Eurovignette – where to buy and which countries require it?
11 March '25
Reading time 8 minutes
Planning your next European transport? Wondering what road tolls you’ll need to consider? If so, you should get familiar with the Eurovignette — a system that simplifies toll payments for truck drivers in several European countries.
In this article, you’ll learn what the Eurovignette is, where it applies, how to purchase it and the associated costs.
What is the Eurovignette?
The Eurovignette is a digital toll system for using motorways and selected national roads in three European countries. It applies to trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeding 12 tons — buses are exempt from this requirement.
By purchasing a Eurovignette, truck drivers can legally access toll roads in the countries that participate in this system. The regulations governing this toll system are outlined in the Eurovignette Directive 1999/62/EC of the European Parliament and the Council, which sets out the framework for charging heavy goods vehicles for road infrastructure usage.
Who needs a Eurovignette?
The Eurovignette is mandatory for drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeding 12 tons. This means that both transport companies and individual truck drivers operating such vehicles must purchase a Eurovignette to legally use toll motorways and expressways in participating countries.
Buses are exempt from the Eurovignette requirement.
Countries where the Eurovignette is mandatory
The Eurovignette is mandatory in selected European countries that have unified their road toll system for trucks over 12 tonnes GVW. Currently, the system applies to three countries: the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Sweden. Until recently, Denmark was also part of this group.
To legally drive on their motorways and selected toll roads, drivers must purchase the Eurovignette in advance, before using these routes.
Each of these countries has specific rules and exceptions, which are crucial to understand before setting off on a journey.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands, known for its well-developed road infrastructure, also requires a Eurovignette for trucks over 12 tonnes GVW. The Eurovignette is mandatory on most motorways and selected national roads. However, there are exceptions — certain tunnels, such as Kiltunnel and Westerscheldetunnel, require separate toll payments.
Purchasing a Eurovignette in the Netherlands is straightforward — it can be done online or at various service points for truck drivers. Many transport companies opt for longer-duration vignettes, allowing them to optimize costs when frequently operating on Dutch roads.
Luxembourg
Despite its small size, Luxembourg requires the Eurovignette for trucks over 12 tonnes GVW on all national roads and motorways. Interestingly, the country does not impose any additional charges for using specific infrastructure or road sections, making the system more transparent for drivers.
Due to Luxembourg’s compact size and limited road network, route planning within its borders is relatively simple. Many transport companies opt for short-term Eurovignettes, especially when making occasional trips through the country.
Sweden
Sweden, although not part of the Eurozone, has adopted the Eurovignette system for trucks over 12 tonnes GVW, allowing them to use motorways and designated national roads. However, certain bridges — such as Øresund, Motala and Sundsvall — require separate toll payments, similar to Denmark.
Given Sweden’s large territory and extensive road network, careful trip planning is essential for cost efficiency.
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Denmark
In Denmark, as in the other participating countries, the Eurovignette was required for all trucks over 12 tonnes GVW, covering motorways and selected toll roads. However, it did not apply to major bridges such as Storebælt and Øresund, for which separate toll fees had to be paid.
Although the Eurovignette could be purchased online, Denmark also provided a well-developed network of physical sales points, including fuel stations.
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2025 Update: Denmark exits the Eurovignette system
Denmark officially withdrew from the Eurovignette system on December 31, 2024. From January 1, 2025, the country introduced a new toll system – distance-based one. This change aligns with Denmark’s goal of fairer and more precise road toll collection for heavy vehicles.
As a result, the Eurovignette is no longer required in Denmark. However, it remains mandatory in the remaining member countries — Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Sweden.
For detailed information on the new Danish road toll system, visit the official website: vejafgifter.dk.
For transport companies operating in Denmark, this transition requires adapting to the new system to ensure compliance and avoid payment issues.
How to purchase a Eurovignette?
To buy a Eurovignette, you can choose between online purchase or physical sales points such as fuel stations and driver service centers. The process is simple and designed to accommodate the needs of various drivers and transport companies.
This section will provide details on both digital and traditional purchasing options, allowing you to select the most convenient method.
Eurovignette – online purchase
One of the easiest ways to obtain a Eurovignette is through the official website eurovignettes.eu. The process is quick and straightforward. You need to enter the required truck details, such as the license plate number, number of axles, emission class and country of registration. Then, you select the validity period that best suits your needs and complete the payment using a credit card or a fuel card.
Once the transaction is completed, you receive a confirmation, which you can print as proof of payment.
Eurovignette – purchase at physical sales points
If online purchase is not an option, you can buy a Eurovignette at physical sales locations, including fuel stations, driver service centers, border crossing points and AGES service locations, which are operated by the official Eurovignette provider.
It is important to note that opening hours vary and some locations may not always be conveniently accessible. Whenever possible, purchasing the Eurovignette online is recommended for convenience.
For in-person purchases, you must provide the same vehicle details as required for online transactions, including the truck’s registration number, number of axles, country of registration and emission class. After completing the purchase, you receive a payment receipt as proof of the Eurovignette’s validity.
Eurovignette costs
The cost of a Eurovignette depends on several factors, including:
- the validity period (ranging from one day to one year),
- the number of axles on the vehicle,
- the vehicle’s emission class (the more environmentally friendly the vehicle, the lower the fee).
Daily Tariff
This option is ideal for transport operators who rarely use roads covered by the Eurovignette system. The daily fee is relatively low, set at €12, but for drivers who frequently travel through the Netherlands, Sweden, or Luxembourg, long-term tariffs may be a more cost-effective choice.
Weekly Tariff
For those planning short, multi-day routes, the weekly tariff might be more beneficial. It allows unrestricted travel on toll roads covered by the system for an entire week, making it a convenient option for longer international hauls.
| Euronorm (euro emission class) | 1-3 axles | 4 or more axles |
|---|---|---|
| EURO 6 or less polluting | 20 € | 33 € |
| EURO 5 | 21 € | 35 € |
| EURO 4 | 22 € | 37 € |
| EURO 3 | 24 € | 41 € |
| EURO 2 | 28 € | 47 € |
| EURO 1 | 32 € | 54 € |
| EURO 0 | 37 € | 62 € |
Monthly Tariff
The monthly option is designed for transport companies whose vehicles regularly operate on roads where the Eurovignette is required.
| Euronorm | 1-3 axles | 4 or more axles |
|---|---|---|
| EURO 6 or less polluting | 75 € | 125 € |
| EURO 5 | 79 € | 132 € |
| EURO 4 | 84 € | 140 € |
| EURO 3 | 92 € | 154 € |
| EURO 2 | 106 € | 177 € |
| EURO 1 | 122 € | 204 € |
| EURO 0 | 140 € | 235 € |
Annual Tariff
This is the most cost-effective option for large transport companies and drivers making frequent trips through Eurovignette countries. By paying a one-time fee, you avoid the hassle of frequent renewals and ensure uninterrupted access to toll roads.
| Euronorm | 1-3 axles | 4 or more axles |
|---|---|---|
| EURO 6 or less polluting | 750 € | 1250 € |
| EURO 5 | 796 € | 1327 € |
| EURO 4 | 842 € | 1404 € |
| EURO 3 | 926 € | 1543 € |
| EURO 2 | 1065 € | 1776 € |
| EURO 1 | 1223 € | 2042 € |
| EURO 0 | 1407 € | 2359 € |
Reimbursement of unused Eurovignette costs
If you have an unused Eurovignette, you may be eligible for a refund for the remaining validity period. To receive reimbursement, you must submit an official request.
Eurovignette refund options
There are two primary refund procedures: the standard procedure and the difference procedure. The choice depends on the specifics and validity period of the purchased vignette.
Standard Refund Procedure
The Standard Refund Procedure applies if the value of the Eurovignette exceeds the administrative fee (€25.00). The refund amount is calculated based on the unused validity period.
- If the refund request is submitted before the start date of the vignette’s validity, the user is entitled to a full refund.
- If the vignette has already become active, the refund amount is adjusted proportionally to the number of days it was valid.
An administrative fee of €25.00 is deducted from the refund unless the vignette was issued incorrectly — such as for a vehicle not subject to the toll obligation or in cases of duplicate purchases. In these cases, the administrative fee is waived.
Difference Procedure
The Difference Procedure applies mainly to users who purchased a vignette valid for at least 10 months, equivalent to an annual Eurovignette. Upon request, such vignettes can be extended to a full 12 months at no extra cost.
More information about refunding: HERE >>>
How to check the validity of Eurovignette?
Checking the validity of your Eurovignette is simple. After purchasing, you receive a confirmation in either electronic or paper form, which includes the validity period and vehicle details.
If you lose your purchase confirmation, there is no need to worry — it is not required during roadside inspections and your Eurovignette remains valid.
However, it is crucial to ensure that your vehicle has an active and correctly assigned Eurovignette. Failure to do so can lead to significant penalties if checked by authorities.
Consequences of not having a Eurovignette
Driving on roads covered by the Eurovignette system without a valid vignette can result in serious consequences, such as:
- Heavy fines, which can reach several hundred euros.
- Delivery delays, caused by vehicle detention during inspections.
To avoid these issues, always check before your journey that your Eurovignette is valid for the correct period and assigned to the right vehicle.
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Summary
The Eurovignette is a convenient solution for carriers operating on roads in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Sweden. It allows legally compliant movement of heavy goods vehicles over 12 tonnes on tolled roads in these countries.
Purchasing the Eurovignette is simple — it can be done online or at physical sales points, with various tariff options available to suit different needs. Always ensure your Eurovignette is valid and plan your route according to national regulations. This way, you can avoid unexpected issues and focus solely on a safe and smooth journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which roads are covered by the Eurovignette?
The Eurovignette applies mainly to motorways and certain national roads in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Sweden, as well as in Denmark until December 31, 2024. It is crucial to check in advance which specific road sections require a Eurovignette and which bridges and tunnels are subject to additional toll fees.
All essential information regarding the Eurovignette can be found on the official website: eurovignettes.eu.
Does the Eurovignette apply to passenger cars?
No, the Eurovignette is required only for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with a permissible total weight exceeding 12 tonnes.
In some countries, passenger cars are subject to standard vignette systems — for example, in the Czech Republic and Austria, where such toll systems are in place.
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