How do vignettes work in Europe?
If you're looking for information on how to buy a Czech, Slovak or Hungarian vignette — you're in the right place. In many countries, instead of motorway toll booths there is an electronic vignette system. It's a road charge linked to the vehicle's registration number — with it you can use the motorways without stopping at toll gates.
You can buy a Czech vignette online, a Slovakia vignette and a Hungary vignette quickly and without leaving home.
What is an electronic vignette?
A vignette is a charge for using motorways and expressways. In most countries it is now fully electronic — there is nothing to stick on the windscreen or print. The system automatically recognises the vehicle by its registration number using ANPR cameras.
- No queues at the border
- Vignette registered and confirmed by email, within 2–3 minutes of payment
- No need to print or present any documents
- Order your e-vignette online in about 2 minutes — from anywhere in the world
- Order confirmation sent by email
Where is a vignette required?
Vignettes apply in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Switzerland, among others. Each country has its own rules, vehicle categories and prices — so it's worth checking the details before you travel. Driving without a vignette carries high fines, and within the EU they can be enforced across borders through the CBE (Cross Border Enforcement) system.
How much does a vignette cost online?
The price of a vignette depends on the country, vehicle type and validity period. Short-term vignettes are the cheapest — for example, the Bulgaria vignette from 11.50 EUR for one day. Annual vignettes can cost considerably more. Check the current vignette pricing 2026 for all countries and vehicle categories.
Czech, Slovakia, Hungary vignette – what you should know
Heading to southern Europe, you'll most often need a Czech vignette. The system is fully automatic — ANPR cameras check vehicle number plates on the motorways. A one-day vignette costs from 390 CZK (~€15.60).
The Slovakia vignette works in a similar way and is required on most motorways and expressways. The annual Slovak vignette is valid for 365 days from the start date you choose.
Hungary uses the e-matrica system. The Hungary vignette depends on the vehicle category: D1 covers cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t with no more than 7 seats (including the driver); vans and vehicles with more than 7 seats are D2. A trailer behind a D1 car is covered by the D1 vignette — a separate U vignette is only needed behind a D2 vehicle.
It's also worth checking the rules for the remaining countries: Slovenia vignette (minimum 7 days), Bulgaria vignette (also applies on national roads) and the Switzerland vignette — annual only, from 49 CHF (~€51.58).
What are the penalties for not having a vignette?
Fines for driving without a vignette are high and enforced automatically — for a car (up to 3.5t) they range from around €153 in Bulgaria up to €800 in Slovenia. Within the EU, the CBE system shares information about violations between countries, so a fine can arrive by post even several weeks after your trip. Check the vignette prices — the cost of a vignette is a fraction of a potential fine.
These amounts are indicative and may change. Always verify current rates with the national road-toll operator.
Where can you buy a vignette online?
The best solution is to buy your e-vignette online before you set off. This way you avoid stress, the risk of a fine and queues at the border. Ordering takes about 2 minutes: you get the order confirmation straight away, and the vignette is registered and confirmed by email within 2–3 minutes of payment (for a later start date — as soon as the operator’s system allows).
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Check the full vignette pricing 2026 and choose the best option for your trip. Got questions? Take a look at our FAQ or contact us.