Are there tolls on highways in Switzerland?

Post ByAdequate Travel

Summary
Yes, there are tolls on highways in Switzerland. Discover how much these tolls cost and how you can pay them on your next trip.

Before embarking on your journey to switzerland, make sure to check the latest travel guidelines and entry requirements to ensure a smooth trip
Are there tolls on highways in Switzerland?

Yes, Switzerland has a well-developed system of tolls on its highways. These tolls are primarily collected through the use of vignettes, which are stickers affixed to vehicles that grant access to the national road network.

1. Vignettes:

The national highway vignette is a mandatory toll sticker that must be displayed on all vehicles using Swiss motorways and expressways. It is valid for a calendar year and can be purchased at various locations, such as customs offices, petrol stations, post offices, and online. The cost of the vignette is fixed and the same for all vehicle types.

Example: If you plan to drive through Switzerland for a year, you will need to purchase a vignette and display it on your vehicle's windshield.

2. Exemptions:

Motorcycles and certain other categories of vehicles, such as trailers and historic cars, are not required to display a vignette. However, motorcycles may still have to pay for other infrastructure-related tolls, such as the Gotthard Road Tunnel and Grand St. Bernard Tunnel.

Example: If you are traveling through Switzerland on a motorcycle, you may not need a vignette, but you might have to pay tolls for specific tunnels.

3. Penalties:

Driving on Swiss motorways without a valid vignette can result in fines or penalties. The fines can be substantial, so it is crucial to ensure that the vignette is properly affixed and displayed throughout the journey.

Example: If you fail to display a vignette on your vehicle while driving on Swiss highways, you may be fined according to Swiss traffic regulations.

4. Additional Tolls:

In addition to the national highway vignette, there are also separate tolls for some tunnels, bridges, and mountain passes in Switzerland. These additional tolls are generally payable separately and not covered by the vignette.

Example: If you plan to take a route that includes tolled tunnels or bridges, you may have to pay separate fees in addition to the cost of the vignette.

Overall, it is important to adhere to the Swiss toll regulations and ensure that the necessary vignettes and additional tolls are obtained and displayed correctly when driving on the highways of Switzerland.

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