Updates – Swiss Vignette 2025
Bern, January 1, 2025 – A series of significant changes in the Swiss vignette system will come into effect. The Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FEDRO), in cooperation with motorway operators such as Autopost and other relevant institutions, has introduced new rules and technological solutions aimed at simplifying the purchase and management of the vignette, increasing road safety on motorways, and enhancing the control of non-payment of the vignette.
Legislative Changes and Rule Updates
Strengthening Control Mechanisms
From January 1, 2025, new regulations require electronic verification of vignette validity at major motorway entry points, particularly in the Zurich and Basel regions. Drivers will be checked by intelligent Bosch cameras connected to a central FEDRO database, expanding the existing control regime through mandatory electronic identification of vehicles without a valid vignette.
Digitization of Management
The entire vignette management system has been fully digitalized, allowing drivers to purchase, extend, and verify their vignette online via the official portal and mobile application. An automated transaction recording system eliminates paper documents and speeds up administrative processes.
Introduction of Ecological Incentives
Special discounted tariffs are now available for vehicles with lower emissions, such as electric cars and plug-in hybrids, offering up to a 15% reduction compared to standard tariffs.
Infrastructure Investments and Modernization
Reconstruction and Maintenance of Motorways
As part of the state investment plan for 2025, extensive modernization is planned for the A2 motorway section serving the route to southern Switzerland, including areas leading into the Ticino region and the vicinity of Lugano. This high-traffic section, known for significant pavement wear, will undergo complete reconstruction—including resurfacing, re-marking, and the installation of new drainage systems to reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
Expansion of the Monitoring Network
New cameras and sensors will be installed at strategic entry points, for example near Basel and Bern, to improve detection of illegal operations and enable faster intervention when regulations are violated.
Implementation of a Statistics and Analysis System
A system for regular collection and analysis of data on traffic incidents and vignette-related violations will be introduced on key motorway sections, providing a detailed overview of the current traffic situation and optimizing control measures.
Technological Innovations and New Payment Systems
Mobile Application and Online Services
The newly developed mobile application allows drivers to easily purchase, extend, or verify the validity of their Swiss vignette. Integrated with the national digital identity, the app uses advanced encryption and security technologies to streamline the verification process and enhance transaction security.
Contactless Payments
The system now supports contactless payment options, enabling drivers to pay via credit card, online banking, or smartphones equipped with NFC technology.
Integration with Remote Verification
New technology allows for real-time verification of vignette validity by security forces using data from intelligent cameras at major entry points, with immediate response to any discrepancies.
Testing of New Technologies
Pilot projects are testing autonomous control systems and predictive analyses of traffic conditions on selected motorway sections to further increase the efficiency of control measures and overall road safety.
What This Means for Drivers
Simplified Purchase and Management of the Vignette
Thanks to the new mobile application and improved online portal, drivers can quickly purchase or extend the validity of their vignette without needing to visit physical branches.
Increased Safety
Automated controls at major entry points, particularly in the Zurich, Basel, and Bern regions, ensure that vehicles without a valid vignette are immediately identified, supporting compliance with regulations.
Clear Information and Support
The official portal will be regularly updated with all changes and news, providing drivers with up-to-date information on tariffs, practical guides, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Enhanced Customer Service
A newly established contact center offering live chat and telephone support will help drivers quickly resolve any queries or issues.
Safety Information Systems
An expanded system of traffic warning signals and information panels at key control points will provide real-time alerts regarding dangerous sections, changes in traffic conditions, or motorway restrictions.
International Cooperation and Harmonization
European Integration
Switzerland is strengthening its cooperation with European countries such as Germany, France, and Italy to harmonize the rules for electronic vignettes, facilitating cross-border transport and unifying tariff structures.
Sharing of Technologies and Know-How
An international exchange program is underway that includes sharing experiences, technological solutions, and innovations in monitoring systems and digital payment methods to enhance the overall efficiency of the system.
Economic and Social Impacts
Analysis of the Impact on the State Budget
The introduction of new technologies and modernization of infrastructure is expected to increase revenues from vignettes, supporting funding for regular maintenance and further development of motorways, particularly in areas between major cities.
Social Aspects and User Support
The new system changes will enhance driver comfort by providing greater tariff transparency and improved customer service. Detailed information campaigns and training sessions are being prepared to ensure that the public is fully informed of all updates in a timely manner.