Switzerland’s e-vignette

If you want to drive through Switzerland, you need to have it: The motorway toll sticker (vignette). It has been available in digital form since August 2023. You can find the most important questions and answers on the e-vignette in this article.

What is an e-vignette?

The e-vignette fulfills the same purpose as the classic toll sticker, just in digital form. The period of validity does not differ from the sticker vignette. Both are valid from December 1 to January 31 of the following year and are therefore valid for 14 months.

How does the new vignette work?

The Swiss e-vignette is linked to the license plate – and not to the vehicle like the usual motorway vignette is. After buying an e-vignette online, it can be saved electronically to your license plate. To register, you just need the vehicle category, registration country, and license plate number. Additional information such as name, email address, etc. are voluntary.

What are the advantages of the e-vignette?

• The digital vignette can be purchased anytime and anywhere and is valid with immediate effect.
• New car? You no longer need to buy a new vignette if you change cars.
• Those who have two vehicles with an interchangeable license plate now only need one vignette.
• And the arduous task of having to take the time to scrape off the expired vignette from the windshield is a thing of the past.
• If you accidentally buy two e-vignettes for your vehicle, it is now possible to be reimbursed.

Are there differences between the e-vignette and the sticker vignette?

The main difference between the two variants is that the sticker vignette is linked to a vehicle, whereas the e-vignette is linked to a number plate. Persons liable to pay the tax are free to choose which form they wish to purchase. Both entitle the holder to use Swiss freeways and national roads, cost CHF 40 and have the same period of validity.

Where can I buy an e-vignette?

You can buy the e-vignette in the online shop of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS). You can pay with credit card or TWINT.

What does the e-vignette cost?

The e-vignette and the sticker vignette both cost CHF 40.

How do I activate the electronic vignette?

As soon as you buy the e-vignette, you don't have to do anything else. With immediate effect until the end of its term of validity (January 31), you have unrestricted access to Swiss motorways. The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) provides comprehensive information on its website regarding the e-vignette as well as general information on the subject of the vignette (motorway toll).

How is the e-vignette checked?

The e-vignette is checked at random. At the border, the FOCBS employees check the license plate, while the police carry out the checks within Switzerland. Systems for automatic checks are not in use.

Can I renew the e-vignette automatically every year?

No, automatic renewal is not possible.

Does proof of payment have to be carried in the vehicle?

No, a receipt does not have to be carried in the vehicle.

Why should I select the “publicly viewable” option when purchasing?

When purchasing the e-vignette, select the “publicly visible” option so that you and people with whom you share a car can check whether a valid e-vignette is available for your license plate. The option for visibility can also be changed later in the Via Portal under “Tickets”, provided the Internet history has not been deleted.