Driving to Ticino from Italy? Don't Get Fined. Read This First.
Your clear, simple guide to the mandatory Swiss motorway vignette. Travel with confidence.
View the 3-Step GuideThe Swiss Vignette in 3 Simple Steps
Understand What It Is & Why It Matters
The vignette is a mandatory toll sticker for using Switzerland's national motorways. Border patrols and automated cameras enforce this rule strictly, with heavy fines for non-compliance, even for short distances.
Where to Purchase Your Vignette
You can buy the vignette at most Italian service stations near the border, at Swiss border crossing kiosks, or conveniently online beforehand. The cost is CHF 40 for the entire year.
Apply It Correctly – This Is Crucial
The physical sticker must be affixed directly to the inside of your windshield. Placing it on the dashboard or using tape is not valid and will result in a fine. See our visual guide below.
Vignette Placement: The Do's and Don'ts
Correct ✅
Attach directly to the inside of the windshield, either on the top-left corner or behind the rearview mirror. Ensure it's fully visible from the outside.
Incorrect ❌
Do NOT leave it on the dashboard, tape it to the glass, or keep it in your glove compartment. These are all invalid and will be fined.
Find a Purchase Point Near the Border
We've marked key customs offices and major petrol service stations in Italy before the Como (Chiasso) and Varese (Stabio) border crossings.
Tip: Buying at service stations in Italy is often quicker than at the border itself during peak travel times.
Frequently Asked Questions
The on-the-spot fine is CHF 200, plus you are still required to purchase a valid vignette for CHF 40.
Yes. The vignette is required from the very first meter you enter a Swiss national motorway. There are no exceptions for short distances.
No. The motorway vignette covers the national highway network, but a few specific tunnels, like the Grand St. Bernard and Munt La Schera, require a separate toll.
Yes, as of 2023, you can purchase a digital 'e-vignette' online that is linked to your license plate, eliminating the need for a physical sticker. This can be purchased from the official Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) website.
Motorcycles, trailers, and caravans each require their own separate vignette, affixed correctly according to vehicle type.
Your Local Experts in Lugano
Vignette Ticino is a local information service based in the heart of Lugano. Our mission is to ensure visitors have a seamless and welcoming entry into our beautiful region. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
Indirizzo: Via Ceresio 14, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
Telefono: +41 91 901 3220
Email: [email protected]
Orari: Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:00
