Which countries require a vignette? The complete guide to toll roads in Europe
If you plan to explore Europe by car, it is important to be well prepared to hit the road. One of the things to consider is the requirement to have a vignette in certain countries. A vignette is proof of paid tolls, which entitles you to use motorways and certain roads. In this guide, we take you through the countries in Europe where a vignette is required and share essential tips to make your trip go smoothly. Let's start with an overview of the countries where you need a digital vignette. Because you probably want answers to the question "In which countries do you need a vignette?", right?
In which countries do you need a vignette?
Austria
Austria requires a vignette to use all motorways and motorways. The country offers digital vignettes that are linked to your car's registration number, meaning you no longer have to put a sticker on your windscreen. You can choose from different validity periods, including 10 days, 2 months, or a year.
Slovenia
Slovenia also requires a vignette to use highways and motorways. The vignette must be visibly affixed to the vehicle, but Slovenia is also working on implementing digital vignettes. Make sure to check in advance whether the digital option is available for your travel dates.
Switzerland
Known for its breathtaking landscapes, Switzerland requires a vignette for all motorways. The Swiss vignette is available as a sticker valid for one calendar year. Recently, a digital vignette is also available, which can be purchased at Tollvignettes.com.
Slovakia
You need a vignette to use motorways and certain highways in Slovakia. Slovakia offers both physical and digital vignettes, with the digital version easily purchased online. The digital vignette is an easy and quick way to ensure you can get on the road legally.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic also requires a vignette to use motorways. The Czech Republic has recently made the switch to a digital vignette, making purchasing a vignette easier than ever. You can buy the digital vignette online and it is directly linked to your registration number.
Croatia
In Croatia, you pay tolls to use motorways, but the system works slightly differently here. Instead of a vignette, you pay toll at toll booths. It is important to note that some bridges and tunnels also have tolls.
Hungary
Hungary requires a digital vignette to use highways and motorways. The digital vignette, also known as the 'e-matrica', is available online and linked to your vehicle's registration number. Make sure you purchase your vignette before you hit the motorway.
Romania
In Romania, you need a vignette to use national roads and motorways. This vignette, known as 'Rovinieta', is available in both physical form and digital. The digital version can be purchased online, making the process considerably easier.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria requires a vignette to use motorways and some main roads. As in Romania, the vignette is available in both physical and digital forms. The digital vignette can be easily purchased online and is linked to your car's registration number.
Tips for buying digital vignettes
These countries make it clear that it is essential to plan in advance and make sure you have the right documentation before you travel. In the next part of this blog, we will elaborate on tips for buying digital vignettes and how to best prepare for your European road trip.
Digital vignettes offer an easy and quick way to pay your tolls for motorways and certain highways in various European countries. Here are some tips to make the process of buying digital vignettes go smoothly:
1. Plan ahead
Buy your digital vignette well before you travel. While some digital vignettes are valid immediately after purchase, others have a processing period. Check the specific conditions for each country.
2. Check validity
Digital vignettes are available for different periods of time. Make sure you choose a vignette that covers the entire duration of your stay in the country concerned.
3. Have your registration number ready
To purchase a digital vignette, you need the registration number of your vehicle. Make sure you enter this information correctly to avoid problems.
4. Save confirmations
After purchasing your digital vignette you will receive confirmation, often by e-mail. Keep this confirmation carefully; it can serve as proof should an unexpected inspection take place.
5. Check double registration
If you use a rental car, check whether the vignette has already been purchased by the rental company. This will avoid double payments.
Prepare for your European road trip
Besides making sure you have the right vignette, there are other important points to consider before exploring Europe by car:
1. Traffic rules and regulations
Each country has its own traffic regulations. Inform yourself about the specific regulations in the countries you plan to visit.
2. Environmental zones
Some European cities have environmental zones for which you need a separate sticker or registration. Check this before travelling to major cities.
3. Emergency equipment
In many European countries it is compulsory to have certain items in your car, such as a safety vest, warning triangle, and first aid kit. Check the requirements and make sure your car is equipped with these.
4. Toll booths
In countries without a vignette, such as France and Spain, you pay toll at toll booths. Make sure you have cash or a credit card handy for these payments.
5. Rest and routines
Driving long distances can be tiring. Schedule plenty of rest stops and consider sharing driving time if you are travelling with several eligible drivers.
Get your digital vignette
Your adventure across Europe awaits, and with the right preparation, it will be a journey to remember. For easy purchase of your digital vignettes visit Tollvignettes.com. We offer a wide range of digital vignettes for various European countries, making your travel preparations a lot easier. Buy your digital vignette today and take the first step towards an unforgettable European road trip!