Transport levies and road traffic law

Make sure that you carry the correct travel documents with you when you enter Switzerland and pay the necessary road taxes. You should also observe the vehicle regulations and your obligations as a driver.

Use of Swiss motorways is subject to a charge. It is levied in the form of the annual “vignette”, which costs CHF 40 and is valid from 1 December of the year prior to that shown on the vignette through to 31 January of the year following that on the vignette.

The performance-related heavy vehicle charge (LSVA) applies to motor vehicles and their trailers that have a maximum permissible laden weight of more than 3.5 tonnes and are used to transport goods.

In Switzerland, a performance-related charge is payable for transport motor vehicles and trailers with a total weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes. This charge is levied as a lump sum for specific vehicle types. Various exceptions and special regulations also need your attention.

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Under customs law, vehicles are regarded as goods (like clothing, foodstuffs or machinery). This also applies to trailers, containers and the like. A distinction must be made between domestic (duty paid) and foreign (duty unpaid) vehicles.

As the driver of a vehicle, you have certain obligations when crossing the border with merchandise.