Digital vignette Croatia 2026 – Introduction postponed
Digital vignette Croatia 2026: Introduction postponed until next year
The planned introduction of the digital vignette Croatia 2026 has been delayed – drivers and holidaymakers will continue to have to deal with the existing toll system. The switch to an electronic toll system was originally planned for 2025. Now the Croatian Ministry of Transport has announced that the full implementation will not take place until 2026. What does this mean for travelers, and what specific changes can be expected?
Reasons for postponing the introduction of the digital vignette in Croatia to 2026
Delays in the tender process:
The international tender for the new toll system was launched in February 2023. Analyzing the submitted bids took longer than originally planned.
Technical and infrastructural challenges:
The implementation of a modern, barrier-free toll system requires extensive technical adaptations, including the installation of cameras and sensors for automatic license plate recognition.
Financing aspects:
The cost of implementing the new system is estimated at around €100 million. A large portion of this sum will be financed through European grants from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Current toll system: In operation until 2026
Croatia currently uses a distance-based toll system with toll booths. Drivers take a ticket upon entering the motorway and pay upon exit based on the distance traveled and vehicle class. This system leads to long wait times and traffic congestion at toll booths, especially during the holiday season.
Goal of the digital vignette Croatia 2026
The E-Vignette Croatia 2026 is intended to solve these problems and enable a more digital, smoother traffic flow. Instead of barriers and tickets, license plates will be automatically scanned by camera – as is already practiced in Austria and Slovenia, for example.
Advantages:
– Less traffic at critical points
– No more stopping at toll stations
– Purchase Croatia e-vignettes online before departure
How the new Croatia e-vignette will work
The planned system is based on a camera-based free-flow principle. Its key features:
– Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
– Electronic comparison with a central database
– Monitoring by mobile and stationary systems
Anyone traveling on toll roads must have a valid digital vignette. The check is done automatically, and violations can result in hefty fines.
These vignette products are conceivable from 2026
The digital vignette Croatia 2026 is expected to be offered in several versions, tailored to different travel durations and needs:
| Vignette type | Validity | Target group |
|---|---|---|
| Day Vignette | 24 hours | Short trips, transit travelers |
| 7-day vignette | 1 week | Vacationers |
| 30-day vignette | 1 month | Longer stay |
| Annual vignette | 12 months | Frequent drivers, commuters |
Depending on the type of vehicle (car, motorcycle, motorhome, truck) there will probably be different prices.
What vacationers should know now
The digital vignette Croatia 2026 is expected to be offered in several versions, tailored to different travel durations and needs:
– Check current toll prices
– Allow sufficient time for toll stations
– Have cash or a credit card ready
Starting in 2026, travelers will benefit from greater convenience, faster travel, and easier booking. The digital Croatia vignette will be available from tollscout® starting in 2026.
