Road tolls and vignettes – Switzerland [2025]

Switzerland is known for its excellent road quality, picturesque landscapes and modern infrastructure. However, to travel freely on local roads, drivers must pay the appropriate tolls. Depending on the type and origin of the vehicle, different toll systems and pricing models apply.

Want to know what charges apply to your vehicle when driving in Switzerland, how much they cost and how to pay them? In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive guide that will clear up all your doubts.

Table of contents

LSVA road toll for trucks over 3.5 tonnes

PSVA flat-rate charge for other foreign heavy vehicle

Vignettes for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes

Additional toll sections

Road Toll System in Switzerland

Switzerland has one of the best-maintained road networks in all of Europe. To cover the high maintenance costs, mandatory tolls have been introduced for both passenger vehicles and heavy goods vehicles – whether domestic or foreign.

Types of Road Tolls in Switzerland

The Swiss road toll system includes charges:

• for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes: LSVA and PSVA,
• for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes: vignettes.

Additionally, Switzerland imposes extra tolls for the use of certain tunnels. You’ll find details on how each of these tolls works in the following sections of this article.

LSVA Road Tolls for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes

In Switzerland, trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) over 3.5 tonnes that transport goods, as well as heavy motorhomes registered in Switzerland, are not subject to the vignette system. Instead, they are required to pay LSVA tolls (Performance-related Heavy Vehicle Charge – Leistungsabhängige Schwerverkehrsabgabe).

These tolls also apply in the Principality of Liechtenstein. The fee is calculated based on the number of kilometers driven, the GVW of the vehicle and its emission class.

Who is subject to LSVA?

The LSVA system applies to:

• heavy goods vehicles (Swiss and foreign) with a GVW over 3.5 tonnes used for transporting goods,
• Swiss-registered motorhomes exceeding 3.5 tonnes GVW,
• vehicle combinations (e.g., truck and trailer) with a combined GVW exceeding 3.5 tonnes.

Current LSVA rates for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes

The LSVA toll is not a flat rate – the total charge is calculated individually for each journey, based on three main factors:

• the vehicle’s maximum permitted gross weight (GVW),
• the number of kilometers driven,
• the EURO emission class (ranging from 0 to 6).

The more environmentally friendly the vehicle category, the lower the final toll.

The current LSVA rates for heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW are published on the official Swiss government website >>>.

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes – how to pay road tolls?

LSVA charges can be paid in two ways: using an On-Board Unit (OBU) or at border terminals when entering Switzerland.

On-Board Units (OBU)

The On-Board Unit (OBU) is installed inside the vehicle. It automatically records the kilometers driven and calculates the total toll fee. The OBU must remain active for the entire duration of the journey.

HOGS Toll Box

The HOGS Toll Box is a solution designed to automate toll payments on routes across Europe. It allows you to pay road charges in multiple countries without the need for separate devices.

It also simplifies toll management for heavy vehicle fleets. As a result, the HOGS Toll Box helps streamline the payment process for motorways, bridges and tunnels.

The device is compatible with various toll collection systems in numerous European countries, including Poland, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Germany, France, Portugal and Italy.

The HOGS Toll Box offers users convenience and significant time savings, as it eliminates the need to manage and switch between different national toll systems.

Clearance terminal and identification card for vehicles without OBU

Foreign heavy goods vehicles that do not have an on-board unit (OBU) must register their details upon their first entry into Switzerland. The driver provides the vehicle’s registration number, country of origin, vehicle weight, emission class and billing address. After registration, the driver receives an identification card that enables faster processing for future entries.

During each journey, the driver must insert the card into the clearance terminal and declare the route and any trailer being towed. Upon leaving the country, if the toll has already been paid, it is sufficient to present a copy of the entry data along with the signed trip summary.

PSVA Flat-Rate Charge for foreign heavy-duty vehicles

In addition to the LSVA system, Switzerland also applies the PSVA (Pauschale Schwerverkehrsabgabe) – a flat-rate charge for foreign passenger vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

The PSVA system applies exclusively to foreign heavy passenger vehicles over 3.5 tonnes that are not subject to LSVA, such as:

• buses and coaches registered abroad,
• camper vans, caravans and motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes registered outside Switzerland,
• vehicles transporting entertainment equipment, such as fairgrounds and circuses,
• other heavy vehicles with a maximum speed of 45 km/h.

The PSVA is a flat-rate fee and applies to the entire road network in Switzerland – the number of kilometres driven is irrelevant. The amount payable is determined based on the type of vehicle, in some cases its weight and the intended duration of stay in Switzerland.

Payment must be made before entering Switzerland and can be completed online via the official government portal.

Swiss motorway vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes

Every vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3.5 tonnes, travelling on toll roads in Switzerland (motorways and selected expressways), must purchase a mandatory vignette. It allows an unlimited number of journeys during its validity period. Failure to display a valid vignette may result in a hefty fine.

Vehicles required to have a vignette

The vignette is mandatory for the following types of vehicles:

• passenger cars up to 3.5 tonnes,
• motorcycles,
• camper vans up to 3.5 tonnes,
• trailers up to 3.5 tonnes (a separate vignette must be purchased for each trailer).

Types of vignettes in Switzerland

In Switzerland, only one type of vignette is available — the annual vignette. The name may be misleading, as it is valid for up to 14 months — from 1 December of the previous year until 31 January of the following year. For example, the 2025 vignette is valid from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2026.

There are two purchasing options available: a traditional vignette and a digital e-vignette.

Traditional Vignette

The traditional vignette comes in the form of a sticker that must be affixed to the inside of the front windshield in a clearly visible location. Its main downside is the risk of it being damaged or lost. It is strictly forbidden to transfer the sticker to another vehicle — doing so may result in hefty fines.

E-vignette – Electronic Vignette

The e-vignette is linked to the vehicle’s licence plate number and unlike the traditional vignette, it does not come in sticker form. This eliminates the risk of damage or loss. It can be conveniently purchased online, without the need to visit a physical sales point.

How much does the Swiss vignette cost?

The price of the Swiss vignette is the same for everyone and does not depend on the type of vehicle (under 3.5 tonnes)or the version selected (traditional or digital). In 2025, the cost of the vignette is 40 CHF (Swiss francs).

Where can you buy a vignette in Switzerland?

Switzerland offers two options for purchasing a motorway vignette: in person at physical sales points or online.

Purchasing a traditional vignette

The traditional sticker-style vignette can be purchased at physical sales locations such as petrol stations, post offices, or customs checkpoints at the border. Once purchased, it must be immediately affixed to the vehicle’s windshield.

Purchasing a digital E-Vignette

Electronic vignettes can be bought easily online, either through the official Swiss government website or via various other platforms, including some Polish sites (note: these may charge a service fee).

When placing your order, make sure the website is secure and that your licence plate number is entered correctly. Since the e-vignette is delivered digitally, it becomes active immediately upon purchase and will be sent to your email address.

Inspections and fines for missing vignettes and road tolls

Switzerland strictly enforces the requirement to have valid vignettes and pay road tolls. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties. Police and customs authorities conduct regular inspections, primarily on motorways, expressways, near borders and in tunnels. Random roadside checks are common and a special camera system is also used to monitor traffic, automatically detecting vehicles traveling without a valid vignette.

If you’re caught driving without a vignette, you can expect a fine of 200 CHF. In addition, you will be required to purchase a vignette (40 CHF) on the spot. Heavy goods vehicles face even higher fines for unpaid tolls and in extreme cases, may be held until all outstanding charges are paid.

Additional toll sections

In Switzerland, there are certain road sections that require extra toll payments and are not covered by the annual vignette for passenger vehicles or the LSVA system for trucks. These include two major tunnels with high maintenance and operational costs. A one-time toll is charged for each passage through these routes.

You need to pay an additional toll when driving through the following tunnels:

• Great St. Bernard Tunnel (San-Bernardino Tunnel) – connects Switzerland (Bourg-Saint-Pierre) with Italy (Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses). Payments can be made in cash, by credit/debit card, or with a fuel card.
• Munt la Schera Tunnel – connects Switzerland (La Drossa) with Italy (Livigno). Payments are accepted in cash, by credit/debit card, fuel card, or online.

The toll rates depend on the vehicle category.

Summary

Traveling in Switzerland requires the payment of appropriate road fees. Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must purchase an annual vignette to use highways and expressways. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are subject to the LSVA or PSVA system (applicable on all roads), depending on the type of vehicle and its country of registration. It’s also important to note that two Swiss tunnels require additional toll payments, regardless of the vignette or LSVA.

It’s highly recommended to familiarize yourself with the local regulations in advance and be ready to settle any mandatory charges. If you plan to drive a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes, consider using an OBU device, such as the HOGS Toll Box, which automatically calculates tolls not only in Switzerland but across many other European countries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where can I buy a Swiss e-vignette?

The introduction of the e-vignette is a major convenience for drivers, as it eliminates the need to visit a physical point of sale, such as a petrol station. The digital vignette can be purchased online via the official Swiss government website or through various intermediary platforms – including Polish ones. In 2025, the e-vignette costs CHF 40, the same as the traditional sticker version.

Can one vignette be used for multiple vehicles?

No, each vignette is assigned to a specific vehicle. The traditional vignette must be affixed to the inside of the windshield, while the e-vignette is digitally linked to the vehicle’s license plate number.

Can I buy a vignette for a period shorter than a year?

No, vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes can only purchase an annual vignette for use on Swiss motorways and expressways. Despite its name, the vignette is valid for 14 months, from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year. Shorter-term vignettes are not available.