EU road vignette for road tolls: how does the system work and how to apply online?

Travelling by car in Europe requires not only a route map and a full tank of fuel, but also knowledge of local road rules. In most EU countries, a special e-vignette is required to drive on motorways — a digital document that confirms payment of the road tax. Learn more about what a road vignette is, how it works, in which countries it is required, and how to apply for it online

Electronic road vignette for traveling in Europe

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Travelling by car in Europe is convenient, but it is important to remember the mandatory rules for using toll motorways. In most EU countries, you need to have a road vignette — a special document confirming payment of the road tax.

What it is, how it works, and how to apply for it online — we will tell you more in this article.

What is a road vignette and why is it needed?

An electronic road vignette (e-vignette) is an official digital document that confirms payment of the road toll for using toll roads and motorways in European countries. This permit is mandatory for drivers travelling in their own cars in countries where a toll road system is in place.

Unlike the old paper stickers, the e-vignette exists exclusively in electronic format: after purchase, all car data is automatically stored in the country's database. During the check, the system reads the license plate number and determines whether the road tax has been paid. This is a modern, convenient and safe way to travel on European roads without paper documents.

How does the road vignette work in the EU?

After purchase, the e-vignette is automatically registered in the country's official database. It becomes valid from the date specified at the time of purchase and remains valid until the end of the selected period.

There is no need to print or stick anything — cameras on motorways automatically record the car's number and check for valid payment. Thus, the electronic system eliminates the need for physical control and greatly simplifies life for drivers.

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Which countries require a road vignette for entry?

A road vignette is required for driving on motorways or expressways in the following European countries:

● Austria — validity period: from 1 day to 1 year;

● Bulgaria — from 3 days to 1 year;

● Moldova — from 7 days to 1 year;

● Romania — from 1 day to 1 year;

● Slovakia — from 1 day to 1 year;

● Slovenia — from 7 days to 1 year;

● Hungary — from 1 day to 1 year;

● Czech Republic — from 1 day to 1 year;

● Switzerland — fixed at 1 year.

If you are travelling in transit, it is important to note that even a short journey through the country without a vignette is considered a violation of the law.

What are the penalties for not having a vignette?

Driving on toll roads without a valid vignette is a violation of the law. In most EU countries, the fine ranges from €50 to €200, and in some cases may exceed this amount.

Even a single trip without a valid document can result in an unpleasant letter with a fine. Obtaining an e-vignette is not only a legal requirement, but also a guarantee of a peaceful and safe journey on European roads.

How to buy a vignette online?

You can get a road vignette in just a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine portal.

The process is simple and fully automated:

1. Follow the link.

2. Specify your travel route. Enter the countries you plan to travel through and your travel dates — the system will determine where you need a vignette.

3. Select the type of vehicle (car, minibus, truck or motorcycle).

4. Fill in the car and driver details. Enter the number plate in Latin characters, the country of registration and your email address.

5. Pay using your preferred method. Visa/Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported.

6. Receive confirmation. The e-vignette is immediately registered in the official database, and you will receive a copy by email.

Buy an e-vignette on Visit Ukraine — fast, official, convenient

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can purchase an official road vignette online in a few minutes. The service supports more than 10 European countries, accepts popular payment methods and guarantees the security of your data.

Travel with confidence — get your e-vignette in advance and enjoy the road without fines and queues!

Reminder! A Green Card is a mandatory car insurance policy for Ukrainians in the EU. Fines without a Green Card for foreigners are quite significant, and the offence itself can even lead to deportation. What fines await Ukrainians in the EU without a Green Card in 2025 — we explain here.

Photo: generated by Gemini

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