specified later date if chosen during purchase). Verification is carried out electronically by authorities scanning license plates.

How to Use or Apply Your Vignette

Correctly using or applying your vignette is just as important as purchasing one. An improperly used or affixed vignette is considered invalid and can lead to fines. Follow these guidelines based on whether you have a physical sticker or a digital E-vignette:

For Physical Vignettes:

Diagram illustrating correct and incorrect placement of a physical Swiss vignette on a car windscreen
  1. Step 1 (Purchase): Obtain the physical sticker from an official, authorized location (border customs, post office, specified gas station).
  2. Step 2 (Locate Proper Spot): For cars, the vignette must be placed on the inside of the windscreen. The recommended locations are the upper left or upper right corner, or behind the rearview mirror. The key is that it must be clearly visible from the outside and should not obstruct your view.
  3. Step 3 (Affix Correctly): Remove the protective backing paper entirely. Using ONLY the sticker's own adhesive, firmly press the *entire* sticker onto the glass from the inside. Ensure there are no air bubbles and the sticker is fully adhered. Do NOT use tape, glue, or any other method, and do not place it behind any tinted strips or within the area swept by the windscreen wipers (except for placement behind the rearview mirror if it falls within this area).
  4. Step 4 (Verify Visibility): After affixing, step outside the vehicle and confirm that the vignette is fully visible and readable from the exterior. The sticker should be intact and undamaged.

Attempting to remove and re-apply a physical vignette will damage it, rendering it invalid. Physical vignettes cannot be transferred between vehicles.

For Digital Vignettes (E-vignette):

Flowchart showing the online purchase steps for a digital Swiss vignette via the official website
  1. Step 1 (Access Official Shop): Navigate to the official 'Via' online shop managed by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS). This is the only authorized online source.
  2. Step 2 (Enter Vehicle Details): Accurately provide the required information: vehicle category (car, motorcycle, etc.), country of registration, and the precise license plate number. Double-check this information carefully, as the E-vignette is linked to this plate.
  3. Step 3 (Complete Payment): Proceed to the secure online payment gateway to finalize your purchase.
  4. Step 4 (Confirmation and Validity): Once the payment is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation, typically via email. The digital vignette is now active and linked to your specified license plate number. It is valid immediately unless you selected a future start date during the purchase process. No further action is required on your vehicle.

It is crucial to enter the correct license plate number and country of registration. Errors can result in the digital vignette being invalid for your vehicle, potentially leading to fines.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Switzerland takes compliance with its motorway vignette requirements very seriously. Driving on the national motorway network without a valid vignette, or with a vignette that is improperly affixed or invalid for any reason, can result in significant financial penalties and other consequences. Enforcement is carried out rigorously by Swiss police and customs authorities.

It is far more cost-effective and less stressful to purchase the required vignette before or immediately upon entering Switzerland's motorway network than to face the consequences of non-compliance. Ignorance of the rules is generally not accepted as an excuse.

Illustration depicting a Swiss police officer interacting with a driver, symbolizing traffic law enforcement

Consequences of Not Having a Valid Vignette:

  • • Immediate Fine: The standard on-the-spot fine for being caught on a Swiss national motorway without a valid, properly affixed vignette is currently CHF 200. This is a substantial penalty.
  • • Mandatory Purchase: In addition to paying the fine, you will also be required to purchase a valid annual vignette immediately at the full price. This means the total cost of non-compliance is significantly higher than just the fine itself.
  • • Issues with Incorrect Application: Fines can also be levied if your physical vignette is not affixed correctly (e.g., using tape, placed in the wrong spot, or not fully adhered). The vignette must be intact and applied according to regulations.
  • • Invalid or Counterfeit Vignettes: Using an invalid (e.g., expired, transferred physical vignette) or counterfeit vignette will also result in fines and potential legal repercussions.
  • • Required Removal: Authorities may instruct or require the immediate removal of physical vignettes that are improperly affixed or deemed invalid.

Enforcement includes visual checks by patrolling police and customs officers, as well as automated systems that scan license plates to verify digital vignette validity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about Swiss motorway vignettes. If your question isn't answered here, please feel free to reach out to us via our contact form.

No, the vignette is only mandatory for using Switzerland's national motorway network, indicated by green signage. You do not need a vignette for driving on most other roads, including cantonal roads, city streets, and smaller regional routes. However, always pay attention to local signage.

The annual Swiss vignette is valid for a total of 14 months. Its validity period starts on December 1st of the year preceding the one printed on the vignette and runs until January 31st of the year following the one printed on it. For example, a "2024" vignette is valid from 01.12.2023 to 31.01.2025.

Absolutely not. Physical vignettes are strictly non-transferable. They are valid only for the vehicle to which they were originally affixed using their own adhesive. Attempting to remove and transfer a physical vignette will damage it and render it invalid, potentially leading to fines.

Generally, there are no refunds provided for unused, partially used, or expired vignettes. The purchase is for the annual period, regardless of the actual extent of motorway usage. The only exception might be in very specific cases, such as the vehicle being officially written off (scrapped) or stolen, but evidence is usually required, and procedures vary.

The digital vignette (E-vignette) is tied to the vehicle's license plate number used during the online purchase. If you sell the vehicle and the license plate number changes (which is common, especially for vehicles sold internationally or re-registered), the existing digital vignette is no longer valid for that vehicle under the new plate. A new vignette (physical or digital) would be needed by the new owner for motorway use.

Yes, if the towing vehicle (car, motorhome, etc.) is required to have a vignette for motorway use, then any towed trailer or caravan also requires its own separate, valid vignette. Each piece of the combination vehicle (towing vehicle + trailer) requires a vignette if using national motorways.
Beautiful panoramic photo of a winding road through Swiss mountains and valleys, representing travel in Switzerland

About Vignette Suisse Guide

Vignette Suisse Guide was founded with a single, clear purpose: to demystify the requirement for Swiss motorway vignettes. We recognized that for many drivers, whether tourists planning a holiday or business travelers passing through, the rules and processes surrounding the vignette could seem complex and confusing. Information might be scattered across different sources, sometimes difficult to translate or understand.

Our platform was built to consolidate this essential information into one accessible, easy-to-understand resource. We strive to provide accurate, current details directly sourced from official Swiss authorities, presented in a straightforward manner. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every driver can find the answers they need to travel on Swiss motorways legally and without unnecessary stress or fines. We believe that clear information empowers drivers to plan their journeys effectively and enjoy the unparalleled efficiency and beauty of Switzerland's road network.

We are constantly monitoring official announcements and updates regarding the vignette system, including changes to regulations, purchase methods, or enforcement. This commitment to regular updates means you can trust the information provided here. We are not affiliated with any government body, nor do we sell vignettes ourselves. Our sole aim is to be a trusted, independent guide.

Our mission is simple yet crucial: To be the most reliable, user-friendly, and comprehensive online resource for information regarding the Swiss motorway vignette, empowering drivers worldwide with the knowledge they need for compliant and confident travel in Switzerland.

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As a dedicated information platform, Vignette Suisse Guide does not sell motorway vignettes. Our value lies in providing comprehensive support through accessible, detailed, and up-to-date information. Our services are designed to help you understand every aspect of the Swiss vignette system and navigate related procedures with confidence.

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We offer in-depth guides and articles covering everything from the history and purpose of the vignette to detailed explanations of who needs one, the types available, and correct usage procedures. Our content is crafted to be clear and easy to grasp, even for those unfamiliar with Swiss regulations.

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Navigating official government websites or documents related to vignettes can be challenging. While we cannot process applications for you, we provide guidance on understanding official resources and identifying key information needed for purchasing or verifying vignette validity.

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Vignette regulations and purchasing procedures can occasionally change. We commit to keeping our information current, providing timely updates on any modifications announced by the Swiss authorities, ensuring you always have access to the latest rules and guidance.

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While we don't operate a phone hotline, our contact form allows you to submit specific questions not covered in our FAQ. Our team will endeavor to provide clear answers or direct you to the most relevant official resources to help resolve your query.

Please Note: Vignette Suisse Guide is a purely informational resource. We do not sell vignettes, process payments, or act as an intermediary for purchases. Our services are limited to providing accurate information and guidance based on officially published rules.

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Have specific questions about the Swiss motorway vignette that you couldn't find answered in our comprehensive guides or FAQ section? We are here to help. Please fill out the form below with your inquiry, and our support team will review your message and respond with clear, helpful information as quickly as possible.

Remember, we cannot assist with purchasing vignettes or resolving issues with past purchases made through official channels, but we can provide clarification on the rules and guidance on where to find official help.

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Still Have Questions?

If you couldn't find the specific information you need in our detailed guides or extensive FAQ section, don't hesitate to reach out. Our dedicated support team is ready to assist you with accurate information and helpful guidance on Swiss motorway vignette requirements and usage.

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