Q: What types of vignettes are there in Switzerland?

Besides Austria , Switzerland is the only European country that offers both the adhesive vignette and the digital vignette or e-vignette for the use of Swiss motorways and roads. Depending on the type of attachment, there are two different versions of vignettes: Adhesive vignette Since its introduction in 1985, the traditional adhesive vignette has a long history. Although it is still used, its popularity is steadily declining. The reason for this lies in the new alternative to the adhesive vignette, namely the digital vignette. This modern variant saves vehicle owners the hassle of sticking on and later removing the vignette. Digital vignette The digital vignette is an innovative service offered by BAZG , the Federal Office of Customs and Border Security, and will be offered for the first time on August 1st, 2023. In contrast to the adhesive vignette, the digital version is enjoying increasing popularity. The reason is obvious: the digital vignette is tied to the vehicle's license plate and can be conveniently purchased and registered online. There is no need for the hassle of sticking the vignette on and then removing it later. The choice between the adhesive vignette and the digital vignette depends on the personal preferences of the vehicle owner. Both versions serve the same purpose, namely the authorization to use Austrian motorways and expressways. It is important to note that the digital vignette is tied to the respective vehicle license plate and cannot be transferred to other vehicles.

Question 1

Since when has the obligation to have a vignette existed in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

The vignette requirement in Switzerland has existed since 1985, making Switzerland the first country to introduce a vignette requirement for the use of its motorways.

Question 2

What types of vignettes are there in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Besides Austria, Switzerland is the only European country that offers both the adhesive vignette and the digital vignette or e-vignette for the use of Swiss motorways and roads.

Depending on the type of attachment, there are two different versions of vignettes:

Adhesive vignette
Since its introduction in 1985, the traditional adhesive vignette has a long history. Although it is still used, its popularity is steadily declining. The reason for this lies in the new alternative to the adhesive vignette, namely the digital vignette. This modern variant saves vehicle owners the hassle of sticking on and later removing the vignette.

Digital vignette
The digital vignette is an innovative service offered by BAZG, the Federal Office of Customs and Border Security, and will be offered for the first time on August 1st, 2023. In contrast to the adhesive vignette, the digital version is enjoying increasing popularity. The reason is obvious: the digital vignette is tied to the vehicle's license plate and can be conveniently purchased and registered online. There is no need for the hassle of sticking the vignette on and then removing it later.

The choice between the adhesive vignette and the digital vignette depends on the personal preferences of the vehicle owner. Both versions serve the same purpose, namely the authorization to use Austrian motorways and expressways. It is important to note that the digital vignette is tied to the respective vehicle license plate and cannot be transferred to other vehicles.

Question 3

What is the difference between an adhesive vignette and a digital vignette?

Accepted Answer

Essentially, there are only minor differences between the traditional adhesive vignette and the digital vignette. Both serve the same purpose and serve as proof of the fee paid to use European motorways, expressways and national roads.

The crucial difference is that the adhesive vignette has to be attached to the vehicle, i.e. it has to be stuck manually. In contrast, the digital vignette is tied to the license plate and can therefore be conveniently purchased online using a computer or smartphone.

Another advantage is that the hassle of leaving the motorway to buy a vignette at a petrol station, as well as the long wait and the need to apply, stick and later remove the physical vignette can be avoided by using the e-vignette.

Question 4

Why do I need a digital vignette in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

A toll is required on Swiss motorways and roads for all motorized vehicles and trailers that are not subject to the flat-rate heavy vehicle tax (PSVA). This toll is collected in the form of a vignette and generally applies to all vehicles and trailers with a permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 3.5 tonnes.

Question 5

How long is the digital vignette valid for?

Accepted Answer

The Swiss vignette is only available in the form of an annual vignette. This is valid for 14 months and is always valid from December 1st of the previous year to January 31st of the following year.

Question 6

Do I also need a vignette for a trailer?

Accepted Answer

In contrast to Austria, a trailer is subject to a vignette in Switzerland as long as it does not exceed the permissible total weight (GVW) of 3.5 tonnes when combined with a trailer. Otherwise the trailer would be subject to PSVA.

Trailers that can be towed by motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement.

Question 7

Do caravans in Switzerland also require a vignette?

Accepted Answer

Caravans, like trailers, are subject to a vignette requirement in Switzerland. However, the trailer must not exceed the permissible total weight (GVW) of 3.5 tonnes.

Question 8

Do I need a vignette for a motorhome?

Accepted Answer

Motorhomes with a permissible total weight of 3.5 tonnes are subject to a vignette requirement. If the permissible total weight is exceeded, the flat rate heavy vehicle tax (PSVA) must be paid.

Question 9

Which vehicles are exempt from the vignette requirement?

Accepted Answer

Not all motor vehicles are subject to a vignette requirement in Switzerland. The following motorized vehicles are exempt from the national road tax and are therefore not subject to a vignette in Switzerland:

Motor vehicles with military license plates and vehicles rented or requisitioned by the army and with civilian license plates and an M+ sticker;

Vehicles of the police, the border guard, the fire, oil and chemical brigade, ambulances and vehicles of the national road maintenance services, which are marked as such, and civil defense vehicles with blue license plates and international civil defense symbols;

Vehicles used to provide relief during disasters, fires and accidents
Explanation:. Only journeys for “direct” relief operations and joint operational exercises by domestic and foreign relief teams in the border area are tax-free. Company outings are not included;

Vehicles of intergovernmental organizations with which the Federal Council has concluded a headquarters agreement;
foreign government vehicles on official missions;
transport axles;

Vehicles without license plates on the way to official vehicle tests;

Vehicles traveling for official vehicle and driver tests;
rigid trailers, trailers and sidecars of motorcycles;

Explanation: Rigid trailers (usually unicycle trailers) are connected to the towing vehicle by at least two rigid parts. They are used exclusively for the transport of goods (VTS Art. 20 Para. 3e and example).

light semi-trailers which, according to an entry in the vehicle registration document, are entitled to tow a semi-trailer subject to the heavy vehicle tax (see section 2.3.3);

light motor vehicles with a trailer load subject to the heavy vehicle tax that exceeds 3.5 tonnes (see section 2.3.3);

Vehicles with Swiss dealer plates when traveling on working days.
Explanation: However, trips on Sundays and the following public holidays are subject to tax: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, August 1st, Christmas.

Question 10

What is the flat rate heavy vehicle tax (PSVA)?

Accepted Answer

The flat-rate heavy vehicle tax (PSVA) is a separate fee for motor vehicles whose permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeds 3.5 tonnes. A vignette is not required.

Payment for the PSVA is possible before arrival and entry via the “Via” app. But it can also take place at the border crossings.

Further information can be found on the official pages of the BAZG flat rate heavy vehicle tax PSVA.

Question 11

On which roads in Switzerland does the vignette requirement apply?

Accepted Answer

You can find an overview of all Swiss motorways and roads on which vignettes are required on the official BAZG website.

Question 12

Can there be penalties and fines for violations of vignette and toll requirements?

Accepted Answer

Driving on toll Swiss motorways without a valid vignette will result in a high fine. The fine amounts to 200CHF. In addition, you must immediately purchase a Swiss annual vignette.

Digital vignettes Switzerland

Digital vignette and toll in Switzerland

The vehicle types of the digital vignette for Switzerland

Motorcycle

Motor vehicle

Motorhomes

Note

Digital vignettes with different validity and digital route tolls

Digital vignette Switzerland online

Digital route toll Switzerland online

Route toll in Switzerland

Digital vignettes and toll in neighboring countries

FAQ

Since when has the obligation to have a vignette existed in Switzerland?

What types of vignettes are there in Switzerland?

What is the difference between an adhesive vignette and a digital vignette?

Why do I need a digital vignette in Switzerland?

How long is the digital vignette valid for?

Do I also need a vignette for a trailer?

Do caravans in Switzerland also require a vignette?

Do I need a vignette for a motorhome?

Which vehicles are exempt from the vignette requirement?

What is the flat rate heavy vehicle tax (PSVA)?

On which roads in Switzerland does the vignette requirement apply?

Can there be penalties and fines for violations of vignette and toll requirements?