What is a Vignette for Vehicles (Eurovignette)?

A vignette is a common form of toll payment in Europe, signifying that road tax has been paid for using motorways. It is necessary to purchase a vignette upon crossing the border if you plan to use toll roads. Traditionally, the vignette is a sticker placed on the vehicle’s windshield, though in many countries, electronic vignettes are now available.

Purpose of the Eurovignette

The Eurovignette is used as proof of road toll payment and grants permission to use national motorways and roads within a specific timeframe. It is typically required for vehicles with at least four wheels and a maximum weight of 3.5 tons. In recent years, certain exemptions have been introduced, expanding the range of vehicles that no longer need the vignette.

Where to Purchase a Vignette

The most convenient place to purchase a vignette is within the country where it is required. Buying it in the local currency can help you avoid extra fees, such as currency conversion fees and commissions.

Vignettes can be bought at certain gas stations, specialized kiosks near the border, or online in some countries.

Vignette Costs in Various Countries in 2023

The vignette is used in nine European countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. Currently, all these countries, except Switzerland, have an electronic vignette or e-vignette.

Here’s a closer look at vignette costs in different countries:

• Austria: Vignette costs €9.90, valid for 10 days. It can be purchased at fuel stations and is only required for motorway travel.
• Bulgaria: A vignette is required for all roads, except those within cities and ring roads around them. Since January 1, 2019, Bulgaria offers an electronic vignette. Cost: €4.60, valid for 3 days.
• Moldova: A vignette is required for all roads for vehicles with foreign registration. It is sold at customs posts or can be purchased online on the Ministry of Transport and Road Infrastructure website since 2017. Cost: €4, valid for 7 days.
• Romania: A vignette is needed for national roads outside cities. Vignettes can be bought at major shopping centers, Rompetrol, Petrom, and OMV gas stations, any post office, UNTRR offices, and border checkpoints. Online purchase is also available but not earlier than 30 days before the start date. Cost: €3, valid for 7 days.
• Slovakia: The vignette is required only for motorway travel. Since January 1, 2016, Slovakia has an electronic vignette. It can be bought online, at 24-hour border checkpoints, specific gas stations, or other marked sales points. Cost: €12, valid for 10 days.
• Slovenia: A vignette is required only for motorway travel. Since December 1, 2021, Slovenia has an electronic vignette. It is best to buy it at 24-hour border checkpoints immediately after crossing the border. Cost: €15, valid for 7 days.
• Hungary: A vignette is required only for motorway travel. It is recommended to purchase it in advance online or at the nearest gas station or sales point after entering Hungary. Cost: €14, valid for 10 days.
• Czech Republic: A vignette is required only for motorway travel. It can be bought at special sales points at the border or at gas stations. Since December 1, 2022, it is available online. Cost: €13, valid for 10 days.
• Switzerland: All roads require a vignette. An electronic version is planned for 2023. For now, it can be purchased at the border, by mail, at gas stations, or at the Swiss Tourist Club offices. Cost: €40, valid for one year.

Penalties for Driving Without a Vignette

In countries where vignettes are commonly used, adherence to regulations is typically enforced by the police. Officers may check for valid stickers or registration numbers on the road. If a driver is found without a vignette, they are subject to fines:

• Austria: from €120
• Bulgaria: €153
• Moldova: from €112 to €195
• Romania: €53
• Slovakia: from €140 to €700
• Slovenia: from €300 to €800
• Hungary: from €46
• Czech Republic: from €196 if paid on the spot, up to €3,925 if taken to court
• Switzerland: €180

For assistance with organizing freight transport and avoiding potential fines, companies like ETS offer support with managing international transport logistics.