A guide to the 2022 Swiss motorway vignette

Where can I purchase the vignette?

Issued on 1 December 2020, the 2021 motorway vignette is available from customs offices at the Swiss border as well as post offices, motorway service stations, petrol stations and selected retail outlets. Scroll down for information on low-price deals and special offers in conjunction with the vignette.

How long is the 2021 vignette valid for?

The 2021 vignette remains valid until 31 January 2022. The 2022 sticker, which is then valid until 31 January 2023, must be displayed by 1 February 2022 at the latest.

Where and how do I affix the vignette?

In cars, the vignette must be affixed on the inside of the windscreen so that it is clearly visible from the outside. It is important that your view is not blocked. On motorcycles and trailers, the vignette must be affixed in an easily accessible place. Never attach it with adhesive tape or film so that it is easy to remove and transfer to another vehicle. If the police notice that your vignette is not correctly attached, you will be fined.

What is the fine for driving on the motorway without a vignette?

If the police stop you on the motorway and you have no vignette, you will have to pay a fine of 200 francs. You must then also purchase a valid sticker and attach it to the windscreen correctly.

What is the fine for a forged vignette?

Anyone who thinks they can get away with forging a vignette should expect to pay a severe penalty – as well as paying a fine, offenders can face up to three years in prison (article 245 of the Swiss Criminal Code).

Which vehicles need a vignette?

All motor vehicles and trailers require a vignette in order to drive on the first two categories of national roads (motorways and expressways). These include cars, motorbikes, delivery vans and all types of trailer. Vehicles subject to heavy vehicle charges do not require a vignette. The heavy vehicle charge is payable on heavy motor vehicles and trailers (gross weight of over 3.5 tonnes) used to transport goods or people. A distinction is made between the performance-related heavy vehicle charge and the lump-sum heavy vehicle large. The performance-related charge applies to vehicles that transport goods and have a gross weight of over 3.5 tonnes. The amount payable depends on the weight, emissions level and the kilometres driven in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. The lump-sum charge applies to vehicles such as motorhomes, camper vans and tractors, and is a one-time fee.

Which roads require a vignette?

In Switzerland, a vignette is not necessary for all roads. For example, in the canton of Zurich, you do not need a vignette for the Forch motorway between Zumikon and Hinwil. Here you can find a map showing which roads do and do not require a vignette.

Do I need to remove the old vignette?

Yes, you are advised to do so. The police can fine drivers if their view is obstructed by one or more vignettes. This decision rests entirely with the police – so it is better to remove old vignettes rather than take the risk.

What’s the easiest way to remove old vignettes?

The best way is to use a ceramic hob scraper. It’s even easier if you warm the sticker first using a hairdryer. Any adhesive residues can be cleaned off with nail polish remover.

If I deregister or scrap my vehicle, will I get a replacement vignette?

No, the vignette cannot usually be transferred to other vehicles. However, if you need to replace your windscreen because it was chipped by a stone, for instance, your insurance company will refund the cost of the vignette (note that the insurer will need the old vignette, or parts of it, and the invoice for the replacement windscreen).

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Where can I pay less for the motorway vignette?

Here is a list of current deals that enable you to get the motorway sticker for a better price.

Free vignette if you spend 500 francs on electrical goods

At Elektrobedarf Troller, if you make your electrical purchases for 2021 at the beginning of the year, you get your 2021 motorway sticker thrown in. If you spend at least 500 francs on electrical goods from its catalogue range, the vignette is free of charge to you. The offer is valid until 31 January 2021.

Buy copy paper and get a free vignette

Packaging specialist Prodinger is also offering a free vignette to anyone purchasing a pallet of copy paper (around 100,000 sheets) for 670 francs. That might sound like a lot of paper for home use, but it could be worth it if you work for a small company or do a lot of printing. After all, paper does not have an expiry date. Here are more details about the offer (in German only).

Pro Juventute: vignette for 50 francs – including donation

You can buy the 2021 vignette from Pro Juventute online for 50 francs. It is placed in an attractive envelope and can be given as a present. For each vignette purchased, 10 francs will be donated to Pro Juventute projects that support children. An additional 4 francs is charged for postage.

The above deals have been researched independently. Comparis does not receive any commission or other benefits from the suppliers listed.