How Does the Digital Vignette Work?

Understanding how digital vignettes work can save you from unexpected fines and make your journey smoother.

Unlike traditional toll booths, many European countries now use time-based road permits linked directly to your vehicle’s license plate.

While some countries use traditional toll booths, many require a “vignette”—a prepaid sticker or digital permit for driving on their motorways.

This guide explains what a digital vignette is, how it works, and which countries require one, so you can drive stress-free.

How Does a Digital Vignette Work?

A digital vignette is a time-based road-use permit that is electronically linked to your vehicle’s license plate.

Unlike traditional stickers you affix to your windshield, this modern system makes compliance simple and convenient.

Key benefits of a digital vignette include the ease of online purchasing, the option for immediate or scheduled validity, and automatic verification via camera systems.

There’s no physical sticker to worry about.

The process is typically straightforward:

1. Choose the country you’ll be driving in.
2. Select your vehicle category and the desired validity period.
3. Enter your license plate number and country of registration.
4. Pay online and receive an immediate email or SMS confirmation.

Enforcement is handled by automated cameras that scan license plates.

If you’re caught on a motorway without a valid vignette linked to your plate, you can expect a hefty fine.

It’s also important to know that trailers and motorcycles may require separate vignettes, and some specific tunnels or bridges might have separate tolls not covered by the standard vignette.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Double-check your license plate details and vehicle category before confirming your purchase.
• Save your purchase receipt (digital or physical) as proof of payment.
• Verify your vignette’s validity period to ensure it covers your entire travel time in that country.
• If you’re using a rental car, ask the rental company if a vignette is already included.

Country-Specific Vignette Guides

Here’s a breakdown of digital vignette requirements for popular European destinations.

Austria

A vignette is required for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes on all Austrian motorways and expressways (Autobahnen and Schnellstraßen).

• Validity Options: 10-day, 2-month, 1-year.
• Where to Buy: Purchase the digital vignette online from the official ASFINAG shop or mobile app.
• NOTE: For consumer protection reasons, 2-month and annual vignettes purchased online by individuals are only valid from the 18th day after purchase. If you need immediate validity, buy it at a physical sales outlet.
• Special Tolls: Be aware that certain sections, like the A13 Brenner Pass, require a separate section toll not covered by the standard vignette.
• Check Validity: You can verify your vignette’s status at any time on the official government portal oesterreich.gv.at.

Slovakia

A vignette is needed for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes on designated motorways and expressways (D- and R-roads).

• Validity Options: 1-day, 10-day, 30-day, 365-day.
• Where to Buy: The official site is eznamka.sk. Vignettes are also available at border crossings and petrol stations.

Bulgaria

A vignette is required for most national roads, not just motorways, for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.

• Validity Options: Weekend, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual.
• Where to Buy: Purchase your e-Vignette through the official BGTOLL system online or via their mobile app.

Slovenia

A vignette is mandatory for all motorways and expressways for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, with a separate category for motorcycles.

• Validity Options: 7-day, 1-month, 1-year.
• Where to Buy: The official digital shop is evinjeta.dars.si. Purchase your e-vignette before entering a motorway, as some are located right at the border.

Switzerland

A vignette is needed for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes on all national motorways and expressways.

• Validity Options: Only an annual vignette is available. It is valid from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year.
• Cost: CHF 40.
• Where to Buy: You can buy a digital e-vignette online via the Via Portal  bazg.admin.ch or purchase a traditional sticker at the border.

Other Countries Requiring Vignettes

• Hungary: The E-Matrica is required for motorways. Purchase it from ematrica.nemzetiutdij.hu. Options include 10-day, monthly, and annual passes.
• Romania: The Rovinietă is needed for all national roads. Buy it online at e-rovinieta.ro. Validity ranges from 7 days to one year.
• Moldova: An e-vignette is required for all foreign-registered vehicles upon entering the country. Purchase it at the border or online via the official e-vignette Moldova portal evinieta.gov.md.

Example Cost Summary

Final Checklist Before You Drive

Driving in Europe can be a fantastic experience, but a fine for a missing vignette can spoil the fun. Before you hit the road, make sure you’ve covered the essentials.

1. Buy your digital vignette before you enter a toll road.
2. Confirm your license plate number and country of registration are correct.
3. Keep a digital copy of your purchase confirmation.
4. If you want to avoid tolls altogether, set your navigation app to “avoid motorways.”

By planning ahead and using the official sources linked in this guide, you can ensure your European road trip is smooth, compliant, and memorable for all the right reasons.