Tolls in Europe: where motorists have to pay

Created: 08/11/2022, 15:45

By: Simon Mones

Drivers have to pay a toll in 23 countries in Europe.

However, prices and fines vary greatly.

Anyone traveling by car in Germany can use the roads without having to pay a toll.

A corresponding attempt failed with a crash before the European Court of Justice.

However, there are 23 countries in Europe that already have a toll for using motorways and some expressways.

However, there are different approaches: the toll by vignette and the distance-based toll.

The latter is paid at payment points on the ascents and descents or registered by radio receiver.

The vignette is traditionally affixed to the windscreen, but in some countries it can also be purchased online in digital form.

A toll is payable in 23 countries in Europe.

© Jens Büttner/dpa

Tolls in Europe: where motorists have to pay

The vignette is currently used in eight European countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic and Switzerland.

You can choose from: short-term, monthly or annual vignettes.

These can be purchased at service areas, petrol stations, truck stops and online.

For some countries these are also available from the ADAC.

In Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, only a digital vignette is now used; a sticker on the windscreen is no longer necessary.

To do this, the number plate is registered online beforehand and the toll is paid.

A similar system is also used on routes around London (UK), Dublin (Ireland) and Milan (Italy).

Here, too, drivers have to pay to use it.

The prices for the vignette and the fines, if you are traveling without, are very different:

• Bulgaria: 8 euros per 7 days;

  15 euros per month;

  50 euros per year, fine: 150 euros

• Austria: 9.50 euros per 10 days;

  27.80 euros for two months;

  92.50 euros per year, fine: replacement toll 120 euros or fine 300 euros

• Romania: 3 euros per 7 days;

  7 euros per month/13 euros for two months;

  28 euros per year, fine: 80 euros

• Switzerland: 38.50 euros per year, fine: 175 euros plus vignette costs

• Slovakia: 10 euros per 10 days;

  14 euros per month;

  50 euros per year, fine: from 80 euros

• Slovenia: 15 euros per 7 days;

  30 euros per month;

  110 euros per year, fine: 300-800 euros;

  150 euros for immediate payment

• Czech Republic: 12 euros per 10 days;

  17 euros per month;

  57 euros per year, fine: from 195 euros

• Hungary: 10.10 euros per 10 days;

  13.80 euros per month;

  123.90 euros per year, fine: replacement toll from 50 euros

  (information without guarantee and dependent on the exchange rate)

Tolls in Europe: Tunnels and bridges can cost extra

Similar to the USA, some states in Europe also charge tolls depending on the distance driven.

For example in Italy or France.

When entering the motorway, a ticket is drawn and when leaving the motorway the amount due is paid.

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If you travel frequently in these countries, it is worth buying a “Telepass” box (Italy) or a “Télépéage” badge (France).

With these devices, drivers do not have to wait at the toll station, but can use an extra lane.

The toll no longer has to be paid immediately, since you are identified by the chip or badge.

The distance-related toll is also used in Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Greece, Great Britain, Ireland, Croatia, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain and Turkey.

In some countries there may also be extra fees for bridges or tunnels.

Drivers, especially in the Alpine states of Austria, Switzerland and Italy, have to be prepared for additional costs.