Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
More information about vignettes and toll passes in Europe
General
What is a vignette?
A vignette is a time-based road-use charge for vehicles, usually paid on top of any mandatory vehicle or road tax, that allows access to certain roads or motorways for a fixed validity period rather than charging per kilometre driven like traditional tolls. This system is in place in a number of European countries, particularly across Central Europe, where motorists must purchase either a sticker or a digital vignette before using specific motorway networks. The name originated with a French tax introduced in the 1950s that was not tied to motorway use and has since disappeared in France, but the term lives on across Central Europe and in Italy, where it is known as “vignetta”.
Where are vignettes needed in Europe?
Vignettes are a common way of charging for road use in European countries and are required in Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland. Traditionally this has involved sticking a coloured badge to the inside of the windscreen, but Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland and, since 2021, Slovenia have switched to electronic vignettes linked to the vehicle’s number plate. Moldova applies its vignette system to virtually all public roads, while Bulgaria and Romania require one for driving outside built-up areas. In Austria, Switzerland and most of the remaining countries, a valid vignette is only needed when using designated motorways and expressways.
How much do vignettes cost?
Annual vignettes for a standard passenger car typically falls in the region of about €30 to €150, with the exact amount set by each country. Most vignette countries sell short-term cheaper options (for example 7–10 day or monthly passes) specifically for tourists and transit traffic, but Switzerland is the exception, requiring all motorists who use its motorways to purchase the full annual vignette valid for around 14 months.
Can I get a refund for my vignette?
Due to the nature of the vignettes, being a customised product applicable to your specific vehicle for a specific period of time, as per our Terms and Conditions vignette orders are not refundable.
Should you have any issue after ordering or any questions about your order, please contact us for your available options.
As a rule, vignettes that have been misapplied, damaged or lost are treated as used and are not normally eligible for a refund.
I've changed my vehicle, can my vignette be transferred?
Rules for the transfer of vignettes between vehicles differ by country. Please refer to our country information pages for specific details or contact us if you have any further questions.
I need help, how can I contact you?
For details on how to contact us, go to our Contact Us page. We are here to assist!
Who are Euro Vignettes?
We facilitate the application process for vignettes and toll passes in various European countries. Our service includes handling data entry, documentation, translation, order administration, temporary certificates, postage and customer support. We charge a service fee for processing orders, in addition to the official vignette cost.
Do Euro Vignettes issue the vignette?
We operate as an intermediary service provider. We do not issue, authorise, or guarantee vignettes – all vignettes are issued exclusively by the relevant national or regional authorities. When you order a vignette or toll pass through our website you authorise us to purchase the relevant product from the Issuing Authority on your behalf and in your name.
What is a Eurovignette?
Our website is not affiliated with the Eruovignette scheme, which an EU framework for charging heavy goods vehicles of 12 metric tonnes and above for road use. This was originally introduced in 1993 to harmonise how member states apply time-based tolls to trucks. On this basis, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands created a joint vignette scheme in 1994, later joined by Sweden in 1997, although Germany (2017), Belgium (2019) and Denmark (2024) have since withdrawn from the common Eurovignette agreement.
As of 2026, Eurovignettes for heavy trucks (generally HGVs over 12 tonnes) are required on designated toll roads in:
- Netherlands – Eurovignette valid on motorways up to 30 June 2026; from 1 July 2026 a national distance-based truck toll replaces the vignette.
- Luxembourg – Eurovignette mandatory for eligible HGVs on all motorways and most main roads, using the common Eurovignette booking system.
- Sweden – Eurovignette required for trucks over 12 tonnes on motorways and specified national routes; Swedish-registered vehicles usually use annual vignettes.
Switzerland - e-Vignette
Can I use one e-vignette for multiple vehicles?
No, each e-vignette is linked to a specific license plate and can only be used for vehicles bearing that registration number. However, if you have Swiss interchangeable plates (where one plate can be used on multiple vehicles), a single e-vignette covers all vehicles using that plate.
Do motorcycles need a separate vignette?
Yes, motorcycles traveling on Swiss motorways must have their own vignette. The price is the same as for cars.
Do I need a vignette for my trailer or caravan?
Yes, trailers and caravans require their own separate e-vignette, even when towed by a vehicle that already has one.
What if I change my vehicle during the year?
If you keep the same license plate (possible in Switzerland with interchangeable plates), your e-vignette automatically transfers to your new vehicle. If you receive new plates with a new vehicle, you’ll need to purchase a new vignette.
How do I prove I have a valid e-vignette?
You don’t need to display any physical proof. Your license plate registration in the Swiss database serves as verification. Keep your email confirmation accessible for reference.
Is the e-vignette valid immediately after purchase?
The e-vignette becomes valid immediately after you receive an email from us with details of your registration.
Can international visitors purchase an e-vignette?
Absolutely. The e-vignette is available for vehicles registered in any country. Simply enter your country of registration and license plate number during the purchase process.
Are there vignettes for shorter periods?
No, Switzerland only offers annual vignettes valid for 14 months. Daily, weekly, and monthly options are not available.
Can I renew my vignette from last year?
No, a new vignette must be purchased each year.
What if I entered the wrong details when ordering the vignette?
Corrections are generally not possible, but please contact us for assistance.
Can I get a refund if I don't need the vignette?
No, the vignette is non-refundable.
Geneva - Stick'Air sticker
How do I get a Stick'Air sticker?
What is the Stick'Air sticker?
The Stick’Air sticker is an environmental emissions sticker required for vehicles driving in Geneva’s city center and surrounding municipalities during periods of high air pollution. Introduced in January 2020, it’s part of Geneva’s differentiated traffic scheme to improve air quality and reduce health risks from pollution. The color-coded sticker indicates your vehicle’s environmental performance category based on its fuel type and Euro emissions standard.
Where is the Stick'Air sticker required?
The Stick’Air system applies to the Geneva metropolitan area, including the City of Geneva and parts of the surrounding municipalities of Carouge, Cologny, Lancy, and Vernier. During pollution alerts, only vehicles displaying authorized Stick’Air categories are permitted to circulate in this zone between 06:00 and 22:00. The restrictions do not apply on Swiss motorways around Geneva.
What are the different Stick'Air categories?
Stick’Air stickers come in six categories, each distinguished by color:
Green (0): Electric and hydrogen vehicles (zero emissions)
Purple (1): Gas and rechargeable hybrid vehicles, petrol Euro 5 and 6 standards
Yellow (2): Petrol Euro 4, diesel Euro 5 and 6
Orange (3): Petrol Euro 2 and 3, diesel Euro 4
Burgundy/Brown (4): Diesel Euro 3
Grey (5): Diesel Euro 2
Vehicles registered before certain dates that don’t meet minimum Euro standards (Euro 2 for petrol, Euro 3 for diesel) are uncategorized and not eligible for any sticker.
How long is the Stick'Air sticker valid?
The Stick’Air sticker is valid for the entire lifetime of your vehicle, provided it remains legible and properly adhered to your windscreen. You only need to purchase it once unless you change vehicles or the sticker becomes damaged.
Can I use my French sticker in Geneva instead?
Yes. French stickers are fully recognized and accepted in Geneva, as both systems use identical requirements and equivalent numbering. If you already have a French sticker displayed on your vehicle, you do not need to purchase a separate Stick’Air sticker. However, the Swiss Stick’Air sticker is not accepted in France.
When do I need to display the Stick'Air sticker?
The Stick’Air sticker must be displayed on your windscreen whenever you drive in the designated Geneva zone during pollution alert periods. These alerts are triggered when air pollution levels exceed 50 µg/m³ for particulate matter or during ozone pollution peaks. Alert levels and current restrictions are communicated via:
Signs at entry points to the restricted zone
Local media
The R2G2/Air2G2 mobile application
Which vehicles are exempt from the Stick'Air requirement?
Certain vehicle categories are exempt from displaying Stick’Air stickers:
Vehicles with handicap permits
Bicycles, mopeds, and electric bicycles
Diplomatic and consular vehicles
Vehicles used for professional passenger transport
A grace period for adoption was granted until 30 March 2020, after which enforcement began.
What are the penalties for not having a Stick'Air sticker?
Driving in the Geneva low emission zone without a valid Stick’Air sticker (or with an unauthorized category during restrictions) can result in a fine of CHF 500 (approximately £455). Enforcement applies to all vehicles regardless of where they are registered, including UK and foreign-registered vehicles.
How do I know which Stick'Air category my vehicle needs?
Our website allows you to enter your vehicle details and automatically calculates the appropriate sticker category.
Does the Stick'Air sticker work during all pollution levels?
During pollution alerts, Geneva operates a tiered restriction system. Depending on the severity of air pollution (alert levels 1, 2, or 3), certain Stick’Air categories may be prohibited from entering the restricted zone. For example:
At alert level 2, only vehicles with Stick’Air categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 may circulate
Higher pollution levels result in stricter restrictions, potentially excluding categories 3, 4, and 5
The specific categories allowed during each alert are communicated through official channels when the restrictions are activated.
Is public transport free during pollution peaks?
Yes! When pollution levels trigger level 2 restrictions, public transport becomes temporarily free of charge throughout the entire Geneva cantonal network (zone 10). This measure encourages residents to use public transport instead of driving, helping to reduce vehicle emissions during pollution peaks.