Swiss motorway vignette 2026: cost for border crossers (cross-border guide)

Context

Swiss motorway vignette 2026: cost for border workers

The novelty for transport on public land in Ticino

The Swiss motorway vignette 2026, an innovation for vehicles in transit on Swiss territory, will see the introduction of a new measure of impact on motorways.

The novelty has been introduced for all vehicles in transit on Swiss territory, including border crossers who regularly use our motorways. The cost of the motorway vignette for vehicles registered in Switzerland is CHF 40, while for those registered abroad the cost is CHF 60.

An alternative to the motorway subscription in Ticino

The Swiss motorway vignette 2026 represents an alternative to the motorway subscription, an annual payment system that allows free entry to motorways. The motorway pass costs CHF 90 for vehicles registered in Switzerland and CHF 140 for those registered abroad.

On the other hand, the cost of the motorway vignette is lower and can be purchased in a single solution within the motorway terminals or at service stations. In addition, the motorway vignette is valid for one year, while the motorway subscription is more effective, equal to at least three years.

The future of Ticino infrastructure

The 2026 Swiss motorway vignette is the first stone of the future of Ticino infrastructure, with the aim of

Operational details

The 2026 Swiss motorway vignette, introduced for all vehicles in transit on Swiss territory, is a measure aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and increasing tax revenues. The cost of the motorway vignette for vehicles registered in Switzerland is CHF 40, while for those registered abroad it is CHF 60. Border workers can buy the motorway vignette online on the website of the Federal Tax Administration (AFC) or at authorised points of sale.

In Ticino, the motorway vignette is mandatory for all vehicles travelling on the A1, A2, A5 and the Sierre. For commuters, the vignette is mandatory not only on motorways but also on provincial and municipal roads. The vignette should be affixed to the front of the vehicle, usually on the upper right or left side of the bodywork.

For example, a border worker resident in Chiasso who owns a car registered in Switzerland, for example a Fiat 500, can buy the motorway vignette at the Chiasso train station. The cost for the motorway vignette in this case is CHF 40.

In terms of regulations, the motorway vignette will come into force on 1 January 2026 and will remain mandatory until 31 December 2030. The measure was introduced by the European Commission to reduce CO2 emissions and increase tax revenues.

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Key points

Swiss motorway vignette 2026: cost and requirements for border workers in Ticino

With the entry into force of the new road financing system in Switzerland, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) announced the free distribution of a motorway vignette for border motorists. The vignette, in force since 2026, will replace the motorway card and allow border crossers to travel unlimited along motorways and avalanche roads.

Cost and requirements:

The 2026 Swiss motorway vignette costs 50 Swiss francs (CHF) for a year, while the motorway card cost 175 CHF. Border workers residing in Ticino who own a car registered in Switzerland and have a valid residence permit can buy the vignette online on the AFC website or at authorised points of sale.

Other requirements:

To be eligible to receive the motorway vignette, border motorists must:

• have a valid and regularly renewed Swiss driving licence;
• hold a residence permit valid in Switzerland for border workers (B1 or higher) or be Swiss citizens;
• own a car registered in Switzerland;
• be in possession of a compulsory insurance policy for compulsory insurance and supplementary insurance.

Rules and amounts:

The motorway vignette replaces the motorway card from 1 January 2026. The use fee

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