Swiss Vignette 2026: Motorhome Guide & Tips

Anyone traveling to Switzerland with a motorhome should familiarize themselves with the toll regulations well in advance. The vehicle's total weight is crucial, as this determines whether a standard vignette or the flat-rate heavy vehicle tax (PSVA) is required.

Why the weight of your motorhome is crucial

The permissible total weight determines which toll regulations apply to your motorhome. This distinction directly impacts your travel costs and the necessary administrative steps before entering the country.

The 3.5-ton limit: vignette or PSVA?

The magic limit is 3.5 tons gross vehicle weight. Vehicles below this weight require the standard Swiss vignette for €44.50, while heavier motorhomes are subject to the flat-rate heavy vehicle tax (PSVA). The PSVA obligation entails a more complex registration process via the Via system, with flat fees that depend on weight and time.

The relevant weight can be found in the vehicle registration document under "permissible total weight" or "technically permissible total mass". This value includes the unladen weight plus the maximum payload. For motorhome combinations, the total weight of both vehicles is added together.

Vignette required for motorhomes under 3.5 tons

Lighter motorhomes are subject to the regular vignette requirement for all motorized vehicles on Swiss motorways. This regulation is straightforward and allows unlimited travel on the entire toll road network.

What the Swiss vignette covers in 2026

The vignette entitles the holder to use all national roads and motorways without additional charges (excluding certain tunnels and mountain passes). The cost is a flat rate of €44.50 and is valid from December 1, 2025, to January 31, 2027. This extended validity period of 14 months offers flexibility for trips around New Year's, such as to Christmas markets or ski resorts.

Trailers and caravans: Separate vignette requirement

Trailers and caravans also require their own vignette when using the motorway network. This separate regulation surprises many travelers. If checked without a valid trailer vignette, a penalty fee of €214 plus the vignette fee will be charged.

E-vignette vs. adhesive vignette: Which option is best for motorhome travelers?

The digital e-vignette has complemented the traditional adhesive vignette as a modern alternative. Both are equally valid, but differ in handling and flexibility.

The digital version offers immediate availability after online purchase without waiting times at border crossings. It is directly linked to the license plate and significantly simplifies vehicle changes. The traditional adhesive vignette must be affixed to a non-removable part of the windshield (typically top left or center). Incorrect affixing can result in the vignette being deemed invalid during inspections.

When the license plate changes, the digital version allows the transfer to a new vehicle, while the adhesive vignette remains permanently attached to the original vehicle.

Buy a Swiss vignette: Purchase options for 2026

Purchasing online offers maximum convenience with immediate validity after payment. According to Vignetteswitzerland.com , motorhome travelers can purchase the e-vignette directly online by entering their vehicle type and license plate number. The vignette is immediately linked to the license plate; a sticker on the windshield is not required. This also eliminates waiting at petrol stations or post offices.

On the other hand, physical vignettes are available at border crossings, petrol stations or post offices. They should be purchased before entering the first toll road section, as checks often begin immediately after the border.

PSVA obligation for motorhomes over 3.5 tons

Heavier motorhomes are not subject to the performance-related heavy vehicle tax (LSVA) for goods transport, but to the flat-rate heavy vehicle tax (PSVA), which applies specifically to foreign motorhomes and coaches.

What is the PSVA and how does it work?

The PSVA is a flat-rate fee based on total weight, emission class, and length of stay. It applies to all roads in Switzerland, not just motorways, and must be paid via the Via system before entering the country.

Specific PSVA costs for motorhomes

The fees are tiered according to length of stay:

• Short-term stays: EUR 26 for up to 6 individual days
• Longer stays: Flat rates between 26 and 62 EUR for 1-30 days, depending on total weight

Cost comparison in detail:

• Motorhome (3.2 tons): €42 vignette for 14 months
• Motorhome (4 tons): Minimum 27 EUR PSVA for a short-term visit (6 days) or up to 63 EUR for a longer stay

Registration and billing

Registration takes place online before entry or at customs offices. The Via portal requires vehicle data (license plate number, gross vehicle weight, emissions class) and the planned length of stay. The fee is non-refundable, so you should calculate your travel duration realistically.

Additional toll costs: tunnels and mountain passes

Some Alpine passes charge tolls regardless of whether you have a vignette or PSVA (Passenger Pass). For a typical two-week tour of Switzerland including Alpine crossings, you should expect to pay an additional €53-160 for tunnel tolls on top of the basic costs.

Great St. Bernard Tunnel

The important Alpine crossing between Switzerland and Italy costs €52 one way or €83 return for motorhomes under 3.5 tons. Heavier vehicles pay an additional surcharge at the toll station on top of the PSVA base fee.

Munt la Schera Tunnel (to Livigno)

The crossing to duty-free Livigno costs €24 one way or €44 return for light motorhomes in summer. These time-limited tickets must be purchased before entering the country.

Budget example for a typical tour of Switzerland: Motorhome under 3.5t, 14 days, including crossings of the Alps:

• Vignette: 44.50 EUR
• Great St. Bernard return trip: 83 EUR
• Munt-la-Schera single: 24 EUR
• Total toll: EUR 151.5

Inspections and fines: What motorhome travelers need to know

Swiss authorities rigorously enforce toll regulations. Police and customs officials conduct regular checks on highways and at border crossings. Modern systems automatically detect digital vignettes via license plate recognition.

Anyone caught without a valid vignette will be fined €214 plus the vignette fee of €44.50. Violations of the motorway service charge (PSVA) are punished particularly severely, as they often involve higher amounts.

Avoid common mistakes

Travelers report recurring obstacles in forums:

• Weight underestimation: Trailer weight not added to the total weight
• Late purchase: Vignette bought only after entering the motorway.
• Fake platforms: Some websites sell invalid e-vignettes at inflated prices.
• Missing PSVA registration: Heavier motorhomes stopped at the border without prior registration

Practical travel tips for motorhome drivers

Motorhomes over 3.5 tons are subject to special speed limits: 100 km/h on motorways and 80 km/h on rural roads. These regulations are strictly enforced. Furthermore, drivers of heavy motorhomes must obey all traffic signs displaying the truck symbol, as these apply to all vehicles over 3.5 tons.

Tolls in transit countries

Germany does not charge tolls for passenger cars, while Austria uses a vignette system similar to Switzerland's (annual vignette €96.40 for 2026). Italy relies on distance-based tolls with automatic toll booths. For a round trip from Munich (Switzerland to Italy), budget for a total of €150-200 in toll costs.

Pitches and overnight stay

Switzerland offers numerous official campsites, but these are quickly booked up during peak season. Wild camping is strictly regulated and prohibited outside designated areas. Reservations are strongly recommended for July and August.

Frequently asked questions about the Swiss vignette for motorhomes

Does my trailer need its own vignette?

Yes, trailers require a separate 44.50 EUR vignette for motorway use.

Are there short-term vignettes?

No, the annual vignette (valid for 14 months) is the only option for vehicles under 3.5 tons. For heavier vehicles, PSVA offers flexible short-term options starting from €26.

What happens if the weight exceeds my 3.5-ton estimate?

If your actual total weight exceeds 3.5 tons, the vignette is invalid and you will need to retroactively purchase a PSVA (Porsche Vehicle Tax). Checks with mobile scales do occur, especially with large motorhomes.

Can I exit the motorway without a vignette?

Theoretically yes, but practically impossible, as on- and off-ramps usually include sections of road requiring a vignette. A vignette is virtually mandatory for every trip to Switzerland with a motorhome.