The motorway vignette has existed in electronic version since August 2023. In January, unofficial websites reached out to motorists. Are they worth it? Questioned by RTS, Donatella Del Vecchio, spokesperson for the Federal Office of Customs and Border Security, recalls some rules.
When thinking about buying the motorway sticker in January, several websites act as intermediaries to sell the sticker at a price higher than the official 40 francs. However, this price is available via the official website of the Confederation, https://www.e-vignette.ch.
“The process is done in a few clicks. You must provide three pieces of information: the country of registration, the vehicle category and the license plate number. The purchase is immediate”, recalls in On en Parle Donatella Del Vecchio, door – spokesperson for the Federal Office of Customs and Border Security (OFDF). If you wish to obtain a receipt, an email address is also necessary.
Additionally, there is no auto-renewal option. You must therefore renew your registration on the site each year to purchase the new electronic sticker. “The letters and other invoices received concerning a renewal of the sticker do not come from the Confederation,” confirms Donatella Del Vecchio.
Less secure unofficial platforms
In addition to charging more than the 40 francs requested by the authorities for this highway pass, unofficial sites risk wasting motorists’ time. Indeed, the third-party site acting as an intermediary, it is difficult to know when personal information will be communicated to the Confederation. This can give rise to unpleasant surprises, as Donatella Del Vecchio explains: “For example, you think you have purchased an electronic sticker, you drive on the highway and there is a check. However, the third-party service site has not did not take action immediately after your purchase.”
Finally, third-party sites may ask for more information than necessary. Data protection is not guaranteed there. “For the moment, we have not detected any fraudulent websites. We could be dealing with scammers, but such sites would close quickly, because the market could detect them,” concludes Donatella Del Vecchio.
Radio subject: Jérôme Zimmermann
Web adaptation: Myriam Semaani
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