Swiss drivers are currently having to scratch their windshields again from the outside and soon from the inside: the new vignette for 2023 must be affixed to the windshield by the end of January. Otherwise, there is a fine of 200 francs.
To do this, the previous year’s version must first be removed. A Sisyphus mission every year because the vignette is deliberately made to break when removed – so it cannot be used for another car.
Just remove the vignette
It works best with an extra vignetting remover or scraper for the glass ceramic hob. And this is how it works: Just pinch a razor blade, slide the scraper from one corner under the vignette, and detach it from the window (see video). Moisten residues with water and also remove with scraper.
It is worth the effort: in principle, it is not forbidden to leave the old pattern on the window. However, if the police are too meticulous in their interpretation of the law, old vignettes can restrict view and result in a hefty fine.
But it must be the second to last time we need to change the brand. In 2023, the customs administration wants to activate the digital e-vignette. The Federal Council is expected to make its decision in the first quarter of the year. The e-vignette can be saved online and is linked to the vehicle registration number. However, the sticky vignette should remain present.
360 million francs were collected
Statistically, there are more vignettes than Swiss residents: 9.35 million units were sold in 2021 – more than a third (2.6 million) of them were sold at the border or abroad. This means Switzerland earned CHF 374 million from vignettes alone. That money goes into the maintenance of Swiss motorways. Before Corona, more than ten million vignettes were sold in 2019.
The only situation where the vignette can be replaced free of charge is when the windshield must be replaced after it has been damaged. Insurance companies usually take care of this. Otherwise, the customs administrations will issue a new one upon submission of the old, torn vignette and glass replacement invoice. When buying a new car, you also need a new vignette, where service-friendly services offer it as a service to the customer.