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Your clear, simple guide to the Swiss motorway vignette. We don't sell vignettes, we simply help you use them right.
Avoid a CHF 200 Fine – Learn MoreWhat is a Swiss Vignette?
The Swiss Vignette is a mandatory toll sticker for all vehicles using Switzerland's national motorways (A-roads). It represents a prepayment for the use of this extensive road network for an entire calendar year, valid from December 1st of the previous year through January 31st of the following year.
For your vignette to be legally valid, it must be meticulously affixed directly to your vehicle's windscreen. An unattached, improperly placed, or easily removable vignette can lead to substantial fines, even if you have purchased it. Authorities enforce this strictly to ensure clear visibility and prevent fraudulent reuse.
Correct Placement:
- It must be applied inside the vehicle, directly to the windscreen.
- Ideal positions are on the left edge or securely behind the rear-view mirror, always avoiding obstruction of the driver's view.
- Ensure it is firmly adhered and not just tucked under a sun visor or dashboard.
- Before applying a new one, always remove any expired vignettes to prevent confusion and potential issues with inspectors.
Who Needs a Vignette?
A vignette is required for each vehicle and trailer under 3.5 tonnes.
Cars
All passenger cars, regardless of their country of registration, must display a valid vignette when utilizing the Swiss motorway network.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles require their own distinct vignette, which must be clearly visible and affixed to a non-removable part of the bike, such as the fuel tank or front forks.
Trailers/Caravans
If you are towing a trailer or caravan, it is crucial to remember that each towed unit also requires its own separate vignette, applied directly to the trailer itself.
Important: Vehicles Over 3.5 Tonnes
Motorhomes, trucks, and other vehicles with a maximum permissible weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes do not utilize the standard vignette. Instead, these heavier vehicles are subject to the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (LSVA - Leistungsabhängige Schwerverkehrsabgabe), which is calculated based on distance driven, total weight, and emission class. This charge is paid separately, often at customs offices upon entry or via dedicated payment systems. It is essential to check your vehicle's registration documents and consult current regulations before entering Switzerland to avoid penalties.
Where to Purchase Your Vignette
Vignettes are easily available near the border and at various convenient locations throughout Switzerland, ensuring you can acquire one before setting foot on a motorway.
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Border Crossings
Available directly at customs offices at virtually all official entry points into Switzerland. This is often the most straightforward option for international travelers.
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Petrol Stations
Most petrol stations and service areas both within Switzerland and in the bordering regions of neighboring countries stock vignettes for immediate purchase.
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Post Offices
You can reliably purchase the sticker vignette at any Swiss Post office during their standard business hours if you are already in a town or city.
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Online (Digital Vignette)
Since August 1, 2023, the e-vignette has been available online via the official Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) portal. This digital version is linked to your vehicle's license plate and offers maximum convenience.
Payment can be made in Swiss Francs (CHF), Euros (EUR) at many border points, or by major credit/debit cards at most locations.
Interactive map showing St. Gallen and major routes like the A1, providing geographical context for our location.
Common Questions
The Swiss motorway vignette has a specific validity period that spans 14 months. It is valid from December 1st of the year preceding the printed year on the vignette and continues until January 31st of the year following the printed year. For example, a 2024 vignette is valid from December 1st, 2023, to January 31st, 2025.
If your windscreen needs replacement due to damage, and your sticker vignette is destroyed in the process, you are generally entitled to a free replacement. To obtain this, you must present the fragments of the old vignette (proving it was genuinely affixed) and the invoice for the new windscreen at a Swiss customs office. They will verify and issue a new vignette for your vehicle.
If you rent a car directly from a company within Switzerland, it should almost certainly come equipped with a valid motorway vignette already affixed. However, it is always prudent to explicitly confirm this with your rental company before driving onto any motorway. If you rent a car from a country bordering Switzerland and intend to drive into Switzerland, you will typically need to purchase a vignette yourself upon entry.
Yes, the Swiss vignette covers the use of the entire national road and motorway network, which includes access to most major tunnels that form part of this network, such as the famous Gotthard Road Tunnel. However, there are a few notable exceptions: specific tunnels like the Great St. Bernard Tunnel (connecting Switzerland and Italy) and the Munt la Schera Tunnel (connecting Switzerland and Italy near Livigno) operate independently and require a separate toll payment, as they are not considered part of the primary national motorway system covered by the vignette.
Hear From Our Visitors
"Absolutely crucial information! As an English speaker visiting from the UK, navigating Swiss road rules seemed daunting. This site clearly explained everything about the vignette, from where to stick it to knowing about the digital version. Drove through Switzerland penalty-free, thanks to Swiss Vignette Helper!"
- David Montgomery
"Living just over the German border, I frequently drive into Switzerland. I thought I knew the rules, but I learned a lot from their FAQ section, especially about replacement vignettes for broken windscreens. This site is a reliable resource for anyone regularly driving here."
- Anja Schmid
"Their emphasis on vehicles over 3.5 tonnes saved me a huge headache! We were planning to bring our large motorhome, and their clear guidance on LSVA versus vignette was invaluable. Very professional and truly helpful."
- Jean-Pierre Dubois
"The map showing buying locations near St. Gallen was perfect! We crossed the border from Austria and found the information spot-on. Simple, concise, and exactly what we needed to get our vignette without hassle."
- Mario Rossi
"I'm a frequent motorcycle tourist. The specific info on where to affix the motorcycle vignette was super helpful. It's a small detail, but crucial for staying compliant. Thank you for this excellent guide!"
- Sarah Khan
"The digital vignette information was a game-changer for our trip! We bought it online and didn't have to worry about finding an office or getting change at the border. Swiss Vignette Helper made our journey so much smoother."
- Chen Li
Get in Touch
Driving in a new country, especially when traffic regulations differ, can be confusing and a source of unnecessary stress. We at Swiss Vignette Helper are based in the heart of St. Gallen, deeply familiar with the local context and the nuances of Swiss road laws.
Our mission is single-minded: to provide clear, helpful, and up-to-date information that empowers you to navigate Switzerland's motorways smoothly and, most importantly, penalty-free. Whether you have lingering questions about vignette placement, validity, or specific vehicle requirements, we encourage you to reach out. We are here to ensure your journey through our beautiful country is as pleasant and compliant as possible.
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00 CET