Drive Switzerland Worry-Free
A motorway vignette is mandatory on every Swiss freeway. Skip the fines—get yours before the border.
- • Instant roadside fines of CHF 200 plus sticker price
- • Vehicles may be barred from continuing the journey
- • Rental agencies pass penalties on with admin fees
How to Get the Vignette
Physical Sticker
- Price: CHF 40
- Validity: Calendar Year
- Eco-Impact: PVC waste per sticker
Digital e-Vignette
- Price: CHF 40
- Validity: Vehicle licence plate
- Eco-Impact: Zero plastic
1. Gas Stations & Service Areas
Border-adjacent fuel stops stock stickers at the cashier. Card payments are widely accepted—keep the receipt until the sticker is fixed.
2. Swiss Post Offices
Every village post office sells vignettes. Opening hours are generally 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00 on weekdays.
3. Online Portal (e-Vignette)
Register your licence plate in under two minutes at evignette.ch ❯. Digital records sync instantly with border control databases.
Choosing the digital version saves
0 kg plastic every year
Valid Routes – National Road Map
Codes starting with “A” designate federal motorways. All require a vignette. Download the full PDF map ❯
Instructions for Rental Cars
- Ask the agency to confirm vignette status in writing.
- Visually inspect the top-left corner of the windshield.
- For e-Vignette cars, request the digital registration email.
| Company | Vignette included | Extra fee |
|---|---|---|
| Sixt | Yes, all fleets | CHF 0 |
| Hertz | Selected vehicles | CHF 15 admin if missing |
| Europcar | Sticker or digital | CHF 0 |
Cross-border rentals may require additional toll permits for Austria, France or Italy.
Check Before You Drive – Must-Know Rules
Speed limits
Motorways 120 km/h, expressways 100 km/h, urban 50 km/h unless posted otherwise. Fines escalate steeply—radar is everywhere.
Snow chains
When blue circular signs show a tire with chains, fitting is compulsory. Failure: CHF 100 fine plus tow-away fees if you block traffic.
Daytime headlights
Low-beam lights are mandatory 24/7, even in sunshine. Automatic DRL fulfils the requirement.
Emergency corridor
In traffic jams, steer to the edge of your lane to create a central rescue lane. Penalties for blocking ambulances start at CHF 200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the vignette required for motorcycles?
Yes. Motorcycles must display a vignette on a non-removable part such as the fork.
Can I transfer my sticker to another car?
No. Stickers are single-use and invalid once removed. The digital version, however, can be re-assigned once if your licence plate changes.
Where exactly do I place the physical sticker?
Inside the windshield, top-left corner or behind the rear-view mirror, fully visible and not within wiper sweep area obstruction.
Is a trailer covered by my car vignette?
Trailers up to 3.5 t do not need a separate vignette. Heavier trailers require special permits.
Can I buy a vignette at the border 24/7?
Yes. Automated vending machines operate round the clock at major crossings.
Will my dash-cam footage be legal in Switzerland?
Private recordings are legal but must respect privacy. Publishing identifiable faces or plates requires consent.
Do electric cars pay less?
No. The vignette fee is a flat rate regardless of fuel type.
Is there a half-year vignette?
There is only one annual vignette. Buying in December grants validity for the next calendar year."
Does the sticker lose adhesion in winter?
It is designed for –30 °C to +50 °C. Clean glass with alcohol before application for best grip.
Where can I read the full law?
The Federal Act on the National Road Network is published at fedlex.admin.ch ❯
Traveller Experiences
“Ordering the e-vignette while still in Munich saved our ski weekend. Border crossing took seconds.”
“Clear checklist! I had never heard of daytime headlights and avoided a fine thanks to this site.”
“Map hotspots showed exactly which tunnel was tolled. Perfect for our camper itinerary.”
“Customer service answered my email about trailers within one hour. That’s Swiss efficiency!”
“The rental-car policy table saved me CHF 30 of unexpected fees.”
Send us a Message
Visit or Call
Dorfstrasse 20
3800 Interlaken
Switzerland
Phone: +41 33 888 77 66
Email: [email protected]
