190 fines for missing motorway vignettes in Chiasso in 4 days: blanket checks
Between April 3 and 6, 190 motorists were fined at the Chiasso-Brogeda border crossing. Fines of 200 CHF and obligation to purchase the vignette.
Contesto
Between Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, specialists from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security conducted extensive checks at the Chiasso-Brogeda border crossing, intercepting 190 vehicles without the Swiss motorway vignette. This figure is particularly significant when considering that the checks involved a total of 1,620 vehicles, averaging one violation for every nine cars. Each offender received a fine of 200 Swiss francs, in addition to being required to purchase the vignette itself, which costs 40 francs annually. For comparison, the cost of the vignette is lower than that of a single round trip from Como to Bologna, as highlighted by the editorial team of Il Giornale del Ticino. Despite its clear affordability, many motorists, especially cross-border workers and tourists heading to Ticino towns like Mendrisio, Lugano, or Bellinzona, continue to ignore the requirement, hoping to evade checks. The data reveals a widespread disregard for road regulations, especially since motorway use is not mandatory. The checks, carried out without extraordinary resources, resulted in an average of nearly 50 fines per day, with peaks during morning and evening rush hours. ### Details of the Checks The checks were conducted over just four days, focusing primarily on vehicles heading to Italy (approximately 70% of violations), but there were also cases in the opposite direction, such as motorists heading to Stabio or Airolo. The regulation, in force since January 1, 1985, and updated in 2020 with the introduction of the electronic vignette (never implemented), imposes severe penalties for offenders. For example, an Italian motorist residing in Como and commuting daily to Lugano for work risks an annual expense of 240 francs in fines (200 CHF per vi...
Dettagli operativi
The operation carried out at Chiasso-Brogeda raises several practical issues for those who regularly cross the Italian-Swiss border. First and foremost, it is essential to understand that the motorway vignette is not optional but a legal requirement for anyone using the Swiss motorway network, even for short stretches. The annual cost of 40 Swiss francs (36.50 euros at the current exchange rate) is negligible compared to the penalties: a 200 Swiss franc (182 euro) fine plus the mandatory purchase of the vignette itself, for a total of 240 Swiss francs (218.50 euros). This regulation, in force since 1985, was updated in 2023 with the introduction of additional electronic checks at border crossings. ## Comparisons and scenarios Before this crackdown, many motorists believed that the risk of being stopped was low, especially during off-peak hours. The data from April 2024 proves otherwise: with an infringement rate of 12% (190 fines out of 1,620 vehicles checked in 4 days), the probability of being fined is very real. For example, a commuter crossing the Chiasso-Brogeda border twice a day without a vignette has a 24% chance of being fined in a month. Furthermore, checks are not limited to major crossings such as Chiasso, but can be extended to other entry points, such as Stabio (with 50 fines issued in the same period) or Gaggiolo (30 fines). A telling case is that of the Novazzano-Marcetto crossing, where 15% of the vehicles checked (70 out of 460) were found to be irregular. Here, the proximity to the A2 motorway makes crossing without a vignette particularly risky. On the other hand, those using the Ponte Tresa crossing, which is less busy and far from motorways, have a lower but not zero risk: 20 fines were issued in the same period out of 300 checks (6.7%). ### Wh...
Punti chiave
To avoid penalties when crossing borders into Ticino, it is essential to purchase the Swiss motorway vignette before using the country's road network. Here is a detailed guide, complete with practical examples and regulatory references: 1. Purchase: The vignette, costing 40 Swiss francs, is available at Swiss service stations (e.g. Tamoil in Chiasso), post offices (such as the one in Mendrisio) and online on the national roads website. It is valid for one year, from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year. For example, the 2024 vignette is valid from 1 December 2023 to 31 January 2025. 2. Application: It must be affixed to the windscreen, in the top right-hand corner, clearly visible from the outside. In the case of a rental, check that the vehicle already has a valid vignette. 3. Storage: In the event of a check, you must show the purchase receipt together with the vignette. Keep the receipt for the entire period of validity. ### What to do if you receive a fine If you are stopped without a vignette, for example along the A2 motorway near Balerna, the procedure is as follows: 1. Fine payment: Pay the fine of 200 Swiss francs (art. 86 ONA, in force since 1 January 2020) within the time limits indicated on the report. 2. Immediate purchase: Purchase the vignette within 10 days to avoid further penalties. For example, a commuter from Como who passes through Stabio every day risks a repeat fine if he or she does not regularise his or her position. 3. Documentation: Keep the payment receipt and the vignette purchase certificate for any future checks. Operational checklist: - [ ] Check the validity of the vignette before each trip. - [ ] Purchase the vignette online or at authorised points of sale. - [ ] Apply the vignette correctly to the...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"Where can I buy the Swiss motorway vignette?","a":"The vignette is available at service stations in Switzerland, post offices, and online on the national roads website. It costs 40 francs and is valid for one year."},{"q":"What are the consequences if I don't have the vignette and get stopped?","a":"If stopped without a vignette, you will receive a fine of 200 Swiss francs and be required to purchase the vignette. Failure to pay may result in additional penalties or vehicle impoundment."},{"q":"Can I drive in Switzerland without using the motorway?","a":"Yes, you can use regular roads without a vignette. However, travel times may be significantly longer, especially in congested areas like Mendrisiotto."},{"q":"Is the vignette valid on all Swiss motorways?","a":"Yes, the Swiss motorway vignette is valid on the entire motorway and semi-motorway network of the country for a full year."},{"q":"What happens if the vignette comes off or is damaged?","a":"If damaged, you need to purchase a new one. Always keep the purchase receipt as proof of validity."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I buy the Swiss motorway vignette?
- The vignette is available at service stations in Switzerland, post offices, and online on the national roads website. It costs 40 francs and is valid for one year.
- What are the consequences if I don't have the vignette and get stopped?
- If stopped without a vignette, you will receive a fine of 200 Swiss francs and be required to purchase the vignette. Failure to pay may result in additional penalties or vehicle impoundment.
- Can I drive in Switzerland without using the motorway?
- Yes, you can use regular roads without a vignette. However, travel times may be significantly longer, especially in congested areas like Mendrisiotto.
- Is the vignette valid on all Swiss motorways?
- Yes, the Swiss motorway vignette is valid on the entire motorway and semi-motorway network of the country for a full year.
- What happens if the vignette comes off or is damaged?
- If damaged, you need to purchase a new one. Always keep the purchase receipt as proof of validity.