The Swiss vignette

What is the Swiss vignette?

In Switzerland, motorists must pay a motorway toll to use motorways and expressways. To do so, they must purchase the famous “Swiss vignette”. Available in physical or digital form, this essential pass allows you to drive legally on Swiss roads.

History

The vignette was introduced in Switzerland in 1984, making it the first country in Europe to introduce such a motorway vignette, available either in physical form—as a sticker to be affixed to the windscreen—or in electronic form. Since 1 August 2023, the Swiss vignette has also been available in a digital version, which can be purchased very easily online.

Price

The Swiss motorway vignette costs a one-off fee of 40 francs, which is currently 40.70 euros (based on the current exchange rate provided by the Swiss franc–euro converter on b-sharpe). Online, the vignette costs 44 francs.

An activation fee of 10 francs is added to this base price.

Validity

The Swiss vignette is valid for the current year. For example, the 2025 vignette is valid from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2026. There are no daily, weekly or monthly vignettes.

Which vehicles are subject to the Swiss motorway toll sticker?

The Swiss motorway toll applies to cars, motorbikes, trailers and caravans, as well as lorries and motorhomes (up to 3.5 tonnes).

Where can I buy a Swiss vignette?

There are many places in Switzerland where you can buy the vignette. It is available at petrol stations, post offices, some garages and customs offices at the border. You can also buy it at outlets located before the border. 

You can also buy it online: on the Swiss Post website, as well as on the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (OFDF) portal at www.e-vignette.ch.

Can you drive in Switzerland without a motorway toll sticker?

If you drive on motorways and expressways without a vignette, you will be liable to a fine of 200 Swiss francs. You will also have to pay for the vignette (which costs 40 francs).

How are vignettes checked in Switzerland?

Your vignette must be displayed inside your vehicle, on the windscreen, so that it is clearly visible during checks. On vehicles without a windscreen, such as trailers, it must be displayed in a clearly visible position. 

During a roadside check, the presence and validity of the vignette will be checked. For the digital version, your number plate will be checked during a roadside check. This is linked to your digital vignette.

A ‘physical’ vignette or a digital vignette: which should you choose?

Is there a difference between the standard adhesive vignette and the digital vignette? In fact, the vignette purchased online is linked to the vehicle’s number plate, which is not the case with the adhesive vignette. This means that if you change vehicles, the vignette will remain valid.

How to drive safely in Switzerland?

Is this your first time driving in Switzerland? Once you’ve got your Swiss vignette, you’re ready to hit the road. Please note that the rules for driving and parking are not the same as in France.

Here is some practical information: 

•  The speed limit on motorways in Switzerland is 80 km/h, compared with 110 km/h in France;
• On Swiss motorways, the speed limit is 120 km/h;
• When approaching pedestrian crossings, drivers must stop, even if there are no pedestrians crossing. Slow down when approaching pedestrian crossings;
• Since 1 January 2014, drivers have been required to switch on their dipped headlights at all times, both day and night;
• the maximum permitted blood alcohol level is the same in France as in Switzerland (0.5 g/L);
• The use of mobile phones whilst driving is prohibited in Switzerland.

Are you travelling or on holiday in Switzerland? To plan your journey properly and avoid a fine, buy your motorway toll sticker online or at a sales point so you can drive freely on Swiss motorways. During your stay in Switzerland, you’ll no doubt need a currency converter. b-sharpe supports you with all your financial transactions, making it very easy to exchange currencies online!