Difference: vignette vs. toll

The difference between the vignette and the toll, also referred to as "route-based toll" or "distance-based toll," is not widely known. Often, the terms are used interchangeably. The distinction lies in how and for what the fees are charged.

The Key Points

• Vignette: The vignette is proof of payment for using highways and expressways that require a vignette. The vignette can be purchased as a sticker and affixed to the inside of the windshield, or it can be purchased digitally, where it is simply linked to the vehicle’s license plate.
• Toll: The (route-based) toll is a fee you pay for using specific transport infrastructures, such as roads, bridges, tunnels, or highways. This fee helps finance the construction and maintenance of these transport infrastructures.

What is a Vignette?

In eight European countries, you are required to purchase a vignette to drive on highways and expressways. The vignette purchase is mandatory, and failure to pay can result in a fine. The countries that require a vignette are Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

The vignette is valid for a specific period, regardless of the number of kilometers traveled. You can purchase the vignette in advance, and it serves as proof of payment, which is affixed to the inside of the windshield. It grants you the right to use the highway network and expressways of the respective country for a specified period.

For the vignette, you can choose between a sticker, known as a "sticker vignette," or a digital vignette. Typically, there is an 18-day waiting period before the vignette becomes valid. However, if you opt for a digital vignette from us, this waiting period is waived. Additionally, we offer cancellation protection, which provides some extra benefits.

What is a (Route-based) Toll?

The term toll or road usage fee refers to a route-based charge for using highways and expressways. This means that the toll is an additional fee, in addition to the vignette, that is paid for specific stretches of road. This includes roads, bridges, tunnels, and highways. The toll is calculated based on the kilometers you drive. In addition to the distance traveled, infrastructure costs and environmental impact costs are also included. You can pay this amount in advance with us before your trip.

The toll rates vary from country to country. You can easily pay the toll at the entry or exit of toll stations, depending on the country. However, it is much more relaxed and convenient to do it digitally through us.

The revenue generated from tolls is used to further develop the road network in the respective country. Therefore, you will be fined if you fail to comply with the route-based toll regulations.

This means that with a vignette, you can already cover most of a country in advance, and you only need to pay an additional route-based toll for specific roads or infrastructure.