RoamLife
Tolls & Vignettes in Europe 2026: The Complete Motorhome Guide
Everything you need to know about European motorhome tolls in 2026. Country-by-country guide covering vignettes, electronic tags, the critical 3.5t threshold, and all the changes this year.
TL;DR:
- 2026 brings major changes: Austria phases out adhesive vignettes, Hungary moves all motorhomes to e-vignettes, Romania launches TollRo, Poland raises rates 40%+
- The 3.5t threshold matters: Under 3.5t typically uses vignettes; over 3.5t often needs electronic toll boxes with per-km charges
- One tag doesn't cover everything: Liber-t works in 4 countries but only for smaller vehicles; larger motorhomes need separate systems
- Get digital vignettes in advance: Austria, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary all offer online purchase — avoid queues and fines
- Budget €50-150/week for tolls on a typical European tour through toll countries
Navigating European tolls in a motorhome is genuinely confusing. I've spent enough time at Austrian toll booths watching my GO-Box fail to register to know that understanding these systems before you arrive saves money and stress.
This guide covers every toll system you'll encounter in 2026, with specific focus on what's changed this year. Whether you're driving a compact campervan under 3.5 tonnes or a larger coach-built motorhome, you'll find the details you need here.
What's New in 2026
Several countries have made significant changes this year. If you travelled in 2024 or 2025, don't assume things work the same way.
| Country | Change | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Adhesive vignettes phased out — digital only from 2027 | Dec 2026 |
| Austria | New CO2-linked toll rates, max fine increased to €270 | 1 Jan 2026 |
| Hungary | ALL motorhomes (including over 3.5t) now use e-vignette system | 1 Jan 2026 |
| Hungary | HU-GO electronic box no longer available for motorhomes | 1 Jan 2026 |
| Romania | TollRo electronic "pay as you go" replaces vignettes for vehicles over 3.5t | 1 July 2026 |
| Poland | e-TOLL rates increased 40-42% for vehicles over 3.5t | Feb 2026 |
| Slovenia | Skofije-Izola motorway section exempt from vignette | 1 Jan 2026 |
| Czech Republic | Vignette prices increased — annual now €105 | 1 Jan 2026 |
The Hungary change is significant. If you've driven a motorhome over 3.5t through Hungary before, you'll have used the HU-GO system with an OBU (on-board unit). From January 2026, that's gone. Every motorhome — regardless of weight — now uses the simple e-vignette system. This actually makes things easier.
Understanding the 3.5 Tonne Threshold
The single most important number for European motorhome tolls is 3.5 tonnes. This refers to your vehicle's maximum permissible mass (often called GVW or GVWR), not what it actually weighs when loaded.
| Weight Class | Typical Systems | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3.5t | Vignettes, car toll rates | Usually Class 1 or 2 |
| Over 3.5t | Electronic toll boxes, per-km charging | HGV or commercial rates |
Why does this matter? A 3.4t motorhome might pay €11.50 for a 10-day Austrian vignette. A 3.6t motorhome needs a GO-Box and pays per kilometre — easily €30-50 for the same routes.
Austria's 2024 classification change still causes confusion. Since December 2023, Austria uses "technically permissible gross weight" (tzGm) rather than actual GVW. There's a transition period until January 2029 for vehicles registered before December 2023, but if you're driving a newer motorhome over 3.5t, the GO-Box system applies.
Country-by-Country Guide
Toll-Free Countries
Some European countries charge no tolls for private motorhomes:
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| Germany | Free for vehicles under 3.5t on all roads. Vehicles over 3.5t pay tolls on motorways and some federal roads. |
| Luxembourg | Completely toll-free for private vehicles of any size |
| Finland | No road tolls (some ferry charges apply) |
| Kosovo | Completely toll-free |
| Belgium | Toll-free for vehicles under 3.5t |
| Netherlands | Almost toll-free — only Westerscheldetunnel and Kiltunnel charge |
Germany caveat: While there are no road tolls under 3.5t, you need an Umweltplakette (environmental sticker) for 39 low-emission zones. These cost €5-20 and can be ordered online. Major cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Stuttgart require them.
Vignette Countries
These countries use time-based stickers or electronic vignettes rather than per-kilometre tolls.
Austria
| Vignette Type | 2026 Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10-day | €11.50 | Most common for touring |
| 2-month | €28.90 | Good for extended stays |
| Annual | €96.40 | Worth it for 4+ months of use |
For vehicles under 3.5t: Purchase digital vignettes at asfinag.at before arrival. Link to your number plate — no sticker needed.
For vehicles over 3.5t: You need a GO-Box (€12 deposit + per-km toll). Register at an ASFINAG service point or order in advance. The box mounts on your windscreen and charges automatically.
2026 change: Adhesive vignettes will no longer be sold from 2027. If you prefer physical stickers, 2026 is the last year. Digital vignettes are valid immediately after purchase or from a specified date.
Fines: €270 for missing vignette (increased from €240 in 2026).
Switzerland
Switzerland doesn't offer short-term vignettes — which is frustrating if you're just passing through.
| Requirement | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorway vignette | CHF 40 (~€42) | Annual only, no shorter options |
| PSVA (over 3.5t) | CHF 3.25/day | Heavy vehicle fee, calculated by weight and days |
The CHF 40 vignette is valid from 1 December of the previous year through 31 January of the following year — so a 2026 vignette covers 14 months.
Pro tip: If you're only crossing Switzerland briefly, consider the toll-free routes through ordinary roads. The Simplon Pass, for example, is spectacular and avoids motorway tolls — though slower.
Czech Republic
| E-Vignette | 2026 Price |
|---|---|
| 1 day | €9.50 |
| 10 days | €12 |
| 30 days | €20 |
| Annual | €105 (2,570 CZK) |
Purchase online at edalnice.cz before arrival. Vignettes are linked to your registration number — no sticker or device required.
Vehicles over 3.5t: Need the MYTO CZ toll box for per-km charging.
Slovenia
Slovenia is unusually motorhome-friendly. All motorhomes — regardless of height — use the Class 2A vignette (same as cars). This is a significant saving compared to countries that charge tall vehicles more.
| E-Vignette | 2026 Price |
|---|---|
| 7 days | €16 |
| 30 days | €32 |
| Annual | €117 |
Purchase at evinjeta.dars.si before arrival.
2026 change: The Skofije-Izola motorway section near the Italian border is now exempt from vignette requirements. Good news if you're transiting from Italy to Croatia.
Vehicles over 3.5t: Despite the weight, you still use the Class 2A vignette if your vehicle is registered as a motorhome (M1 category). Vehicles registered as commercial N-category need the DarsGo per-km system.
Fines: €300 for missing vignette.
Hungary
Hungary's 2026 changes simplify things significantly for motorhome drivers.
| E-Vignette | Options |
|---|---|
| Daily | Available |
| 10-day | Most popular for touring |
| 30-day | For longer stays |
| Annual | For frequent visitors |
| M1 Regional Annual | New for 2026 — M1 corridor only |
The big change: Previously, motorhomes over 3.5t needed the HU-GO electronic box with per-km charging. From January 2026, ALL motorhomes use the simple e-vignette system regardless of weight. This means one system for everyone — much simpler.
Purchase at ematrica.nemzetiutdij.hu before arrival.
Slovakia
| E-Vignette | 2026 Prices |
|---|---|
| 10 days | ~€12 |
| 30 days | ~€17 |
| Annual | ~€60 |
Purchase at eznamka.sk. Vehicles over 3.5t use the e-toll per-km system.
Bulgaria
| E-Vignette | Options |
|---|---|
| Weekend | Friday 12:00 to Sunday 23:59 |
| Weekly | 7 days |
| Monthly | 30 days |
| Annual | 365 days |
Purchase at vinetka.bg.
Good news for 2026: All motorhomes are now exempt from the OBU (on-board unit) requirement. Everyone uses the e-vignette system.
Distance-Based Toll Countries
These countries charge per kilometre travelled, usually at toll booths or via electronic systems.
France
French tolls are paid at booths (péages) or via electronic tags. Motorhomes are classified by height:
| Class | Height | Typical Toll |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 | Under 3m | Car rate |
| Class 3 | Over 3m or over 3.5t | ~50% more than Class 2 |
The height sensors at toll booths can be unpredictable. We've been charged Class 2 at 3.05m on some routes but Class 3 on others. If you're right on the boundary, results may vary.
Liber-t tag: Works at all French tolls plus Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Order at bipandgo.com or ulys-vinci-autoroutes.com. Note that Liber-t tags are only valid for vehicles under 3m height and 3.5t — larger motorhomes need the Télépéage Class 3+ subscription.
Cost examples:
- Paris to Lyon: ~€35-45
- Lyon to Nice: ~€25-35
- Calais to Paris: ~€20-25
Italy
Italian motorway tolls (autostrada) are calculated by distance and vehicle classification:
| Class | Description | Rate Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | 2 axles, under 1.3m height at front axle | Standard |
| Class B | 2 axles, over 1.3m height | ~30% more |
| Class 3 | 3 axles | ~60% more |
| Class 4 | 4 axles | ~80% more |
Most motorhomes fall into Class B (2 axles, taller than 1.3m at the front axle).
Telepass: The Italian electronic toll system. Works throughout Italy plus France, Spain, and Portugal. Order at telepass.com. Note that Telepass has different tiers — the basic consumer version only works for Class A and B vehicles.
Spain
Spanish motorways (autopistas) charge per kilometre at toll booths.
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Light | Vehicles under 3.5t |
| Heavy 1 | Vehicles 3.5t-12t, 2 axles |
| Heavy 2 | Vehicles over 12t or 3+ axles |
Many Spanish motorways are free (autovías), especially the main routes. The toll roads (autopistas) are generally less congested and faster.
Via-T tag: Works in Spain and Portugal. Available from viat.es.
Portugal
Portugal has an unusual toll system that causes problems for tourists.
| System | Description |
|---|---|
| Via Verde | Electronic toll lanes (green) — subscription required |
| Automatic tolls | No booths — charges registered by overhead gantries |
| Manual tolls | Traditional booths with cash/card payment |
The automatic toll roads (marked "electronic toll only") are the issue. Many have no booths at all. Options:
- Easytoll: Register your credit card at the border — all tolls automatically charged
- Tollcard: Prepaid card from border service stations
- Via Verde visitors: Temporary electronic device for tourists
- CTT post offices: Pay within 5 days of travel
2025 change: Several toll roads became free in January 2025, including sections of A4, A13, and A22. Check current status before planning routes.
Fines: €21.53-€107.66 plus admin fees if not paid within 5 days.
Norway
Norwegian tolls are mostly electronic — many roads have no toll booths, just overhead gantries that photograph your plate.
| Option | Benefit |
|---|---|
| AutoPASS tag | 20% discount on all road tolls |
| AutoPASS + ferry agreement | 40-50% discount on ferries with prepayment |
| No registration | Full price, invoice sent by post |
Critical: Register for AutoPASS before arriving. The discounts are substantial, and without registration, invoices can take months to arrive (with added fees). Register at autopass.no.
M1 category bonus: If your motorhome is registered as M1 category (passenger vehicle, up to 9 seats), you pay the same toll as cars. This applies to most campervans and smaller motorhomes.
Poland
| Vehicle Weight | System |
|---|---|
| Under 3.5t | Toll-free on all roads |
| Over 3.5t | e-TOLL per-km system |
2026 change: e-TOLL rates increased 40-42% in February 2026 for vehicles over 3.5t. If you drove through Poland in 2025, expect noticeably higher costs.
Register for e-TOLL at etoll.gov.pl before arrival if your motorhome is over 3.5t.
Romania
| Vehicle Weight | 2026 System |
|---|---|
| Under 3.5t | E-vignette (Rovinieta) |
| Over 3.5t | TollRo electronic system (from 1 July 2026) |
Major 2026 change: From 1 July 2026, vehicles over 3.5t switch from vignettes to the new TollRo "pay as you go" electronic system. Details are still emerging — check roviniete.ro for updates.
For vehicles under 3.5t, purchase the e-vignette (Rovinieta) at roviniete.ro before arrival.
Electronic Tag Interoperability
One tag doesn't cover all of Europe. Here's what works where:
| Tag | Countries Covered | Vehicle Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Liber-t (France) | France, Spain, Portugal, Italy | Under 3m height, under 3.5t only |
| Telepass (Italy) | Italy, France, Spain, Portugal | Basic tier: Class A/B only |
| Via Verde (Portugal) | Portugal, Spain | Works for all vehicle classes |
| Via-T (Spain) | Spain, Portugal | Works for all vehicle classes |
| AutoPASS (Norway) | Norway roads + ferries | All vehicles |
| GO-Box (Austria) | Austria only | Over 3.5t vehicles |
For larger motorhomes (over 3m or 3.5t): You typically need separate systems for each country. The "one tag for Europe" marketing doesn't apply to you.
Money-Saving Strategies
1. Plan Routes to Avoid Tolls
Many GPS units and apps offer "avoid tolls" routing. In France especially, the "Route Nationale" network is often scenic, free, and not much slower for touring.
2. Use Free Motorway Sections
Some countries have significant free motorway networks:
- Spain: Most autovías (national motorways) are free
- Germany: Under 3.5t, all motorways are free
- Portugal: Several routes became free in 2025
3. Register for Electronic Systems Before Travel
Pre-registering gives you:
- Discounts (Norway AutoPASS: 20%)
- Avoiding queues at borders
- Time to troubleshoot technical issues
4. Consider Vehicle Classification
If you're buying or renting a motorhome, the 3.5t threshold matters enormously. A 3.4t motorhome will cost significantly less in tolls than a 3.6t one across a European tour.
5. Time Your Austria Transit
Austria GO-Box charges are per-kilometre. If you're over 3.5t and just transiting Austria, consider:
- Timing to minimise mileage
- Using the A12 Inntal motorway (cheaper than the Brenner Pass route)
- Avoiding motorways entirely for scenic routes (legal, but slower)
Environmental Zones (Separate from Tolls)
Don't confuse tolls with environmental zones (LEZs). These require separate stickers:
| Country | System | Where Required |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Umweltplakette | 39 cities including Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt |
| France | Crit'Air | Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Nice, Strasbourg, many more |
| Belgium | LEZ registration | Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent |
| Netherlands | Various | Rotterdam, Amsterdam (restrictions vary) |
Germany: Order the Umweltplakette at umwelt-plakette.de or from German TUV stations. €5-20 depending on source.
France: Order Crit'Air at certificat-air.gouv.fr. €4.91 including shipping. Allow 14 days for delivery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming height doesn't matter. In France and Italy, a vehicle measuring 3.01m pays significantly more than one at 2.99m.
2. Forgetting cash for tolls. Many French toll booths accept cards, but some smaller ones are cash-only. Carry €30-50 in coins and small notes.
3. Sleeping at motorway service stations. Beyond the safety issues (theft is common), many countries prohibit overnight stays at motorway service areas. Use dedicated aires, Stellplätze, or campsites instead.
4. Not registering for Portugal tolls. The automatic toll roads have no booths. If you don't register, you'll receive fines weeks later.
5. Crossing borders without vignettes. Police patrol near borders specifically looking for foreign vehicles without valid vignettes. Austria and Switzerland are particularly strict.
Planning Your Route with RoamLife
When you're planning where to stay each night, RoamLife helps you find aires, Stellplätze, and campervan-friendly spots across Europe. Filter by amenities, check reviews from real travellers, and plan routes that balance toll costs with the places you actually want to visit.
Toll costs are part of the journey — but they shouldn't dictate it. Understanding the systems ahead of time lets you budget accurately and make informed choices about when the motorway is worth the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a vignette if I'm just driving to a service station near the border?
Yes. In most vignette countries (Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Czech Republic), the vignette requirement applies immediately upon entering the motorway. Even a short drive to refuel requires a valid vignette.
Can I use one electronic tag for all of Europe?
No. While some tags work in multiple countries (Liber-t covers France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy), vehicle size restrictions apply. Larger motorhomes often need separate systems for each country.
What happens if I get a toll fine from another country?
EU countries increasingly share vehicle registration data. Fines from France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal regularly reach UK addresses. Ignoring them can cause problems on future visits. Pay promptly or contest through official channels.
Is it cheaper to avoid toll roads entirely?
Sometimes, but not always. Fuel costs, time, and wear-and-tear on non-motorway roads add up. For long distances, tolls often work out more economical than the alternatives. For leisurely touring, free routes are often more scenic anyway.
How do I know my motorhome's classification in each country?
Check your V5C (UK) or registration document for the vehicle's category (M1, N1, etc.) and maximum permissible mass. Height is usually on the same document or in your vehicle manual. When in doubt, measure it yourself — roof accessories count.
What's the difference between GVW, MAM, and MTPLM?
These all refer to the same thing: your vehicle's maximum authorised weight when loaded. GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight), MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass), and MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) are interchangeable terms used in different countries and contexts.
Do electric motorhomes get toll discounts?
Some countries are starting to offer EV discounts. Austria's 2026 CO2-linked rates mean lower-emission vehicles pay less. Norway has historically offered EV benefits, though these have been reduced. Check current policies for each country.
Last updated: January 2026