Everything You Need to Know About Vignettes in Europe
Traveling across Europe by car offers a level of freedom and flexibility that’s hard to match. However, if you’re planning to drive across multiple countries, you’ll need to be aware of the vignette system used in many European nations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about vignettes in Europe, including which countries require them, their costs, where to purchase them, and other vital details.
What is a Vignette?
A vignette is a car sticker (adhesive or digital now) that drivers must have to demonstrate they have paid the appropriate fees and taxes necessary to drive along the highways and roads in any of the countries that require them.
Instead of paying physical tolls of the distance you traveled, vignettes are a way of road pricing based on how long you will be driving.
Vignettes are used in certain EU countries that are required for driving along specific roads, like motorways and autobahns. If you choose to drive in or through the specific countries without a vignette, you risk paying additional fines or fees.
How to Purchase
There are quite a few ways to purchase vignettes depending on your preference.
Online Purchase
Most countries offer online purchase options for digital vignettes. Personally, I think this is the most convenient method, as you can buy and register the vignette before your trip with one less thing to worry about.
Websites like ASFINAG for Austria, the National Toll Payment Services in Hungary, and others provide straightforward platforms for purchasing.
Gas Stations and Border Crossings
Vignettes can be purchased at various points along your journey, including gas stations, post offices, and border crossings. Look for signs indicating vignette sales or ask at the counter. It’s a good idea to have local currency on hand, although credit cards are widely accepted.
Sometimes they can be a bit more at these gas stations since it’s a last minute purchase.
Authorized Retailers
In addition to gas stations and post offices, some countries have authorized retailers where you can buy vignettes. These might include convenience stores and other shops near the border or in major cities.
Countries That Require Vignettes
The countries that require a vignette are Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Here are all the details for each country, such as price, how and where to buy, and a few more pieces of information.
Austria
For an Austria vignette, you can purchase the adhesive sticker or the digital online prior to your trip. Austria started the e-vignettes in 2018, and it’s linked to the license plate you will be using either on the rental or your own car.
If you choose the adhesive sticker, you can stop at any gas stations or border crossings to purchase.
- 1 Day – €8.60 cars | €3.40 motorcycle
- 10 Days – €11.50 cars | €4.60 motorcycle
- 2 Months – €28.90 cars | €11.50 motorcycle
- Annual – €96.40 cars | €38.50 motorcycle
Website: ASFINAG
Bulgaria
Bulgaria started digital vignettes in 2019 and have a variety of length options. A weekend vignette is for vehicles less than 3.5 tons and the vignette starts Friday at 12:00 until Sunday at 23:59 for the specific weekend you purchase.
- Weekend – 9 BGN | ~€5.00
- 1 Week – 13 BGN | ~€7.00
- 1 Month – 23 BGN | ~€12.00
- 3 Months – 48 BGN | ~€25.00
- Annual – 87 BGN | ~€45.00
Czech Republic
One thing the Czech Republic does for vignettes is base the price off of your fuel system. If you have standard fuel, you will pay the max amount compared to if you have an electric car, then you may pay nothing.
If you are found driving on the toll roads without a valid electronic vignette, you may face up to a fine of CZK 20,000 (~€800)!
They also may fine someone if they abuse the exemptions offered and are caught. The police perform checks on the toll roads, at rest stops or in parking lots by scanning the license plate with cameras.
Here are the prices for standard fuel:
- 1 Day – CZK 200 | ~€8.00
- 10 Days – CZK 270 | ~€11.00
- 30 Days – CZK 430 | ~€18.00
- Annual – CZK 2,300 | ~€92.00
Website: eDalnice
Hungary
Hungary bases their vignette prices off of different vehicle categories depending on size and technical specifications. Motorcycles and the standard car that can fit up to 7 persons are in category D1.
Here are the prices for the vehicle category of D1:
- Daily – HUF 5,150 | ~€ 13.00
- 10 Days (Weekly) – HUF 6,400 | ~€16.00
- Monthly – HUF 10,360 | ~€26.00
- Annual – HUF 57,260 | ~€144.00
Website: Nemzeti
Moldova
Like many of the other countries, you may purchase the e-vignette online prior to your trip and input the date to start, or purchase it from agencies, border crossing point, gas stations, or shopping centers.
- 7 Days – €4.00
- 15 Days – €8.00
- 30 Days – €16.00
- 90 Days – €45.00
- 180 Days – €85.00
- >180 Days – €180.00
Website: e-Vinieta
Romania
While visiting Romania, in addition to the road tax vignette, you will also need to pay for the Fetești Bridge toll if you plan on crossing the bridge.
You can either purchase 1 pass (13 lei), 2 passes (26 lei), or 20 passes (208 lei) on the website where you purchase your e-vignette. If you’re unsure if you will be crossing the bridge, you can pay with cash at the crossing point.
Here are the prices for the cars for the e-vignette:
- 1 Day – 12.44 lei | €2.50
- 10 Days – 16.42 lei | €3.30
- 30 Days – 26.38 lei | €5.30
- 60 Days – 41.8 lei | €8.40
- 12 Months – 139.34 lei | €28.00
Website: Rovinieta
Slovakia
Slovakia started using e-vignettes in 2015 for vehicles up to 3.5 tons, and it is the fastest and easiest way to obtain a vignette for your trip. The website offers a current list of point of sales and self serve devices here.
- 10 Days – €12.00
- 30 Days – €17.00
- 365 Days – €60.00
- 1 Year (Calendar Year) – €60.00
Website: Eznamka
Slovenia
An e-vignette is required for driving on all motorways and expressways operated by DARS. Slovenia also offers a 6 month vignette for motorcycles only. For purchasing your e-vignette, the options for paying are debit and credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfer.
Keep in mind that the validity start date for individual e-vignettes can be set up to 30 days from the date of purchase.
- Weekly – €16.00
- Monthly – €32.00
- Yearly – €117.50
Website: E-Vinjeta
Switzerland
The Switzerland vignette is bound to the calendar year and valid from 1 December of the previous year until January 31 of the following year (14 months).
- Annual – CHF 40 | ~€41
Website: Via Portal
Tips for Vignette Use
There are quite a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip and the use of vignettes.
Check Validity
Always check the validity period of your vignette. Some vignettes allow you to specify the start date, which can be helpful for planning. And also make sure you pay attention to what time frame you purchase for, such as 7 or 10 days versus a couple months.
Keep Records
Always keep a record of purchase. If you purchase a digital vignette, keep a copy of the receipt or confirmation email in case you need to prove payment. There can always be a mishap with technology, even in this decade.
Plan Ahead
Plan ahead! Especially during peak travel seasons, plan ahead and purchase your vignettes in advance to avoid long lines at border crossings and gas stations.
If you’re traveling across multiple countries requiring vignettes, plan your purchases in advance to avoid any hassle. This is another reason why it’s more convenient to purchase them digitally in advance.
Avoid Penalties
Driving without a valid vignette can result in hefty fines. Each country has its own fine structure, and penalties can be issued on the spot or through automated systems.
This is also important to note if you have a rental car. If you plan on crossing any borders that require a vignette, make sure to reach out to your rental company prior to first let them know you plan on crossing borders, as well as if they provide a vignette in the rental or not.
Displaying the Vignette
For countries still using physical stickers, make sure to place them on the windshield in the specified location to avoid fines. Digital vignettes are linked to your license plate, so there’s no need for a physical display.
Navigating the vignette system in Europe might seem daunting at first, but with a little preparation, it’s a straightforward process. Ensuring you have the correct vignettes for each country you plan to visit will help you avoid fines and enjoy a smoother journey. Whether you’re exploring the Alps in Austria, the historical cities of the Czech Republic, or the scenic routes of Switzerland, being well-informed about vignette requirements will allow you to focus on the adventure and not on administrative details. Safe travels!
