General situation and legal basis: all persons driving motor vehicles or trailers on first or second-class national roads (motorways) in Switzerland are required to pay an annual fee of CHF 40. The legal basis for this is the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Charge for using National Highways (Vignette) and the Ordinance on the Charge for Using the National Highways (NHCO), amended on 16 June 2023.
The toll sticker (vignette) can be purchased in two formats:
1) Self-adhesive sticker affixed to the vehicle windshield;
2) E-vignette from the Via portal, Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS).
The main difference between the two formats is that the self-adhesive sticker is linked to the vehicle, while the e-vignette is linked to the number plate. This means that if the owner replaces their number plate, they can transfer the e-vignette to the new number plate.
The e-vignette option is convenient for people who have a set of interchangeable number plates and for those who buy a new vehicle during the year.
Permanent missions and their staff
Permanent missions and their staff are also subject to the motorway fee, which is equivalent to a toll for Switzerland's entire motorway network. The motorway tax sticker is therefore deemed to be a fee for services rendered within the meaning of the Vienna Convention of 18 April 1961 on Diplomatic Relations (cf. Art. 34, let. e).
International organisations and their staff
The service vehicles of international organisations based in Switzerland with which the Federal Council has concluded a headquarters agreement are exempt from the fee (cf. Art. 4, let. d, VignettA) in accordance with those agreements.
International civil servants are subject to the fee.
Where can I purchase a motorway tax sticker?
In Switzerland, you can buy a self-adhesive motorway tax sticker at the usual points of sale (post offices, petrol stations, garages, cantonal vehicle registration offices) and at motorway border crossings.
Abroad, you can buy one at existing points of sale.
The e-vignette can be purchased at any time online on the Via portal.
Drivers using a toll road without a vignette, whether self-adhesive or electronic, are liable to a CHF 200 fine. They will also have to pay the CHF 40 fee for a motorway sticker.