When you go on holiday to Switzerland, you are obliged to stick a vignette. renting a car. A motorway vignette is a toll sticker that you should affix to your car's windscreen. With such a vignette, you automatically pay tolls for all motorways. There are a number of important factors to consider when purchasing one. For example, where you need to stick the vignette for Switzerland is more important than you might think. In this blog, we will go into more detail on the most important aspects regarding sticking this vignette.
You must stick a vignette in Switzerland because it is a toll sticker for the use of motorways and expressways.
A vignette is proof that you have paid road tax for your vehicle. The vignette is mandatory in Switzerland for all vehicles weighing up to 3,500 kg. You must also purchase a vignette for your trailer or caravan in Switzerland. It is compulsory to have a valid vignette on all national motorways. These are valid for a calendar year from the date of purchase. You can obtain a vignette in both the Netherlands and Switzerland. In the Netherlands, for example, they are available from the ANWB. It must be possible at all times to demonstrate that it is a genuine vignette, which is why it is important to keep your proof of purchase. In Switzerland, you can obtain them at the border, post offices, and petrol stations, among other places.
What happens if you don't have a vignette displayed?
As well as being required to purchase a vignette, you must also affix it correctly. If this is not the case, you can still receive a fine. The customs authorities do this to prevent the resale of vignettes or fraud. In addition to receiving a fine of approximately 200 CHF, which is about €194, you will also have to purchase a new vignette. If, for any reason, you incur windscreen damage that damages your vignette, you can report this to your insurance company or the Swiss customs authorities. You will then receive a new vignette certificate.
Where do you need to stick the Swiss vignette now?
In short, a valid vignette is compulsory in Switzerland, but where should you stick it? It is important not to stick the vignette just anywhere. In a car, you always stick the vignette on the inside of the car window. This may be at the bottom left or top left of the window. A vignette may not be stuck with tape. Damaged vignettes are declared invalid.
Even on a motorcycle, a vignette must be clearly visible. On a motorcycle, you stick the vignette on the fork, the fairing or the windscreen. For trailers without windows, a vignette must be affixed to the left-hand side. However, with your trailer or caravan, pay attention to your car doesn't pull the weight anymore which is also permitted, as this is also checked. Preferably in a place where it is not easy to steal such a vignette. Vignette stickers from previous years must always be removed.
Rent a car on holiday
Even when you are driving a car that is not your own, you must have a valid vignette in Switzerland. Where you need to stick the Swiss vignette is the same for a rental car as for your own vehicle. Nevertheless, a holiday car hire still a solution if you go to Switzerland. You can explore the country and its mountainous surroundings much more easily with a hire car than with public transport, for example.
