The purchase of a vignette is necessary before traveling by car to 9 European countries and for cars weighing more than 3.5 tons in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Also for cars weighing more than 12 tons in the Netherlands. It is increasingly possible to purchase an e-vignette online before a trip, while traditional window stickers are still available.

What is a vignette and why is it needed?


The vignette is proof of toll payment valid in nine European countries. It must be paid to travel freely by car through certain countries. Previously, the vignette was only in the form of a sticker attached to the windshield. However, increasingly, e-vignettes can be purchased electronically via the Internet.

Where and how to buy a vignette?

In some countries, there are also dedicated websites where you can also purchase an e-vignette.

On the other hand, a vignette in the traditional form of a sticker can be purchased at border crossings (for example, at gas stations), which must then be stuck on the windshield.

What is important to know before buying a vignette?


First of all, a traditional vignette in the form of a sticker must be attached to the windshield. In addition, the registration number of the vehicle must be indicated on the sticker. On the other hand, electronic vignettes are in the form of an A4 PDF file. The vignette must be carried with you during the trip by printing it on a piece of paper or saving it in your mobile phone.

What types of vignettes are there?


Vignettes differ in terms of validity, which is determined by each country separately. Depending on the country in Europe, we distinguish between weekend vignettes, weekly vignettes, ten-day vignettes, monthly vignettes, two-month vignettes, three-month vignettes and annual vignettes.

How to choose the right vignettes?


It is important that the validity period of the vignette corresponds to the duration of the trip. If, for example, you are going abroad by car for several days, it is enough to buy a cheaper one- or ten-day vignette.

Also, don’t forget to check carefully before you leave that the vignettes on your travel route are valid. For example, vignettes do not work in Croatia. However, to get to it, depending on the route, it may be necessary to cross the territory of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary or Slovenia – where vignettes are required.