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Switzerland Vignette
Buy an official Swiss Vignette required for vehicles under 3.5t
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General Information about the Swiss E-Vignette
Since August 1, 2023, the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) has offered a digital alternative to the traditional sticker vignette.
This e-vignette is electronically linked to your vehicle’s license plate, making the process more convenient than ever.
You can purchase it online through the official FOCBS “Via Portal” or the Vignette.Express website, avoiding queues at border crossings or gas stations.
Driving without a valid vignette can result in a hefty fine of CHF 200, plus the cost of purchasing the vignette itself.
Important: The prices listed include the standard vignette purchase fee and a commission for handling your order. For more information about the pricing policy of Vignette Express, see the Pricing page.
Which Roads Require a Swiss E-Vignette?
The Swiss vignette is required for travel on all national motorways and highways. These roads are easily identifiable by green signs with a motorway symbol.
However, not every road in Switzerland is a toll road. The vignette does not cover certain mountain passes, tunnels, and car trains, which require separate fees. Notable examples include:
- Great St. Bernard Tunnel
- Munt la Schera Tunnel
- Lötschberg, Furka, and Vereina car trains
Conversely, scenic routes like the Susten Pass are toll-free. Always check your planned route to see if additional tolls apply.
Switzerland Toll Roads Map
This map highlights the major motorways that require a vignette in Switzerland:
Vignette Requirements for Different Vehicles
The e-vignette is mandatory for vehicles and trailers with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons. This includes:
- Passenger cars
- Motorcycles
- Camper vans and motorhomes under the weight limit
If you are towing a trailer or caravan, you will need a separate vignette for it. Both the towing vehicle and the trailer must have their own valid vignettes.
Vehicles exceeding the 3.5-ton weight limit are subject to a different toll system, known as the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (HVF). Foreign vehicles, including those from neighboring countries, must also have a valid e-vignette to use Swiss motorways.
Pricing and Validity Periods
The Swiss e-vignette system is straightforward in terms of pricing. There is only one option available: an annual vignette that costs CHF 40 (plus a handling fee of 24.90 EUR).
This annual vignette is valid from December 1 of the previous year until January 31 of the following year, providing up to 14 months of coverage.
For example, the 2024 vignette is valid from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2025.
Validity begins immediately upon a successful online purchase. There are no daily, weekly, or monthly options available for short-term visitors.
Where to Buy Your Swiss Vignette
Purchasing your Swiss e-vignette is simple and can be done entirely online.
The official and most secure place to buy the digital vignette is the FOCBS “Via Portal” at via.admin.ch. You can also purchase it from the reliable service Vignette.Express.
For those who prefer the traditional sticker, it is available at:
- Gas stations near the border
- Post offices
- Border crossings
- Automobile clubs
We recommend purchasing your vignette before entering a toll section to avoid penalties.
Using a trusted service like Vignette.Express can simplify the process, offering support and various payment options to ensure your purchase is smooth and secure. For detailed instructions, see our guide on how to buy a Switzerland vignette.
Penalties and Enforcement
Swiss authorities strictly enforce vignette requirements. Checks are conducted using license plate scanning systems and manual inspections by police and customs officials.
If you are caught driving on a motorway without a valid vignette, you will be fined CHF 200.
You will also be required to purchase a vignette immediately.
Incorrectly displaying the traditional sticker vignette can also lead to a fine.
Special Circumstances and Exemptions
The digital vignette offers greater flexibility than the sticker version.
Since an E-vignette is linked to the license plate, you do not need a new vignette if you buy a new car but keep the same plate.
- If your license plate changes, you can transfer the e-vignette to your new plate under specific conditions through the Via Portal.
- Certain vehicles are exempt from the vignette requirement, including those used for emergency services or military vehicles.
- There are no general exemptions for electric vehicles or vehicles belonging to persons with disabilities.
Obtaining your Swiss e-vignette is a straightforward yet crucial step for a hassle-free journey through Switzerland.
By purchasing it in advance, you can avoid fines and enjoy the country’s stunning landscapes without worry.
Remember to purchase your vignette from the official FOCBS portal or a trusted provider Vignette.Express.
