Planning a road trip through Switzerland and wondering where to buy a Swiss vignette? Don’t worry, this article will tell you everything you need to know about purchasing the Swiss motorway vignette.
Where to Buy a Swiss Vignette?
You can get the Swiss motorway vignette at numerous locations, both in Switzerland and abroad. Here are some of the most common options:
- Border crossings: At most border crossings into Switzerland, you can buy the vignette directly from customs.
- Gas stations: Most gas stations in Switzerland and neighboring countries near the border offer the vignette for sale.
- Post offices: The vignette is also available at Swiss post offices.
- Online: You can conveniently purchase the vignette online on the official website of Swiss Customs.
Swiss vignette purchase at a gas station
How Much Does the Swiss Vignette Cost?
The Swiss motorway vignette is valid for one year and costs 40 Swiss francs for vehicles up to 3.5 tons. Trailers and motorhomes over 3.5 tons do not require a vignette, but are subject to a flat-rate heavy vehicle charge.
How Long is the Swiss Vignette Valid?
The Swiss motorway vignette is valid for 14 months at a time, from December 1st of the previous year to January 31st of the following year. This means that a vignette purchased in December 2023 is valid until the end of January 2025.
What Penalties Apply for Driving Without a Vignette?
Anyone caught driving on Swiss motorways without a valid vignette faces a hefty fine of 200 Swiss francs. In addition, the vignette must be purchased retroactively.
Tip from master mechanic Hans Meier: “Always keep the vignette in your vehicle, ideally behind the windshield. This way you have it ready to hand in case of a check.”
Is Buying a Swiss Vignette Worth It?
Whether buying a vignette is worthwhile for you depends on the duration and extent of your journeys on Swiss motorways. If you are planning several trips or longer distances on motorways, the vignette is usually the cheapest option.
Other Important Information
- The vignette is vehicle-specific and non-transferable.
- Damaged or illegible vignettes are not recognized.
- In addition to the vignette, tolls may be charged for the use of certain tunnels and passes.
Swiss highway with vignette on car windshield
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We hope this article has given you all the important information about buying the Swiss vignette. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our car repair experts are available around the clock!
