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Swiss Autobahn Vignettes

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Mike Fishwick View Drop Down
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    Posted: 04 May 2015 at 6:02pm
Those intending to visit Switzerland should be aware that the rules regarding the use of their Autobahn Vignette have recently been revised.

The Vignette was originally required for travel on the Swiss autobahnen, and takes the form of a single-use only type of sticker, which must be stuck to the inside of the windscreen on the left side, and costs 40 Swiss Francs (£28.30 / 38.38 Euro).   If purchased from the UK Swiss Tourist Office it costs £32 + £3.50 postage and handling charge.  See http://travel-swiss.co.uk/vignette/    In terms of value, the Vignette can be a poor proposition, and many tourists have been annoyed by having to buy a Vignette which is valid for the entire current year - even on New Year's Eve!

Its use has recently been modified to include all main roads, which includes many sections of the popular  E-W road through Switzerland between Martigny and Brig in the west, and also a small but useful section where this road passes W of Chur in the east, which prevents Vignette-free access from the road W of Chur to the Bernina Pass.

All is not yet lost , however, as it is still possible to enter Switzerland from Italy via the Simplon Pass, which leads to Brig, and to enjoy driving the area containing the Furka, Grimsel,  Neufenen, Susten pases etc.  The old St. Gotthard pass also remains Vignette-free.

For details see this link:  http://www.autobahnen.ch/index.php?lg=001&page=014 .  The reason for this change is probably that the Swiss are not addicted to tourist income, and are tired of visitors increasing traffic in small towns and villages, not to mention those who have little regard for their speed limits.

This means that if you are doing more than exploring the immediate area of minor roads (shown as 'white' roads on the map) on which you entered the country, a Vignette is essential, as otherwise you may find that your ordinary road suddenly becomes one where a Vignette is required, with no turning place or alternative road available.  If caught on a classfied road without one,  the Vignette is not mounted in the correct position, or is mounted via a piece of clingfilm or similar, a fine of 100 Euros will result - Swiss politzei have seen it all, and have no sense of humour!

Recent travellers report that great pressure is being placed on visitors at main entry points such as the St. Bermard tunnel and pass, but that at minor entry points such as the Umbrail Pass it is still possible to enter without buying a Vignette.

Even at the UK price of £35.50 a Vignette does not increase your journey cost by much, and makes navigation a lot easier, particularly if using a satnav.  It also makes entry into Switzerland a lot easier, as it removes the need to park and join others who are queueing to by a Vignette.

View it as a form of Tourist Tax, which is compensated by the lower cost of petrol in Switzerland.


Edited by Mike Fishwick - 05 May 2015 at 10:44am
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BrianW View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BrianW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 May 2015 at 11:25pm
Thanks for that very useful information Mike, I will need one for the first time this year on my trip from Buchloe to Milan, as going through Switzerland seems to be the most direct route.
Have popped into Switzerland several times before just to get cheaper fuel, and have managed to avoid motorwaysSmile
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I_MNL View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote I_MNL Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2015 at 9:16am
Originally posted by Mike Fishwick Mike Fishwick wrote:



 - Swiss polizei have seen it all, and have no sense of humour!



I can't agree more with this, as the polizei  in the german cantons are horiible Censored

Wheres the police at the french cantons are more friendly
and the polizia in the italian cantons could be your friends!!!!
And the name is Marie-Noëlle or nick name MNL! NOT Marie or Noëlle alone

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Mike Fishwick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2015 at 10:15am
Yes - Italians are usualy friendly!  I remember back in 1971, when we had just reached the Italian frontier at the top of a deserted mountain pass, the impressively-uniformed guards were very impressed by our Austin-Healey Sprite, and kept telling Heather that they loved her!
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