What is a vignette and where do they apply?

One item that drivers will need for certain European nations is a vignette.

Although they can differ in different countries, they are something that should be organised by the owner of the vehicle.

This guide gives you all you need to know about vignettes.

A vignette is a type of road tax or system of paying toll roads in several countries across the world, including Europe.

It requires drivers to purchase and display a sticker or an electronic equivalent on their vehicle to use certain roads or highways.

The vignette system is often considered more efficient than toll booths because it reduces traffic congestion and allows for smoother travel on motorways and major road networks.

It also simplifies the payment process for frequent travellers in Europe who use the roads regularly.

Across Europe there are various vignettes that drivers will need to purchase. Make sure to check with local authorities before setting off on your next holiday.

They can be purchased for certain periods of time up to a year.

They are used to generate revenue for the country to maintain road infrastructure.

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There are two types of vignettes – physical or electronic.

The physical one is a sticker that is attached to the windscreen, and the electronic one is a tag that it attached to the vehicle or is linked to the vehicle’s licence plate that is then recognised by cameras at certain tolls or points on a motorway.

Drivers can purchase the physical option at border crossings, petrol stations or online. There are also some available in certain supermarkets.

For the electronic version, they will need to be purchased online or through an app.

Make sure to keep them in date, as not purchasing one or having an expired vignette can lead to large fines and more serious consequences for your trip.

If you are taking a European road trip, then make sure you have the necessary vignettes for your journey.

This is because there are several countries across the continent that use vignettes.

Here are the countries in Europe that use vignettes:

• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Portugal
• Norway
• Denmark
• Sweden
• Bulgaria
• Hungary
• Austria
• Switzerland
• Czech Republic
• Moldova
• Romania
• Slovenia
• Slovakia

If you are using a truck or heavy goods vehicle, then you will need a vignette for travelling in Latvia and Lithuania.

There are many official websites where you can purchase your vignettes ahead of your trip across Europe.

If you are driving in multiple countries, then there are options where you can purchase ones that are used across borders in Europe. Please check all details with the provider before purchasing.

Double check that your vignette is in date and has the correct information before setting off, as it could result in fines, delayed journey, or police involvement.

If you are using an electronic vignette, then make sure that your registration plate is clear – as this is how most of them recognise if you have paid or not.

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Unlike many of its neighbours, Germany does not have a vignette in place for drivers on the Autobahn, motorways, or major roads.

However, this has been discussed by Government officials, and is set to be a topic of discussion for years to come.

Germany does have toll roads, and drivers will also need to be aware of emissions stickers before they set off to the country.

In Switzerland, the road tax vignette – known as the Autobahnvignette – is a legal requirement for all motor vehicles using Swiss motorways and some major roads.

It must be attached to the windscreen and is valid for a calendar year.

The vignette can be purchased at border crossings, toll booths, petrol stations and post offices.

If you pre-order your vignette, it will cost €52.95 and will be delivered by post.

Not having it attached to your vehicle will lead to you receiving a fine.

The Swiss also have an emissions vignette.

The French also have an emissions vignette called Crit’Air.

It covers major city centres including Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, Lille, Strasbourg, and Toulouse.

These must be purchased online from the French Government and displayed on your vehicle when entering these areas.

The French Government have made it clear that foreign vehicles also need the Crit'Air vignette when driving in designated areas, as well as residents.

The Crit'Air vignette is an air quality certificate that categorises vehicles based on their emissions. It ranges from Crit'Air 1 (cleanest) to Crit'Air 6 (most polluting).

Electric and hydrogen vehicles are in Category 0, which is a green sticker.

In Austria, there is a motorway vignette toll sticker that is required for vehicles using the country's many motorways. Drivers will need to sign up to the digital vignette, using the vehicle’s license plate and other relevant travel details. The sticker is then attached to the windscreen.

The 2024 prices are below:

• 10-Day Vignette: €11.50
• 2-Month Vignette: €28.90
• Annual Vignette: €96.40 (Valid from December of the previous year to January of the following year – 14 months in total)

If drivers have not purchased them before arrival, they can be acquired at border crossings, petrol stations, and at some post offices across Austria.

Driving on motorways without a valid vignette can result in hefty fines. Enforcement is conducted via roadside checks and cameras that scan license plates.