No more annoying sticking: Switzerland is now introducing the digital vignette

The Swiss vignette is only available as an annual version and has not been available digitally before. Since August 1, 2023 stands the new one e-vignette then ready for purchase and can also be used immediately for neighboring Germany. The digital version is also an annual vignette (valid from December of the previous year up to and including January of the following year) and the price is the same for both, 40 CHF .

E-vignette in Switzerland from August 2023

The e-vignette is sold exclusively via the Federal Office of Customs and Border Security (BAZG). Users enter the vehicle type, country of registration and license plate number. The e-vignette is paid for by credit card or with the Swiss payment service TWINT. At the border, the e-vignettes are checked by the BAZG, and there should also be random checks in Switzerland.

This is how the digital vignette works

When you think of vignettes, you often immediately think of Austria or Switzerland and sticky notes for the windscreen. But other countries are also charging motorists and there is no longer any gluing here. For Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic and Slovakia For example, a digital vignette is mandatory. This e-vignette is no longer affixed, but your vehicle is registered electronically.

The e-vignette can be purchased online or at various points of sale such as petrol stations. You can set the start time flexibly when purchasing, up to three months in advance are possible. You can withdraw from the purchase at any time up to the official start.

But not everyone is so flexible. So that you know what’s going on, the Auto Club Europa (ACE) has a practical interactive map . The valid vignette regulations for all European countries are listed there. In this way, you can obtain comprehensive information before you travel. A digital vignette saves you twice as much time:

• By pre-purchase: No queuing at the gas station, no problems with the change you need or credit cards that are not accepted at toll booths. If you buy tolls and vignettes online in advance, you save yourself waiting times on vacation.
• By automatics: This doesn’t always work, but on some routes you can jet through the toll controls faster in your own lane if you are traveling with the digital vignette. As the lines at the tollbooths grow longer, drive through without stopping with a prepaid video toll. Your number plate is automatically scanned and the barriers open as if by magic.

Digital vignette for Austria without waiting time

Since 2017 there is for Austria also a digital vignette linked to the number plate. But who they at the Austrian motorway company ASFINAG online wants, must allow for the European-regulated right of withdrawal of 14 days plus three days for sending the withdrawal by letter.

This means that the digital vignette for Austria will therefore only valid on the 18th day . Buying online and driving off the next day is therefore not possible in this way. If a valid digital vignette for Austria is required immediately, it can be purchased from ARBÖ sales offices, at petrol stations, at toll booths, from machines at rest areas and border crossings on site or in ADAC offices.

• Annual car vignette 96.40 euros
• Car vignette for two months 29 euros
• 10-day pickl 9.90 euros
• Motorcyclist annual vignette 38.20 euros for two months 14.50 euros and for ten days 5.80 euros

Numbers for the distance driven

Many popular holiday countries have a toll obligation, but do not solve the issue with a vignette. In France, Italy, Croatia and Spain, a ticket system is usually used to take account of the distance traveled. When driving on a toll road, the ticket is drawn, which is paid for the section driven when exiting or changing the toll road.

There are also sections where the toll has to be paid in advance as a lump sum. In addition to cash and credit cards, the company also offers its own payment systems, such as Viacard in Italy or toll boxes, to pay the toll fees. ACE recommendation: If you want to be on the safe side, you should always carry enough cash with you on holiday.

There is a special feature in Italy: on some sections of the route around Milan, the toll is calculated using the so-called free flow system. There is an automatic recognition of the number plate. The costs incurred must then be paid within two weeks either online, at local service points or by toll box.

If the open amount is not paid in time, there is a risk of a Fine between 85 euros and 338 euros and two penalty points. Pre-registration in the system is therefore worthwhile.