GENEVA: Heading to Switzerland by car? Be aware that unlike in neighbouring Germany, use of high-speed motorways is not free of charge.
Proof that the tax for the use of Swiss motorways has been paid - traditionally a vignette, or windscreen sticker - will be available electronically from Aug 1, according to the authorities.
The new e-vignette can be purchased online and paid for by credit card. The price is the same as for the vignette that is stuck to the windscreen: 40 Swiss francs (RM208). The physical adhesive vignette will also continue to be sold.
The vignette is valid for 14 months, from Dec 1 of the previous year to Jan 31 of the following year.
However, anyone who obtains it in August 2023 can only use it until the end of January 2024 while the price stays the same. This applies to both the electronic vignette and the stick-on vignette.
Vehicle owners must enter the vehicle category, country of registration and number plate online. A user account and details of the person buying the vignette are not necessary. If the owner changes the car and keeps the number plate, the vignette is still valid.
If the number plates change, the transfer to the new number plate can be requested in the portal. This is possible once per period covered.
According to the authorities, the e-vignette is checked at the border by employees of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. On Swiss roads, the police carry out spot checks by calling up the number plates.
