Swiss Vignette Guide
All You Need to Know About the Swiss Motorway Vignette 🛣️
Understand validity, purchase options, rules, and penalties to drive legally on Swiss motorways.
Key Snapshot 📌
- • Mandatory on Swiss motorways and expressways.
- • Valid from Dec 1 of previous year to Jan 31 of next year (14 months total).
- • One flat price (CHF 40) for all vehicle classes under 3.5 t.
- • Motorcycles must also display a vignette.
Validity
14 months: Dec 1 - Jan 31 of the following year.
Cost
CHF 40, single rate for vehicles up to 3.5 t.
Where Needed
All motorways/expressways (green signs) across Switzerland.
Penalty
CHF 200 fine plus purchasing a valid vignette.
Types & Coverage 🏷️
Switzerland issues a single motorway vignette type, valid for 14 months. It applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t, including passenger cars, motorcycles, trailers, and caravans. Heavy vehicles over 3.5 t pay the Heavy Vehicle Fee (LSVA) instead.
The vignette covers all national motorways and expressways; certain tunnels (e.g., Great St. Bernard) may have separate tolls.
History & Background 📜
The Swiss vignette system began in 1985 to fund motorway upkeep. The 14-month validity encourages early purchasing. The vignette design changes annually to prevent misuse and ensure visibility.
Enforcement uses roadside checks, police controls, and occasional cameras. Sticking the vignette correctly is essential for validity.
Rules & Penalties ⚖️
- • Vignette must be affixed directly to the windshield (no holders or foil).
- • Place in upper left, behind the rearview mirror, or near the edge without obstructing view.
- • Trailers and motorcycles require their own vignette.
- • Removing and reusing invalidates the sticker.
- • Fine for absence: CHF 200 plus purchase of vignette; misuse (tampering) can incur higher penalties.
Where to Buy 🛒
- • Swiss post offices and fuel stations nationwide.
- • Border crossings and motorway service areas.
- • Touring clubs (e.g., TCS) and select retail shops.
- • Some online vendors ship physical stickers; delivery time varies.
Installation Tips
Clean the glass, apply in one motion, and avoid tinted areas. Do not place behind stickers or toll tags that reduce visibility.
Route Planning
If avoiding motorways, follow blue-signed main roads. Expect longer travel times and varying speed limits.
Check Points
Police often monitor near borders, service areas, and key interchanges. Ensure the vignette is visible before entering motorways.
FAQ ❓
Is there a short-term vignette?
No. Only the annual vignette exists for vehicles under 3.5 t. Visitors must purchase the same vignette at CHF 40.
Do rental cars include it?
Most Swiss rentals include the current vignette. Always check before driving; foreign rentals may not have it.
What about windscreen replacement?
If your windshield is replaced, request a proof of purchase to obtain a replacement vignette according to seller policy.
Are there extra tunnel fees?
Some tunnels, like the Great St. Bernard, have separate tolls. The vignette covers most motorways but not special toll routes.