The difference between the vignette and the toll, also called "route-based toll" or "distance-based toll", is not known to many. The terms are often used for the same thing. The difference lies in how and for what the fees are charged.
The Most Important Facts
Vignette: The vignette refers to proof of payment for driving on motorways and expressways subject to vignette obligation. You can buy the vignette as a sticker vignette and stick it on the inside of the windscreen, or purchase it digitally, which simply links the vignette to the number plate.
Toll: The (route-based) toll is a fee that must be paid for the use of certain transport infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, tunnels or motorways. With these fees, the driver supports the financing of this transport infrastructure.
What is a vignette?
In eight European countries, you need a vignette for certain roads: usually for motorways and expressways, and in Romania and Bulgaria also for national roads. Purchasing a vignette is mandatory, and non-payment results in a penalty. Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czechia and Hungary require a vignette.
The vignette is paid only for a specific period and regardless of the number of kilometres driven. The vignette can be purchased in advance and is stuck on the inside of the windscreen as proof of payment, entitling you to use the respective country's motorway network and expressways for a predetermined period of time.
With the vignette, you can choose between a sticker, i.e. a so-called sticker vignette, or a digital vignette. If private individuals buy a digital 2-month or annual vignette online, a blocking period of 18 days applies. The 10-day vignette included in our flat rate, on the other hand, is valid immediately.
What is a (route-based) toll?
The term toll, also known as a road usage fee, refers to a route-based fee for the use of motorways and expressways. This means that the toll is a fee payable in addition to the vignette, which must be paid for certain stretches of road. This includes roads, bridges, tunnels and motorways. The toll is calculated based on the kilometres you have driven. In addition to the kilometres driven, infrastructure costs and the costs for the environmental impact caused are also added.
The toll rate varies from country to country. In Austria, you pay the route toll on-site at the toll station or in advance online via ASFINAG. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the GO toll via the GO-Box. The GO toll is not part of our Vignette Flat Rate. The route toll is not included in the base price, but for cars up to 3.5 t you can add it with the Austria route toll add-on.
The revenue is used to further expand the road network in the respective country. That is why you must also pay fines if you do not comply with the route-based toll obligation.
This means that with a vignette, you can already cover most of a country in advance and only have to pay an additional route toll for certain roads or structures.
FAQ on the difference between vignette and toll
Answers to the most common questions on this topic.
How is a vignette paid for?
The vignette is paid for a fixed period of time and regardless of the number of kilometers driven – either as a sticker vignette or as a digital vignette.
How is the distance-based toll calculated?
The distance-based toll is calculated according to the distance traveled and differs from country to country. It can be paid directly at the toll station.
Do I have to pay additional tolls besides the vignette?
In some cases, yes: With a vignette, you cover most of a country, but you still have to pay extra for certain special toll routes.
What is the difference between a vignette and a toll?
The vignette is proof of payment for the use of highways and expressways requiring a vignette, regardless of the distance traveled. The (distance-based) toll, on the other hand, is a fee for the specific use of certain roads, bridges, or tunnels.