European Highway Tolls – What You Need to Know About the Toll System

2025. 02. 20. 15:34

If you plan to travel by car in Europe, it is worth checking highway tolls in advance, as each country has different regulations and payment systems. Some countries use an e-vignette system, while others have a toll booth system or automatic toll deduction. In this article, we have gathered the most important information to help you travel smoothly by car across European countries.

What Toll Payment Systems Exist in Europe?

There are several toll payment systems in Europe:

• Vignette System (e-vignette)
• Toll Booth System
• Road Toll System (Rovinieta)
• Automatic Toll Deduction (Free-Flow Tolling)

Vignette System

The vignette system is a pre-purchased permit that allows drivers to use a country’s toll highways and expressways for a specific period.

How Does the Vignette System Work?

1. The driver selects the vignette for the desired validity period.
2. The license plate number and vehicle category are recorded at the time of purchase. Once purchased, the license plate is registered in a central database.
3. Camera systems monitor validity: Cameras installed on highways automatically read license plates and check whether a vehicle has a valid vignette. If no valid vignette is detected, the system may automatically issue a fine.

What Types of Vignettes Exist?

In most countries, vignettes can be purchased for the following durations:

Where Can You Purchase a Vignette?

• Official websites
• Mobile applications
• In some countries, via SMS
• Gas stations
• Certain border crossings

What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Vignette?

• Enter your license plate number correctly! Incorrect information may render the vignette invalid, resulting in a fine.
• Check the validity period! If the vignette expires, you may receive an immediate fine.
• Keep the purchase receipt! It serves as proof in case of any issues.

Toll System

The Toll System, or barrier-based toll collection, is a method in which drivers pay for highway use based on the distance traveled. This system is primarily used in France, Italy, Spain, and Croatia.

How Does the Toll System Work?

1.Entering the highway – Ticket or Automatic Registration

When a vehicle enters a toll highway, the driver:

• Takes a ticket from a machine, which records the entry point, or
• Is automatically registered via license plate recognition or a toll payment device if the driver is registered in the country’s toll system.

2. Toll Calculation Upon Exit

When the driver exits the toll road:

• The entry ticket is inserted into a machine or given to an operator.
• The system calculates the toll fee based on the distance traveled and the vehicle category.
• If an electronic toll device is used, the fee is automatically deducted.

Tips for Drivers Using the Toll System

• Keep your ticket safe! Losing it may result in a penalty.
• Consider using an electronic payment system if you travel frequently.
• Check toll fees and payment options in advance, especially when traveling abroad.

Road Toll System

If you are driving in Romania, be aware that the country has a road toll system. The toll, known as Rovinieta, is required for all vehicles using Romania’s public roads, regardless of whether they have domestic or foreign license plates.

What Is Rovinieta?

Rovinieta is an electronic road toll that grants access to the national road network. Unlike other systems that only apply to highways, Rovinieta is required for all national roads, including highways and main roads.

Automatic Toll Deduction (Free-Flow Tolling)

Free-Flow Tolling is a toll payment system that eliminates physical toll booths, allowing vehicles to continue moving without stopping. The toll fee is automatically deducted from the vehicle owner's account, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion at toll stations.

How Does Free-Flow Tolling Work?

1.Cameras and Sensors Record Vehicle Data

The toll payment system uses cameras and sensors that record the vehicle's license plate and category on designated highway sections. These devices identify the type of vehicle passing through the section and calculate the applicable toll fee.

2. Automatic Payment for Registered Vehicles

If the driver has pre-registered in a toll payment system (e.g., linked to a credit card or electronic toll device), the toll fee is automatically deducted.

3. Post-Payment for Non-Registered Vehicles

If a vehicle is not registered, the toll system sends a notification to the owner, who must pay the fee within a specified timeframe online or through other payment methods.

4. Fines for Non-Payment

If the driver does not pay the fee within the specified deadline, a surcharge or fine may be imposed. In most countries, authorities automatically identify the vehicle owner based on the license plate.

Which European Countries Require Toll Payments?

The following countries require toll payments for highway use:

• E-Vignette System Countries: Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Slovenia
• Toll Booth System Countries: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Greece
• Road Toll System: Romania
• Automatic Toll Payment System Countries: Norway, parts of Portugal, some sections of Poland

Key Considerations for Toll Payments

• Check the validity! If using an e-vignette, ensure it covers the correct period.
• Enter your license plate correctly! Errors in electronic toll systems may lead to fines.
• Keep your purchase receipt! It serves as proof of payment if needed.
• Be aware of additional costs! Some countries charge extra fees for bridges, tunnels, and specific road sections.

Before setting off on a road trip in Europe, it is advisable to check the toll payment system of your destination country in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Choosing the right e-vignette or toll payment solution can save you both time and money, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free journey. To be on the safe side, purchase your e-vignette (if required) in advance from a reliable website and always check its validity!