Do You Need a Vignette in Europe?

Vignettes are mandatory in many Central and Eastern European countries, covering highways, expressways, and sometimes national roads.

Most systems have transitioned to digital formats with automatic camera enforcement, making compliance easier but violations more detectable.

NOTE: Always purchase your vignette before entering toll roads to avoid hefty fines.

Let’s explore the vignette requirements for each country you might encounter on your European journey.

Do You Need a Vignette in the Czech Republic?

Yes, you need a vignette for vehicles under 3.5 tons on highways and expressways.

The Czech Republic operates a fully digital system with no physical stickers required.

Validity options include 10 days (€12), 30 days (€20), or 1 year (€60).

Motorcycles and some vehicles are exempt from vignette requirements. The system automatically registers your license plate upon purchase.

Purchase your Czech vignette at the official site: edalnice.cz.

NOTE: The digital system means you can buy your vignette online immediately before travel, but keep your purchase confirmation as proof of payment.

Do You Need a Vignette in Austria?

Absolutely required for all vehicles under 3.5 tons on highways and expressways.

Austria offers both physical and digital vignette options with validity periods of 10 days (€9.60), 2 months (€28.20), or 1 year (€96.40).

Special toll sections apply on routes like A13 Brenner, A10 Tauern, and other mountain passes, requiring separate payments beyond the standard vignette.

Fines for driving without a vignette can reach €300 plus the vignette cost.

Get your Austrian vignette from the official source: asfinag.at.

NOTE: Austria’s physical vignettes must be properly affixed to your windshield, while digital versions are linked to your license plate.

Do You Need a Vignette in Slovakia?

Required for cars under 3.5 tons on highways and expressways.

Slovakia operates a fully digital system with automatic license plate checks, eliminating physical stickers entirely.

Validity periods include 10 days (€10), 30 days (€14), or 1 year (€50). Motorcycles are exempt from Slovak vignette requirements.

The system provides immediate activation upon successful payment.

Purchase online at: eznamka.sk.

NOTE: Slovakia’s digital system allows for convenient online purchasing but requires accurate license plate information during purchase.

Do You Need a Vignette in Bulgaria?

Compulsory for all vehicles under 3.5 tons on national roads – not just highways.

Bulgaria’s system covers more road types than most other countries, including many major national routes.

Validity options include weekend (€5), week (€8), month (€15), 3 months (€25), or year (€35).

The electronic vignette is linked to your license plate and monitored through an extensive camera network.

Visit the official website: bgtoll.bg.

NOTE: Bulgaria’s vignette system covers the most extensive road network, so ensure you have valid coverage before entering any major roads.

Do You Need a Vignette in Slovenia?

Required for all cars under 3.5 tons on highways and expressways. Slovenia offers validity periods of 7 days (€15), 1 month (€30), or 1 year (€110). Motorcycles have separate pricing with lower rates.

Watch out for automatic motorway entry near border crossings – you may need a vignette immediately upon entering the country if you use highway connections.

Purchase at: evinjeta.dars.si.

NOTE: Slovenia’s compact highway network means you might need a vignette even for short transit journeys.

Do You Need a Vignette in Moldova?

Required for foreign vehicles entering Moldova. The system offers validity periods of 7, 15, 30, or 90 days with prices ranging from €2-8 depending on duration and vehicle type.

Purchase online or at border crossings – the vignette is automatically registered via your license plate once payment is confirmed.

Moldova’s system is primarily for revenue collection on major routes.

Access the portal: evinieta.gov.md.

NOTE: Moldova requires vignettes for foreign vehicles immediately upon entry, so purchase at the border or online before arrival.

Do You Need a Vignette in Switzerland?

Mandatory for vehicles up to 3.5 tons on national highways.

Switzerland offers only annual vignettes (CHF 40) valid for one calendar year, running from December 1 to January 31 of the following year.

Now available as sticker or digital format, though many drivers still prefer the traditional sticker option.

Extra tolls apply for some tunnels and mountain passes like the Great St. Bernard Tunnel.

More information: ch.ch.

NOTE: Swiss vignettes are valid for 14 months when purchased, covering December through January of the second year.

Do You Need a Vignette in Romania?

Required for all vehicles on national roads through the Rovinietă system. Romania offers validity periods of 7 days (€3), 30 days (€7), 90 days (€13), or 1 year (€28).

The digital system uses camera enforcement across the national road network.

Romania’s vignette covers an extensive network of major national routes beyond just highways.

Purchase via: roviniete.ro.

NOTE: Romania’s system covers national roads broadly, so ensure coverage before entering any major route.

Do You Need a Vignette in Hungary?

Required for cars and motorcycles on highways and expressways. Hungary offers validity periods of 10 days (€12), 1 month (€18), or 1 year (€145).

Regional passes are available for specific highway sections.

The fully digital E-Matrica system eliminates physical vignettes. High fines for missing vignettes can reach €300, making compliance essential.

Official site: nemzetiutdij.hu.

NOTE: Hungary’s system includes motorcycles, unlike some neighboring countries.

Practical Tips for Drivers

Always buy your vignette before entering a motorway to avoid immediate fines.

Double-check your license plate information during purchase – incorrect details can invalidate your vignette.

Use navigation settings to “Avoid toll roads” if traveling without a vignette.

In rental cars, confirm if the vignette is already included in your rental agreement.

Keep your digital receipt or confirmation email as proof of purchase, even though physical documentation isn’t required for roadside checks.

Example Cost Summary

Vignettes are mandatory in many Central and Eastern European countries for highway and expressway access.

These are time-based passes, not distance-based tolls, offering unlimited travel within the validity period.

Always check local requirements before your trip, as systems and prices change periodically.

Buying online is quick, legal, and prevents expensive fines that can cost significantly more than the vignette itself.