Driving on Swiss motorways and national roads is subject to tolls, which are fulfilled by purchasing a valid vignette. This applies to both motorways and expressways (Autostrassen) in Switzerland. The vignette must be properly affixed to the vehicle or available in digital form. Since the introduction of the electronic vignette in 2023, two options are available: the traditional adhesive vignette and the digital e-vignette. Anyone caught driving in Switzerland without a valid vignette risks significant fines and legal consequences.
Anyone caught driving on Swiss roads without a valid vignette must expect a fine of 200 Swiss francs. This applies both to missing adhesive vignettes and to the absence of a digital vignette.
There are toll-free routes available on both the Austrian and Swiss sides that drivers can use to avoid charges. In addition to the fine, you must purchase a valid vignette for 40 Swiss francs, bringing the total cost of a violation to 240 Swiss francs.
In addition to direct fines for missing vignettes, there are further consequences. Attempts to forge or reuse vignettes are particularly serious and can result in criminal charges filed with the Federal Prosecutor’s Office. Forgery of a vignette is a criminal offense and may lead to suspended sentences and high legal fees.
In Germany, there is no general toll requirement for motorways, whereas in Switzerland a vignette is mandatory.
The digital vignette, introduced in Switzerland in 2023, offers a modern and convenient way to meet the toll requirement. Unlike the traditional adhesive vignette, the digital vignette is not physically affixed to the vehicle but is instead directly linked to the vehicle’s license plate. This registration occurs online, where the vehicle’s plate number is entered into the system. The major benefit of the digital vignette is that it is valid immediately after purchase. There’s no need to wait for delivery or to attach anything to the windshield, making it ideal for last-minute travel in Switzerland.
The digital vignette is verified by matching the license plate with databases maintained by the Swiss authorities. This is done automatically via cameras installed on Swiss highways and national roads that scan license plates. Since the vignette is no longer visible on the vehicle, it also reduces the risk of damage, such as when removing or replacing an old vignette during a vehicle change. It’s important to note that the digital vignette, like the adhesive one, is tied to a specific vehicle and cannot be transferred to another.
The vignette has a long tradition in Switzerland and is a key component of road traffic regulations. The motorway vignette is required for all vehicles up to 3.5 tons and is essential for using national roads. It has been mandatory in Switzerland for many years and provides a crucial source of funding for maintaining and expanding the country’s road network.
Since 2023, Switzerland also offers the option to use a digital vignette. This e-vignette is tied to the vehicle’s license plate and serves as a modern alternative to the traditional sticker. Both types of vignettes share the same price and validity duration.
Driving without a vignette in Switzerland is not only subject to high fines but may also lead to further legal consequences. The strict toll regulations and traffic laws emphasize the importance of complying with legal requirements. Foreign drivers in particular should familiarize themselves with these rules in advance to avoid follow-up penalties. Even though the fines for not having a vignette might seem moderate at first, serious offenses can result in imprisonment or vehicle confiscation.
If you’d like to register your digital vignette for Switzerland based on this information, you can do so here.
