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The Austrian automobile club ÖAMTC has released a detailed overview of the major changes to tolls and vignettes across Europe coming into effect in 2026. Whether travelling for holidays or crossing borders in transit, motorists will face several updates that could affect both planning and costs.
A Patchwork of Systems — and New Changes Ahead
Europe continues to operate with a mix of toll models:
- Distance‑based tolls in countries like Italy, France, and Croatia
- Time‑based vignettes in places such as Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia
According to ÖAMTC travel expert Yvette Polasek, staying informed is essential: travellers should “know the applicable systems and check in advance whether any registration is required” to avoid unnecessary expenses or fines.
Bulgaria: New One‑Day Vignette
Starting 3 February 2026, Bulgaria will introduce a one‑day vignette priced at 8 BGN (about €4).
- Ideal for transit travellers
- Adds flexibility alongside existing time‑based vignettes
Hungary: Regional Annual Vignettes Introduced
Hungary is expanding its toll system with new regional annual e‑vignettes. A key addition is the “M1” regional vignette, covering:
- Pest
- Fejér
- Komárom-Esztergom
- Győr-Moson-Sopron
These have been available since early 2026 and offer significant savings—around €120 compared to the nationwide annual vignette—especially for drivers frequently travelling to Sopron, Győr, or Budapest.
Important for motorhome owners: Since January 2026, motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes—previously subject to distance‑based tolls—now also require a vignette.
Slovenia: No New Vignette, but Key Exemptions
Slovenia is keeping its prices and vignette categories unchanged for 2026. However, since 1 January 2026, no e‑vignette is required for:
- The coastal expressway
- Expressways H5 and H6
This exemption remains in place until construction begins on the new Koper–Dragonja expressway.
Croatia: Step‑by‑Step Shift to Digital Tolling
Croatia will begin transitioning to a digital e‑toll system in autumn 2026.
- Existing toll booths will be gradually phased out
- Nationwide launch planned for 1 March 2027
For the summer travel season of 2026, nothing changes: tolls can still be paid at the booths through August 2026.
Polasek notes that the digital system should eventually ease congestion—especially important for Austrian holidaymakers heading to Croatia, one of their favourite summer destinations.
Digital Vignettes: Convenient but Not Without Pitfalls
Digital vignettes eliminate the need for physical stickers, offering clear convenience. However, ÖAMTC continues to receive complaints about unofficial online sellers charging high service fees for licence‑plate registration.
Polasek advises motorists to buy only from official sales points and to plan the purchase ahead of time. ÖAMTC service stations also sell vignettes for Switzerland and Slovenia.
Early purchase helps avoid:
- Stress during travel
- Overpriced third‑party websites
- Fines (since toll obligations apply from the very first kilometre)
- sources: oeamtc.at/heute.at/picture: pixabay.com
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