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European Vignette Guide
VignettaSFN Travel provides the most comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date information on road vignettes across Europe. Whether you are planning a cross-border road trip or a daily commute through Austria, our guides help you stay compliant and avoid costly fines.
What is a Road Vignette?
A road vignette (also called a motorway sticker or toll sticker) is a prepaid permit that allows vehicles to use certain motorways and expressways in participating European countries. Unlike traditional toll booths where you pay per journey, a vignette grants access for a fixed period — typically 10 days, 2 months, or 1 year.
The vignette system is widely used across Central and Eastern Europe, with Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and several other countries operating their own schemes. Each country has its own pricing, validity periods, and rules regarding which roads require a vignette.
Important: Driving on a vignette-required road without a valid vignette can result in on-the-spot fines ranging from €50 to €500 depending on the country. Always verify requirements before crossing borders.
For a detailed explanation of all terms used in this guide, see our Glossary of Vignette Terms. Key terms on this page include: vignette, motorway, and validity period.
Countries Requiring Vignettes
The following table provides an overview of European countries that operate vignette-based toll systems as of 2025. Note that some countries use electronic vignettes (e-vignettes) while others still use physical stickers.
| Country | Type | 10-Day Price (Car) | Annual Price (Car) | Purchase Method | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria 🇦🇹 | Digital + Physical | €9.90 | €96.40 | Online, petrol stations, ASFINAG | Camera + spot checks |
| Switzerland 🇨🇭 | Physical sticker | N/A (annual only) | CHF 40 | Border, petrol stations | Spot checks |
| Czech Republic 🇨🇿 | Digital only | CZK 310 (~€12.50) | CZK 1,500 (~€60) | Online, app, petrol stations | Camera system |
| Slovakia 🇸🇰 | Digital only | €6.70 | €50 | Online, app, petrol stations | Camera system |
| Slovenia 🇸🇮 | Physical sticker | €7.50 | €110 | Border, petrol stations | Spot checks |
| Hungary 🇭🇺 | Digital only | HUF 3,000 (~€8) | HUF 42,980 (~€115) | Online, app, petrol stations | Camera system |
| Romania 🇷🇴 | Digital only | RON 28 (~€6) | RON 28–112 | Online, app | Camera system |
| Bulgaria 🇧🇬 | Digital only | BGN 15 (~€7.50) | BGN 97 (~€49) | Online, petrol stations | Camera system |
| North Macedonia 🇲🇰 | Physical sticker | €4 | €40 | Border crossings | Spot checks |
| Moldova 🇲🇩 | Physical sticker | €3 | €30 | Border crossings | Spot checks |
| Belarus 🇧🇾 | Physical sticker | €5 | €50 | Border crossings | Spot checks |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina 🇧🇦 | Physical sticker | €5 | €45 | Border crossings | Spot checks |
For detailed country-specific guides, visit our Service Area page. For pricing comparisons, see our Pricing page.
Austria Vignette Guide
Austria operates one of the most sophisticated vignette systems in Europe, managed by ASFINAG (Autobahnen- und Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-Aktiengesellschaft). Since 2023, Austria has fully transitioned to a digital vignette system, though physical stickers remain valid until their expiry date.
Austrian Motorway Network
The Austrian motorway network covers approximately 2,200 kilometres of motorways (Autobahn, prefix A) and expressways (Schnellstraße, prefix S). Not all roads require a vignette — federal roads (Bundesstraße, prefix B) and provincial roads are free of charge.
Note: Some sections of Austrian motorways have additional point-to-point tolls (Streckenmaut) for tunnels and mountain passes, such as the Brenner Motorway (A13), the Tauern Motorway (A10), and the Karawanken Tunnel. These require separate payment in addition to the vignette.
Learn more about the purchase process on our Process page and find answers to common questions in our FAQ.
Types of Vignettes Available
Austria offers several validity options to suit different travel needs. The following table shows all available options for passenger cars (category 1):
| Type | Validity | Price 2025 | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Day Vignette | 10 consecutive days | €9.90 | Short holidays, transit |
| 2-Month Vignette | 2 calendar months | €29.00 | Extended stays, summer trips |
| Annual Vignette | 1 January – 31 January (next year) | €96.40 | Regular commuters, residents |
For motorcycles, prices are approximately 50% lower. For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, a separate GO-Box system applies. See our full Services page for all vehicle categories.
How to Purchase an Austrian Vignette
There are several convenient ways to purchase your Austrian digital vignette:
- ASFINAG Online Shop — Purchase directly at shop.asfinag.at. Available 24/7, instant activation.
- ASFINAG App — Download the official app for iOS or Android. Supports multiple vehicles.
- Petrol Stations — Most major petrol stations in Austria and at border crossings sell vignettes.
- Tobacco Shops (Trafik) — Available at Austrian Trafik shops throughout the country.
- ÖAMTC/ARBÖ Offices — Austrian automobile clubs sell vignettes to members and non-members.
- Border Crossings — Available at most major border crossing points.
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the purchase process, visit our Process page.
Key Rules and Exceptions
- The vignette must be registered to the correct vehicle registration number.
- Digital vignettes are linked to the licence plate — no physical sticker needed.
- The vignette is non-transferable between vehicles.
- Rental cars may already have a vignette — always check before purchasing.
- Foreign vehicles are subject to the same rules as Austrian vehicles.
- Emergency vehicles, military vehicles, and certain diplomatic vehicles are exempt.
- Electric vehicles are subject to the same vignette requirements as petrol vehicles.
- Trailers and caravans attached to a car do not require a separate vignette.
For a full list of exceptions and special cases, see our Policies page.
Fines and Penalties
Driving on a vignette-required road without a valid vignette in Austria can result in significant penalties. ASFINAG enforcement is carried out through a combination of automatic camera systems and manual spot checks.
| Situation | Fine Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No vignette | €120 (on-the-spot) | Reduced rate for immediate payment |
| Expired vignette | €120 (on-the-spot) | Same as no vignette |
| Wrong vehicle registration | €120 (on-the-spot) | Vignette must match plate |
| Tampered vignette | Up to €3,000 | Administrative offence |
| Unpaid fine (escalated) | Up to €3,000 | Court proceedings possible |
If you believe you have received an incorrect fine, see our Complaints and Appeals section.
Key Terms on This Page
- Vignette
- A prepaid motorway permit valid for a fixed period, allowing use of toll roads without stopping at booths. See full definition: Glossary.
- ASFINAG
- Austria's motorway and expressway financing company, responsible for managing and enforcing the vignette system. See: Glossary.
- Streckenmaut
- Point-to-point toll charged on specific Austrian motorway sections in addition to the vignette. See: Glossary.
- GO-Box
- Electronic device required for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes on Austrian motorways, replacing the vignette system for heavy vehicles. See: Glossary.
Why Choose VignettaSFN Travel?
Up-to-Date
Prices and rules are reviewed and updated regularly. Our team monitors official announcements for any changes.
Comprehensive Coverage
We cover all major vignette countries in Europe with country-specific guides, tips, and local nuances.
Practical Guidance
Beyond facts, we provide practical checklists, process guides, and real-world scenarios to help you plan confidently.
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