Swiss vignette 2026: 40 CHF, rules & tips

Content

The route through Switzerland via the Gotthard or San Bernardino passes is, for many, the fastest connection from southern and western Germany to Tuscany. You need a vignette for the Swiss motorways, costing 40 francs – there is no short-term vignette. Here are the most important rules for transit, as of 2026.

Switzerland transit at a glance

Thumbnail: 40 CHF, only available as an annual vignette; valid from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year.
Trailers and caravans need their own vignette
Without a vignette: 200 CHF bus fare plus vignette
Speed for cars: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside built-up areas, 100 km/h on expressways, 120 km/h on motorways
Light: Always drive with lights on, even during the day.
radar Detectors are prohibited

Vignette for Switzerland

Price, validity and purchase

The motorway vignette costs 40 Swiss francs and is valid for vehicles up to 3,5 tons. The 2026 vignette is valid from December 1, 2025, to January 31, 2027. It is available both as an e-vignette , which is linked to the license plate and purchased via the official portal via.admin.ch , and as a sticker vignette at petrol stations, post offices, and border crossings. Purchase the e-vignette via the official portal whenever possible – third-party vendors often charge extra. The sticker vignette must be affixed directly to the windshield; it is not valid if carried loose.

Caravans, trailers and motorhomes over 3,5 t

Unlike in Austria, in Switzerland even trailers or caravans up to 3,5 tons require their own vignette. Motorhomes over 3,5 tons do not need a vignette but pay the flat-rate heavy vehicle tax (PSVA). Anyone caught without a valid vignette will be fined 200 Swiss francs and must purchase one separately.

Traffic rules in Switzerland

vehicle.	In town	Out of town	Highway	Highway
Cars, motorhomes up to 3,5 t	50	80	100	120
Car with trailer	50	80	80	80
Motorhome over 3,5 t	50	80	100	100

Speeds in km/h, as of 2026 (Source: ADAC)

Fines (€) Speeding fines are very high in Switzerland, and serious violations are criminal offenses. There are frequent checks – it's best to allow extra travel time.
Blood alcohol level: 0,5 ‰; for new drivers with a probationary driving licence, 0,1 ‰.
Light: Dipped headlights or daytime running lights are mandatory on all roads all year round.
radar Detectors They must not be carried in a ready-to-use state; devices will be confiscated. Speed camera warnings in navigation apps are also prohibited.
To phone Driving only with a hands-free device.
Emergency lane: In case of a traffic jam, form a congestion between the left lane and the second lane from the left.
Motorhomes over 3,5 t They must carry a fire extinguisher (6 kg).
Entry: Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area; an identity card or passport is sufficient, checks are possible.

We show you which routes are worthwhile under Routes through Switzerland to Tuscany . Note: EU roaming rules do not apply in Switzerland – details under Making calls on holiday . We describe the alternative route via the Brenner Pass under Austria: Vignette and Brenner toll ; you can find the costs in Italy on our 2026 toll page.