Switzerland lies on the main routes from Central Europe to Italy and France – whether you are heading for the Alps, the Italian lakes or the Mediterranean, you will most likely use Swiss motorways.

To drive on Swiss motorways and expressways subject to the vignette requirement, you need a valid motorway vignette. In Switzerland, you can choose between a traditional adhesive vignette and an electronic motorway vignette (e-vignette), which has been available since August 2023. The electronic vignette is linked to the vehicle's licence plate number, so you do not need to stick anything on the windscreen.

Price of the Swiss vignette

Which vehicles require a Swiss vignette?

Motor vehicles – passenger cars, vans, motorhomes and minibuses up to 3.5 tonnes.
Motorcycles – require their own motorway vignette.
Trailers and towed caravans up to 3.5 tonnes – each requires its own motorway vignette. Trailers towed by motorcycles are exempt.
Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes – are subject to a special heavy vehicle charge (PSVA or LSVA, depending on the vehicle type).

Where is the Swiss vignette required?

The Swiss motorway vignette is required on motorways and expressways subject to the vignette requirement, generally marked by green directional signs. The main routes include:

A1 – Geneva – Lausanne – Bern – Zurich – St. Gallen
A2 – Basel – Lucerne – Gotthard road tunnel – Chiasso (Italian border)
A13 – St. Margrethen – Chur – San Bernardino tunnel – Bellinzona
A9 – Vallorbe – Lausanne – Montreux – Sion

The Gotthard and San Bernardino tunnels are covered by the motorway vignette. Separate fees apply to the Great St Bernard and Munt la Schera tunnels and to car train services. When entering via the Basel/St. Louis, Rheinfelden and Kreuzlingen border crossings, you can drive without a motorway vignette only as far as the first exit.

What should you check before travelling to Switzerland?

Traffic rules in Switzerland are strictly enforced and fines are high. Before departure, check that your vehicle carries the required equipment and that you know the local rules.

In Switzerland, the following applies:

a warning triangle is mandatory and must be within easy reach
headlights (dipped beam or daytime running lights) must be on at all times, including during the day
a first aid kit and a reflective vest are not mandatory, but strongly recommended
Winter tyres are not mandatory, but the vehicle must be suitable for winter conditions. Snow chains are mandatory where required by road signs.
Radar detectors and devices or apps that warn drivers about police speed checks are prohibited.

Driving without a valid motorway vignette carries a fine of CHF 200, and you must also purchase a vignette.

Practical information for travelling in Switzerland

Switzerland only has an annual vignette – there are no daily, weekly or monthly ones. Each vignette is valid for 14 months, from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year.
The Swiss motorway vignette for the following year can be purchased from 1 December at the earliest. Its validity also begins on this date and lasts until 31 January of the year after next.
Switzerland is not in the EU – carry your passport or ID card and observe the customs allowances when crossing the border.

Speed limits:

120 km/h on motorways
100 km/h on expressways, 80 km/h outside built-up areas
50 km/h in built-up areas

Vehicles towing a trailer are limited to 80 km/h on motorways and expressways. A speed of up to 100 km/h is permitted if the trailer and towing vehicle meet the relevant requirements (the trailer's maximum authorised mass does not exceed 3.5 tonnes, and the trailer, towing vehicle and tyres are suitable for this speed). Speeding is punished very strictly in Switzerland – even minor violations can result in a fine, while serious offences may lead to criminal prosecution.

The values shown are general maximum speed limits. If road signs indicate a lower speed, the local restriction always applies.