Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions regarding Swiss road tolls and vignettes. We aim to make your journey smoother and fine-free!
Driving on Swiss motorways without a valid annual vignette can result in a hefty fine. The current penalty is **CHF 200**, plus you are required to purchase the vignette on the spot. So, at a minimum, you're looking at CHF 240 (CHF 200 fine + CHF 40 for the vignette).
For **physical vignettes**, no, they are strictly non-transferable and become invalid if removed from the windscreen. They are tied to the vehicle they are originally affixed to. For **digital vignettes**, the situation is different: a digital vignette is tied to the license plate number. If you change vehicles but keep the same license plate, the digital vignette remains valid. If you change license plates, you can transfer the digital vignette to a new license plate number through an online process (e.g., via the FOCBS website), but strict conditions apply.
Most rental cars with Swiss license plates will already have a valid vignette for the current year. However, it is crucial to **always double-check with your rental agency** before driving. If you're renting a car from a neighboring country and plan to drive into Switzerland, it is highly likely you will need to purchase a vignette yourself upon entry.
The Swiss annual vignette is valid for 14 months, specifically from December 1st of the previous year until January 31st of the following year. For example, a 2024 vignette is valid from December 1st, 2023, to January 31st, 2025. There are no daily, weekly, or monthly vignettes available. You always buy the full annual vignette.
Yes, if you are towing a trailer or caravan on Swiss motorways, you need a separate vignette for the trailer/caravan in addition to the one on your towing vehicle. Each motorised vehicle and each trailer requires its own valid vignette. This applies to caravans, boat trailers, and any other type of trailer.