Frequently Asked Questions & Glossary

A vignette is a time-based permit that allows unlimited use of a road network for a fixed period (e.g., 10 days, 2 months, or 1 year). A toll is a per-journey or per-distance charge, typically collected at toll booths or via electronic systems. Some countries use both systems simultaneously — for example, Austria requires a vignette for general motorway use but also charges separate tolls on specific mountain passes and tunnels.

As of 2025, the following countries require a vignette for passenger cars on motorways: Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Moldova, Belarus, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Note that requirements may change — always verify before travel. See our Service Area page for country-specific details.

Yes. In most vignette countries, the requirement applies to all vehicles using the motorway network, regardless of whether you are transiting or staying. Even a brief use of a motorway section requires a valid vignette. The only exception is if you can demonstrably avoid all motorway roads during your transit, which is often impractical.

In Austria and most other vignette countries, electric vehicles are subject to the same vignette requirements as petrol or diesel vehicles. There are no exemptions for EVs in the Austrian system. Some countries may offer discounts, but this varies — check the specific country's regulations before travel.

Driving on a vignette-required road without a valid vignette is an administrative offence. In Austria, you face an on-the-spot fine of €120 (reduced from the maximum of €3,000 for immediate payment). Fines are enforced through automatic camera systems and manual checks. Foreign vehicles are not exempt. See our Policies page for more details on enforcement and appeals.

No. Each country's vignette is valid only within that country's motorway network. If you are travelling through multiple vignette countries, you need a separate valid vignette for each country. Plan your route in advance and purchase all required vignettes before or at the start of your journey.

Yes, motorcycles are subject to vignette requirements in Austria and most other vignette countries. However, the prices are typically lower — in Austria, motorcycle vignettes cost approximately 50% less than car vignettes. The validity periods and purchase methods are the same as for cars.

Many rental cars in Austria and Switzerland already have a valid vignette included in the rental price. However, this is not guaranteed — always check with your rental company before picking up the vehicle. If the rental car does not have a vignette and you drive on a motorway, you are responsible for the fine, not the rental company.

A physical vignette is a sticker that must be affixed to the inside of the vehicle's windscreen. A digital vignette (e-vignette) is linked to the vehicle's licence plate number in a database — no sticker is required. Austria has fully transitioned to digital vignettes, meaning you purchase online or at a petrol station, and the system records your plate number. Enforcement cameras check plates against the database.

For Austrian digital vignettes, you can purchase up to 18 days in advance of the desired start date. The start date can be set to a future date, which is useful if you are planning a trip and want to ensure you have the vignette ready. Annual vignettes for the following year typically go on sale in December.

For digital vignettes, your purchase is recorded in the ASFINAG database and linked to your licence plate. You can retrieve your purchase confirmation by logging into your ASFINAG account or contacting ASFINAG customer service. Keep your purchase email as a backup reference.

Yes. Federal roads (Bundesstraße, prefix B) and provincial roads do not require a vignette. Only motorways (Autobahn, prefix A) and expressways (Schnellstraße, prefix S) require a vignette. However, some of these roads also have additional point-to-point tolls (Streckenmaut) for specific sections. See our Service Area page for a list of Streckenmaut routes.

Austrian vignettes can be purchased: online at the ASFINAG website (shop.asfinag.at), via the ASFINAG mobile app, at petrol stations throughout Austria and at border crossings, at Austrian Trafik shops, at ÖAMTC and ARBÖ offices, and at some post offices. For the most convenient experience, purchase online before your trip.

Yes, vignettes are available at most major border crossing points. However, queues can be long during peak travel periods. It is strongly recommended to purchase online in advance to avoid delays. Note that some smaller border crossings may not have vignette sales facilities.

To purchase an Austrian digital vignette, you need: your vehicle's licence plate number (including country code), the country of registration, the vehicle category (car, motorcycle, etc.), your desired start date, and a valid payment method (credit/debit card or PayPal). No account registration is required for a single purchase.

The 10-day vignette is valid for 10 consecutive calendar days starting from the date you specify at purchase. You can set the start date to today or up to 18 days in the future. The vignette expires at midnight on the 10th day. For example, if you set the start date to 15 June, the vignette is valid from 15 June through 24 June (inclusive).

The Austrian annual vignette is valid from 1 December of the previous year through 31 January of the following year — a total of approximately 14 months. For example, the 2025 annual vignette is valid from 1 December 2024 through 31 January 2026. This overlap period allows drivers to purchase next year's vignette in advance.

ASFINAG uses a network of automatic licence plate recognition cameras installed on motorways throughout Austria. These cameras read licence plates and check them against the vignette database in real time. Vehicles without a valid vignette are flagged, and enforcement officers may intercept them at the next opportunity. Additionally, police conduct manual spot checks at various locations.

Yes. Foreign vehicles are subject to the same vignette requirements as Austrian vehicles. ASFINAG can issue fines to foreign-registered vehicles. In some cases, fines may be collected on the spot from foreign drivers. Unpaid fines can be pursued through international debt collection procedures.

Motorhomes and campervans are categorised based on their total weight. Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes use the standard car vignette. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes require a GO-Box for the electronic toll system (LKWMAUT). Always check your vehicle's registration documents for the official weight classification.

In Austria, trailers and caravans attached to a passenger car do not require a separate vignette. The car's vignette covers the entire combination. However, if the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer exceeds 3.5 tonnes, different rules may apply. Consult ASFINAG for specific guidance on heavy combinations.