Travel Switzerland Seamlessly
Your essential guide to the Swiss motorway vignette. Avoid fines up to CHF 200 and drive with confidence from the moment you cross the border.
See How It WorksEntering via Germany or France? Know This First:
What to expect
The Swiss vignette allows travel on all national highways and is mandatory for all vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. It’s not an optional toll; it’s a prerequisite for using the Swiss motorway network.
Why it matters
Enforcement of the vignette requirement begins immediately at the border points. Failing to display a valid vignette can result in substantial fines, significantly impacting your travel plans.
How to prepare
Both digital (e-vignette) and physical sticker versions are available. Familiarize yourself with the latest acquisition procedures and validity periods to ensure a hassle-free entry.
Visitor essentials
Always retain proof of purchase. For the e-vignette, keep a copy of your confirmation email. For the physical sticker, ensure it is correctly affixed to your windshield and keep your receipt handy.
Understanding Your Vignette Options
Digital E-Vignette
The modern choice. Linked to your license plate, not the vehicle itself. Purchased instantly online, offering unparalleled flexibility.
- Instant online purchase, avoiding queues.
- No physical sticker required on your windshield.
- Ideal for rental cars or vehicles with frequent windshield changes.
- Conveniently tied to your vehicle's license plate number.
Best for: Frequent travelers, rental car users, and those who prioritize digital convenience and adaptability.
Physical Sticker Vignette
The traditional adhesive sticker. Must be correctly affixed to the inside of your windshield for visible proof of payment and validity.
- Readily available at border crossings, post offices, and gas stations.
- Provides tangible, visible proof of your motorway tax payment.
- Consistent validity from December 1st to January 31st of the following year.
- Directly tied to the specific vehicle it's affixed to.
Best for: Last-minute purchases directly at the border or for travelers who prefer a physical, tangible proof of purchase.
Your 3-Step Guide to a Smooth Journey
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1
Choose Your Vignette
Decide whether the convenience of the Digital E-Vignette (purchased online, linked to your license plate) suits you, or if you prefer the traditional Physical Sticker (bought at the border or gas station). For the e-vignette, ensure you have your exact license plate number and vehicle category ready.
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2
Purchase & Register
For the e-vignette, proceed to the official online portal for secure purchase. For a physical sticker, you can acquire it directly at border customs offices, designated post offices, or numerous gas stations located close to the Swiss frontier. Always retain your valid purchase receipt as proof.
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3
Activate & Drive
The e-vignette becomes active virtually immediately upon successful confirmation of your online purchase. For the physical sticker, it is paramount that you affix it correctly and securely to the inside of your windshield, away from any tinted areas. An unattached or improperly placed sticker is considered invalid and can lead to fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Swiss motorway vignette is valid for an extended period, starting from December 1st of the previous year and concluding on January 31st of the subsequent year. This means it provides a total validity of 14 months. For instance, the 2024 vignette is valid from December 1, 2023, through January 31, 2025.
Yes, any towed vehicle, such as a trailer or caravan, if its total weight (including its load) exceeds 3.5 tonnes or if it is towed by a vehicle requiring a vignette, necessitates its own separate motorway vignette. This applies even if the towing vehicle already has a valid vignette.
If you possess the traditional physical sticker vignette and either acquire a new vehicle or your windshield needs replacement, you will unfortunately need to purchase a new vignette. This inconvenience is precisely why the e-vignette offers a significant advantage; as it's linked directly to your license plate, you can transfer its validity to a new plate if yours changes, or it remains valid even if your vehicle changes, provided the plate stays the same.
The physical vignette sticker must be affixed directly and permanently to the inside of your vehicle's windshield. The recommended positions are either behind the rearview mirror (ensuring it doesn't obstruct vision) or in a visible upper or lower corner on the driver's side. It's crucial to avoid placing it within the tinted sun-strip area, and it must not be taped or otherwise temporarily attached.
Absolutely. The digital e-vignette can be conveniently purchased online from any location worldwide, allowing you to prepare before your journey. For those preferring the physical sticker, certain automobile clubs in neighboring countries, such as Germany's ADAC or France's ACL, sometimes offer them for sale in advance, providing an option to secure it before arriving at the Swiss border.
Get in Touch
For any specific inquiries not explicitly covered in our comprehensive guide, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our dedicated team is here to provide the support and clarification you need for a smooth journey through Switzerland.
Vignette CH Guide
Address: Clarastrasse 45, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
Phone: +41 61 899 2277
Email: [email protected]
Please note: Direct contact via form disabled for this demo, but would be implemented here in a production environment.
Our Valued Customers Speak
"The guide made purchasing my e-vignette absolutely effortless. I was worried about navigating the rules, but everything was explained clearly. Highly recommend this site before you cross into Switzerland!"
— Dr. Elara Schmidt, Berlin
"Thanks to Vignette CH Guide, I knew exactly what to do at the border. The tip about purchasing the physical sticker at a gas station nearby saved me so much time. Excellent, practical advice."
— Monsieur Jean-Luc Dubois, Lyon
"I travel to Switzerland regularly for business. The e-vignette information here helped me switch from the traditional sticker, making my frequent trips much more efficient. A truly invaluable resource!"
— Frau Anja Müller, Stuttgart
"Clear, concise, and incredibly helpful. I had questions about using a rental car, and the 'Vignette Types' section cleared everything up quickly. No more confusion, just smooth driving."
— Signor Marco Rossi, Milan
"My family trip was perfect, largely because we were prepared with the correct vignette, thanks to this guide. It's comprehensive without being overwhelming. A must-read for any Swiss road trip."
— Mevrouw Sophie Van Dijk, Amsterdam