A vignette is a car sticker that drivers will have to fix to their windshield signifying that they have paid the appropriate taxes and fees necessary to drive along the highways of a particular country. (Octavian (Adobe Stock))
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Planning a road trip through Europe? You can familiarize yourself with vignettes and which countries require the use of them before you start traveling throughout Europe.
So you are planning on driving in Europe, but before you head on that road trip take a look at which countries require you to obtain a vignette before entering the country.
While some countries have tolls, others may ask that you obtain a vignette. A vignette is a car sticker that drivers will have to fix to their windshield signifying that they have paid the appropriate taxes and fees necessary to drive along the highways of a particular country. Upon getting a vignette you’ll just stick it in the upper left corner of your windshield.
This is a form of road pricing imposed on vehicles. This is usually in addition to compulsory road taxes and is based on the time the vehicle uses the road, not distance like tollways.
Some countries will allow you to obtain a vignette online. Some ask that you affix one to your windshield. When you rent a vehicle and know that you’ll be going through a particular country, ask your rental agent if the rental vehicle is equipped, or if that will be a separate fee. Also, please make sure you ask for the Rental Agencies’ consent and their rules on which countries you can go to.
Typically you can buy one at the last gas station before entrance into the country. Below, you’ll find countries who require the vignettes and the websites to buy electronically.
Typically you can buy one at the last gas station before entrance into the country. (Azulblue (Adobe Stock))
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Austria: You can purchase them for time periods as little as 10 days and up to one year. Learn more here.
Bulgaria: You can purchase them for time periods as little as seven days and up to one year. Learn more here.
Czechia: The price of your Vignette depends on your vehicle’s Eco-Fuel System. Learn what your costs are here.
Hungary: You can purchase them for weekly, monthly or annual increments. Learn more about prices and timeframes here.
Moldova: You can purchase them for time periods as little as seven days and up to six months. Please note that on Moldova’s Official country website they ask you not to pay between 23:45 and 00:01. Learn more here.
Romania: Romania asks that you pay for a vignette that covers a portion of a bridge toll at Fetesti-Cernavoda station on the A2 Bucharest-Constanta highway, also known as the Sun Highway.
Switzerland: Good until the end of the calendar year. You can purchase one here (give yourself time to recieve it in the mail). Read here for more information on required documents Motorway Charge and Vignettes.
The 2026-2027 Stars and Stripes “European Road Guide” includes country-specific driving laws, vehicle purchase information and other essential details for drivers while stationed in Europe.
Some countries will allow you to obtain a vignette online. (jovannig (Adobe Stock))
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Check out Kimberly’s blog, Kimberly Kephart Travels for more of her adventures in Italy, Poland and Korea.
