Where should you stick the vignette for Switzerland?

If you go on holiday to Switzerland you are obliged to affix a vignette, this also applies if you have a going to rent a car. A motorway vignette is a toll sticker that you have to stick on the window of your car. With such a motorway vignette you automatically pay toll for all motorways. There are a number of important things when you are going to purchase such a vignette. An example of this is where you have to stick the vignette of Switzerland, this is more important than you would think. In this blog we will go deeper into the most important aspects regarding sticking this vignette.

Why do you need to put a vignette in Switzerland?

A vignette is proof that you have paid road tax for your vehicle. The vignette is mandatory in Switzerland for all vehicles up to a maximum of 3500 kg. You must also purchase a vignette for your trailer or caravan in Switzerland. On all national motorways it is mandatory to be in possession of a valid vignette certificate. These are valid for one calendar year upon purchase. You can obtain a vignette certificate in both the Netherlands and Switzerland itself. In the Netherlands, these are available from the ANWB, for example. It must be possible to demonstrate at all times that it is a genuine vignette and that 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 have not affixed a vignette?

In addition to the fact that it is mandatory to purchase a vignette, you also have to stick it on correctly. If this is not the case, you can still get a fine. Customs does this to prevent the resale of vignettes or fraud. In addition to getting a fine of approximately 200 CHF, which is approximately €194, you also have to buy a new vignette. If for some reason you suffer window damage, which damages your vignette, you can report this to the insurance company or the Swiss customs. You will then receive a new vignette certificate.

Where should you stick the vignette for Switzerland?

In short, a valid vignette is mandatory in Switzerland, but where should you stick it? It is important that you do not just stick the vignette anywhere. In a car, you always stick the vignette on the inside of the car window. This may be done both at the bottom left and at the top left of the window. A vignette may not be stuck on with adhesive tape. Damaged vignettes will be declared invalid.

A vignette must also be clearly visible on a motorcycle. On a motorcycle, you stick the vignette on the tine, the fairing or the windshield. On trailers without windows, a vignette must be stuck on the left side. Please note that on your trailer or caravan your car no longer pulls weight than is allowed, because that is also checked. Preferably in a place where it is not easy to steal such a vignette. Vignette certificates from previous years must always be removed.

Rent a car on holiday

Even if you drive a car other than your own, you must be in possession of a valid vignette in Switzerland. Where you must stick the vignette for Switzerland is the same for a rental car as for your own vehicle. However, a rent a holiday car still a godsend, if you go to Switzerland. You can explore the country and the mountainous surroundings much easier with a rental car than with public transport for example.