Fines for missing motorway vignette: 190 penalties issued in Chiasso

Context

TL;DR

• 190 fines issued for missing motorway vignette at Chiasso border
• Fines: 200 CHF plus 40 CHF for vignette purchase
• Vignette mandatory for all vehicles on Swiss motorways
• Checks planned at other border crossings and motorway routes

Key facts

• Number of fines: 190 fines issued at Chiasso border crossing
• Irregularity rate: 11.7% of checked vehicles without vignette
• Vignette cost: 40 CHF for a calendar year
• Fine amount: 200 CHF fine plus 40 CHF for vignette purchase
• Vignette validity: Valid until 31 January of the following year
• Vehicles checked: 1,620 vehicles checked during Easter weekend
• Cross-border workers: 65,000 cross-border workers enter Ticino daily
• Increase in violations: 15% increase in violations in Ticino in 2023 compared to 2022

Blanket checks at the Chiasso border crossing: 190 fines for missing motorway vignette

During the Easter weekend, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) stepped up checks at the Chiasso motorway border crossing, verifying the presence of the compulsory motorway vignette on 1,620 vehicles leaving Switzerland. Of these, 190 were found to be without the sticker, with an irregularity rate of 11.7%.

Fines and obligations

The drivers fined had to buy the vignette on the spot at a cost of 40 francs, plus pay a fine of 200 francs. The FOCBS pointed out that the vignette obligation applies to all vehicles using the Swiss motorway and semi-motorway network, regardless of foreign number plates. Checks, carried out in collaboration with the cantonal police, are also planned at other border crossings, such as Stabio and Novazzano, and along the Ticino motorway routes, for example between Mendrisio and Lugano.

What the regulations provide for

The motorway vignette, introduced in 1985, is available in sticker or electronic format (since 2022) and costs 40 francs for a calendar year. It is compulsory for cars, motorbikes and vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Penalties for failure to display include a fine of 200 francs and immediate purchase of the vignette. In 2023, the FOCBS recorded over 5,000 violations in Ticino, a 15% increase compared to 2022.

Implications for cross-border workers

For the 65,000 cross-border workers who enter Ticino every day, the vignette represents an unavoidable annual expense. For example, a worker from Como who commutes to Lugano via the motorway spends 40 francs on the vignette, compared to the 120 euros he would pay in Italy for a similar annual sticker. However, failure to display it can cause delays at border crossings and unexpected costs.

💡 Operational checklist for cross-border workers: 1. Check the validity of the vignette (expires 31 January of the following year). 2. Position it correctly on the windscreen (top right corner). 3. Keep the purchase receipt in case of checks. 4. For company vehicles, make sure the company has made the purchase.

⚠️ Scenario comparison:

• With vignette: fast transit at border crossings, no additional costs.
• Without vignette: fine of 200 francs, compulsory purchase (40 francs) and possible 20-30 minute delay at checks.

'The vignette is not an optional extra, but a legal obligation for those using our infrastructure,' said an FOCBS spokesman.

Checks will continue in the coming months, with particular attention being paid to the Chiasso and Stabio border crossings, where 70% of cross-border commuters heading for Ticino pass through.

Operational details

Why Have Checks Increased?

Road toll sticker checks in Ticino have seen a significant spike in recent months, with a particular focus on the Chiasso, Brogeda, and Gaggiolo border crossings. According to data from the Federal Roads Office (USTRA), 190 fines were issued at the Chiasso border crossing in 2023, compared to 120 in 2022. This increase is directly linked to the growing cross-border traffic: over 70,000 commuters enter Ticino each day, a 15% increase from 2019. The Department of Traffic and Navigation (UDSC) has confirmed that checks will continue systematically, even in collaboration with the Cantonal Police and Italian authorities, to ensure compliance with Swiss regulations.

Comparison with the Past

Until 2020, road toll sticker checks were less frequent and primarily focused on Swiss vehicles. Today, all vehicles in transit are subject to inspection, regardless of their license plate. This change has surprised many drivers, especially cross-border commuters used to a lower level of strictness. For example, in 2019, only 30% of checks involved foreign-registered vehicles, while in 2023, this figure has risen to 60%.

What Happens If You Don't Pay the Fine?

In the case of a missing road toll sticker, the fine amounts to 200 CHF (approximately €205), plus the cost of the sticker itself (40 CHF). If the payment is not made within 30 days, Swiss authorities initiate a credit recovery procedure. For residents in Italy, the notification arrives through the Italian Ministry of Justice, with possible additional costs of up to 20% for administrative expenses. For instance, a cross-border resident from Como saw their initial fine of 200 CHF increase to 240 € after the involvement of Italian authorities.

Alternatives to the Road Toll Sticker?

There are no alternatives to the Swiss road toll sticker. Even toll collection systems like Telepass are not valid in Switzerland. The only way to legally drive on Swiss highways is to purchase the annual road toll sticker, available in adhesive (40 CHF) or electronic (40 CHF + 10 CHF activation) formats.

💡 Operational Checklist for Cross-Border Commuters:

• Check the validity of the road toll sticker before crossing the border.
• Purchase the road toll sticker at customs, gas stations, or online on the USTRA website.
• Keep the payment receipt for any potential checks.
• In case of a fine, pay within 30 days to avoid additional costs.

⚠️ Comparison of Practical Scenarios:

• Scenario 1: Cross-border commuter with a valid road toll sticker → No issues at checks.
• Scenario 2: Cross-border commuter without a road toll sticker → Fine of 200 CHF + 40 CHF for the sticker.
• Scenario 3: Failure to pay the fine → Credit recovery procedure with additional costs.

"Checks are necessary to ensure fairness and compliance with the rules by all road users," said a spokesperson for the UDSC.

📊 Key Data:

• Most Checked Border Crossings: Chiasso (190 fines), Brogeda (150), Gaggiolo (120).
• Cost of Road Toll Sticker 2024: 40 CHF (adhesive), 50 CHF (electronic).
• Increase in Checks: +40% compared to 2022.

The most affected Ticino municipalities, such as Mendrisio and Stabio, have seen a 25% increase in checks compared to the previous year, highlighting the need for greater awareness among cross-border commuters.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

How to Avoid Fines: Step-by-Step Procedure

For cross-border workers in Ticino, avoiding penalties related to the Swiss motorway vignette is essential to prevent additional costs. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Purchase the vignette: Available at service stations, Swiss post offices, and online on the SBB website. It costs 40 francs and is valid for one year. For example, a vignette purchased in November 2023 will be valid until 31 January 2025. 2. Display the vignette correctly: If it’s a sticker, it must be affixed to the windshield in a visible manner, preferably in the upper right corner. The electronic vignette, introduced in 2022, must be registered online by linking it to the vehicle’s license plate on the official Confederation portal. 3. Check the expiry date: The vignette is valid until 31 January of the year following its purchase. For example, a 2024 vignette expires on 31 January 2025. Always check the date to avoid fines, which amount to 200 francs for driving without a valid vignette.

Useful Tools

For cross-border workers, it’s advisable to use tools like the salary calculator to assess the impact of additional expenses, such as the vignette, on the monthly budget. For example, a cross-border worker from Como working in Lugano spends around 500 francs annually on the vignette and fuel. Additionally, it’s useful to consult the border crossing map to plan alternative routes in case of intensified checks, such as those frequently carried out in Chiasso and Stabio.

Operational Checklist

• [ ] Purchase the vignette by 31 December to maximise its validity.
• [ ] Apply or register the electronic vignette within 30 days of purchase.
• [ ] Check the expiry date before each cross-border trip.
• [ ] Keep the purchase receipt in case of checks.

FAQ

Q: Is the vignette also valid on semi-motorways? A: Yes, the vignette is mandatory on both Swiss motorways and semi-motorways, such as the A2 connecting Chiasso to Basel.

Q: Can I drive without a vignette if I only use cantonal roads? A: Yes, but it’s necessary to carefully plan the route to avoid motorways and semi-motorways. For example, from Varese to Mendrisio, you can use the cantonal road through Rancate, but the travel time increases by 20%.

Q: What happens if the vignette detaches or is stolen? A: In case of damage or theft, a new vignette must be purchased. There is no free replacement. Since 2023, the electronic vignette reduces this risk, as it is linked to the license plate.

Q: Are electric vehicles exempt from the vignette requirement? A: No, the vignette requirement applies to all vehicles, regardless of their power source. Even electric cars must pay the annual 40 francs.

Q: Can I use the vignette on multiple vehicles? A: No, the vignette is only valid for the vehicle on which it has been affixed or registered. Using it on multiple vehicles is punishable with a fine of 200 francs.

'The vignette is not optional, but a legal obligation. Checks are frequent, especially in border municipalities like Chiasso and Stabio' – Ticino Cantonal Police.

⚠️ Warning: As of 1 January 2024, electronic checks on motorways have been intensified, with cameras automatically detecting vehicles without a valid vignette.

Source: ticinonews.ch