European Countries Subject to Road Tolls

From BMWUSA web site:
European Countries Subject to Road Tolls
Certain highways and expressways in Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic are subject to a toll and require a toll sticker to be purchased and attached on the front windshield of your car. These toll stickers must be purchased prior to entry into any of these three countries and can be purchased at gas stations, post offices and border crossings.
Austria and the Czech Republic offer toll stickers in the following denominations:
• Ten days
• One month
• One year
Switzerland only offers a one-year denomination.

*Note – Austria also requires an International Drivers License
*Austria also requires a security vest for each driver, which can be purchased where vignettes are sold.

1. Can some body explain to me, please, what is security west. Do I need one if I only spend in Austria 10 min (according to MapPoint software) in my way to Zurich.
2. How much is one year road pass for Switzerland?
3. How much is international driver license cost? Do I need one for 10 min trip?

Reply » European Countries Subject to Road Tolls

A security vest is a reflective vest like you see road workers wearing. You need it if you get stopped in Austria. In 10 mins, you probably won't, but like anything else, you're playing your odds.

I seem to remember my Swiss toll sticker being about the equivalent of $60 US give or take. Can't remember exactly.

You can get an international drivers license for $10 at AAA. Highly recommended...even in countries where you don't need it, it helps to translate the information on your DL.

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Reply » European Countries Subject to Road Tolls

I also thought other countries now as of Oktober the safety vest.... I can't remember where I saw it. They make a great souvenier, I bought the BMW ones from the Dealer on the ring... supposedly one of the biggest in the world. Cost was about $10 each and totally worth it. I keep them in the car now and would definately use them if the need be.

As for the Austria sticker, it is very cheap and you only need it on the A-bahn not the back roads, The fine is very steep if you do not have one. You never know what will happen at a border crossing. I was only stopped entering Italy but that was quick and painless, also helpful to have the International drivers permit, gives them less of a reason to get mad and ticket you for not speaking the language etc.

Best of luck and enjoy the trip.... somebody here may have a Swiss toll they are willing to sell you, you may want to post and ask and save some loot!

Reply » European Countries Subject to Road Tolls

Each is own But I took that exact route last May. NO vest No International license Yes Vignette I think it was 40 Euros I bought it in a fuel station on the side of road. The Road into Austria at that point is under repair and They want to keep the traffic moving.

Reply » European Countries Subject to Road Tolls

The gentlemen @ BMW ED in Munich who delivered my car told me I had to get the vest and vignette for Austria.

I took the same route as you to Zurich. I did not purchase it and took the chance w/o the vest, vignette, and international license for Austria. The only vignette I had was for Switzerland which if I remember was 40 euros. You can get these at the gas station before the border or actually at the Switzerland border.

It's really up to you whether you want to take the chance.

On a separate issue but same day, when I was at the Switzerland border, the border police were arresting two people. Of course it wasn't for not having the vignette but for smuggling something.

Reply » European Countries Subject to Road Tolls

[quote=I seem to remember my Swiss toll sticker being about the equivalent of $60 US give or take. Can't remember exactly.]

FYI folks - I was in Switzerland last month driving over to Basel from France. I recall paying around 25 Euro at the border (maybe it was 35 Swiss Francs) but in either case it was not $60 US - it would be around half that. And the vignette is good for a year (don't let them paste it to the windshield if there is any chance you will be back within the year)

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