The car vignette is valid in 9 European countries and in Lithuania and Latvia for cars whose weight exceeds 3001 kilograms. A vignette is a toll that is charged to drivers for a certain period of time before crossing the border. We recommend that you find out in which countries drivers traveling by car must have a vignette and where they can be purchased, how much they cost and what fines may be imposed for not having a vignette.
What are vignettes for passenger cars in Europe?
Previously, a vignette was a paper sticker that had to be stuck to the inside of a car’s windshield. Before entering the toll road, you must enter the vehicle number from the sticker. Instructions on how to attach the vignette are always on the back. Electronic illustrations are now present in most countries where such systems operate. After paying the toll, the car owner can legally use an expressway or expressway within the borders of the same country. Each country independently determines the validity period of vignettes.
In which European countries is the vignette used and how much does it cost in 2024?
Vignettes are used in 9 European countries and have the following value:
- Austria (1 day – 8.60 euros);
- Bulgaria (3 days – 4.6 euros);
- Hungary (10 days – 15 euros);
- Moldova (7 days – 4 euros);
- Romania (7 days – 3 euros);
- Slovakia (10 days – 12 euros);
- Slovenia (7 days – 15 euros);
- Czech Republic (10 days – 13 euros);
- Switzerland (1 year – 41 euros).
In all countries, an electronic vignette called an e-vignette is used . In this case, a paper sticker is not issued, and the presence of payment is recorded in the database. A check is issued to the driver if such a vignette is purchased at a gas station, or an SMS is sent when purchasing via the Internet. Control is carried out with the help of surveillance cameras and road inspection points.
In which countries are cars not required to have vignettes?
In other European countries, there are also toll roads, the amount of payment for the use of which will depend on the mileage traveled. It is worth remembering that the amount may differ depending on the country of residence.
In 14 European countries, drivers of passenger cars ( up to 3.5 tons ) can drive free of charge on highways and expressways (with some exceptions):
- Belgium (with the exception of the passage through the tunnel connecting Liefkenshoek with Antwerp);
- Montenegro (with the exception of passing through the Sozina tunnel on the Podgorica-Bar route and A-1 Bar-Boljare highway );
- Denmark (except the crossing of the Storebaelt and Oresund bridges );
- The Netherlands (with the exception of tolls for the Kiel and Westerschelde tunnels );
- Liechtenstein;
- Lithuania;
- Luxembourg;
- Germany;
- Sweden (except for tolls across the Oresund and Svinesund bridges );
- Ukraine;
- Monaco;
- Finland;
- Estonia;
- Great Britain (excluding journeys over numerous bridges and tunnels).
Where is the best place to buy a vignette in Europe?
You can buy vignettes:
- at the gas station;
- in special kiosks located near the borders;
- post offices;
- in Internet
What is the penalty in Europe for not having a vignette?
When traveling on a toll road and without a vignette, car owners can receive a substantial fine , depending on the country of residence:
- Austria – from 120 euros;
- Bulgaria – 300 BGN;
- Hungary – HUF 15,460 (up to 60 days), HUF 61,820 (more than 60 days);
- Romania – 4,500 RON;
- Slovakia – from 60 euros;
- Slovenia – 300-800 euros;
- Switzerland – 180 euros;
- Czech Republic – 20,000 CZK etc.