Why do you need a Swiss vignette?

Established since August 1, 2023, the Swiss vignette is a mandatory requirement for any motor vehicle using the Swiss highway network. Managed by the Federal Office of Customs and Border Security, it helps finance the maintenance of the Swiss road network and avoids a toll system at each highway entrance or exit. Without a sticker, access to the affected roads is prohibited, and frequent checks are carried out by the OFDF.

All vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons (GVW) are concerned:

• 🚗 Cars and SUVs
• 🏍️ Motorcycles and scooters
• 🚐 Motorhomes and caravans
• 🚛 Trailers (an additional vignette is required)

Heavy goods vehicles (+3500 kg) are not subject to the e-vignette but must pay a specific fee directly to the OFDF.

Unlike other European countries like Austria or Hungary, the Swiss vignette is valid for 14 months (from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year). It is better to buy it in advance to avoid any inconvenience at the border or on the road!

Which highways are affected and which roads are exempt from the Swiss highway vignette?

The Swiss e-vignette is mandatory for traveling on the highways and semi-highways marked in green, which cover the entire country. This includes major routes connecting the major Swiss cities:

• A1 : Connects Geneva – Lausanne – Bern – Zurich – St. Gallen (main east-west axis).
• A2 : Connects Basel – Lucerne – Lugano – Chiasso (north-south link to Italy).
• A3 : Connects Basel – Zurich – Chur (access to the eastern Alps).
• A4 : Connects Zurich – Lucerne – Zug.
• A9 : Connects Lausanne – Sion – Brig (access to Valais).
• A12 : Connects Bern – Fribourg – Vevey.

Urban expressways, such as the Geneva highway ramp (A1) or the Basel ramp (A2/A3), also require a valid vignette.

Exempt roads

Some national, departmental, and regional roads do not require a vignette. These routes allow access to cities and villages without using the main highways. For example:

• National road 1 : Connects Geneva – Lausanne without using the A1.
• Simplon Road (N9) : Alternative to the A9 to reach Italy.
• Gotthard Road : Allows you to avoid the A2 to cross the Alps via the Gotthard Pass.

Special cases: tunnels and mountain passes

• 🚧 Grand-Saint-Bernard Tunnel and Munt la Schera Tunnel: Not covered, but subject to a specific fee (see prices further in the article)
• 🏔 Alpine passes like Grimsel Pass, Nufenen Pass, or Susten Pass: Generally exempt, but some may be subject to seasonal crossing fees.

Swiss Vignette 2025 for highways and semi-highways: price and validity

The price of the Swiss vignette 2025 is set at 40 Swiss francs (CHF), or about 42 €, depending on the current exchange rate. This rate is the same for both the sticker vignette and the electronic vignette. Be aware of additional fees that may be charged by some resellers or when purchasing online with currency conversion.

How long is the sticker valid?

The Swiss vignette has a unique validity of 14 months:

• From December 1 of the previous year (2024)
• Until January 31 of the following year (2026)

It thus covers the entire calendar year 2025 and offers a flexibility period for frequent travelers.

Physical vignette vs e-vignette: what are the differences?

Since 2023, drivers have the choice between the sticker (to be affixed to the windshield) and the electronic vignette (linked to the license plate). The e-vignette, available on the official OFDF portal, facilitates the purchase and management of vignettes, especially for vehicles with interchangeable plates.

Transport of accompanied automobiles (Car ferry)

Simplon Tunnel (Switzerland – Italy)

Lötschberg Tunnel

Furka car ferry

More information on alpine passes in Switzerland: alpen-paesse.ch

Prices may vary depending on the season and the days of the week. Be sure to check the prices before your trip!

Provisions regarding tolls for vehicles over 3.5 t

In Switzerland, vehicles over 3.5 tons are not subject to the Swiss e-vignette, but to two road traffic charge systems:

Data on heavy goods vehicle traffic linked to services (RPLP)

The RPLP (Heavy Goods Vehicle Charge Linked to Services) is a toll based on the distance traveled. It applies to trucks and vehicles transporting goods.

The rate depends on three criteria:

• Total weight of the vehicle
• Emission class
• Distance traveled

Flat-rate charge on heavy goods vehicle traffic (RPLF)

The RPLF (Flat-rate Charge on Heavy Goods Vehicle Traffic) concerns:

• 🚐 Heavy motorhomes
• 🚍 Buses and coaches
• 🚛 Road tractors and similar vehicles

Unlike the RPLP, this toll is fixed and does not depend on the distance traveled.

Where to buy the Swiss vignette? (Online or on-site?)

Available sales points

The Swiss vignette 2025 is available at several locations:

• Physically : at service stations, post offices, and customs offices located at borders. You will find the list of sales points on BAZG.
• Online shop : on the official OFDF website, via specialized platforms like eVignette or other authorized shops.

Online purchase is recommended to avoid queues and benefit from quick delivery directly to your email address.

Why choose eVignette?

• Simplicity : Secure ordering in just a few clicks with credit card payment.
• Time-saving : No need to travel, the e-vignette is activated remotely.
• Reliability : Secure platform to buy without hidden fees.

How to properly stick your Swiss vignette?

The location of the adhesive vignette is regulated and must be visible from outside the vehicle. For cars and motorhomes, it must be stuck:

• ✅ Inside the windshield
• ✅ At the top left or behind the interior rearview mirror
• ✅ On a clean and unobstructed surface (not on tinted glass!)

For motorcycles and caravans, it must be affixed to a fixed, clearly visible, and non-interchangeable part.

What to do in case of windshield breakage?

If your windshield is replaced, the vignette cannot be transferred. You must buy a new one. In some cases, Swiss customs (OFDF) may reimburse or replace it if you present:

• The old vignette (even if damaged)
• An invoice for the windshield replacement

3 tips for removing an old vignette cleanly

1. Use a razor blade or scraper to avoid sticky residues.
2. Lightly heat the vignette with a hairdryer to facilitate its removal.
3. Clean the surface with alcohol or white vinegar before applying the new vignette.

Everything you need to know about the electronic vignette and tolls in Switzerland