Permessi e Vignette

What it is

A colour-coded windscreen sticker (vignette) that classifies vehicles by their pollution level. Required for driving in French Zones à Faibles Émissions (ZFE) covering Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Grenoble, Strasbourg, and more.

Who needs it

All vehicles (cars, motorcycles, vans, trucks) driving in ZFE zones during restricted hours. Foreign-registered vehicles must also display it.

Classification

How to get it

Apply online via the official French government portal. You need your vehicle registration certificate. Allow 2–4 weeks for postal delivery.

Fine for non-compliance

€68–€135 for passenger cars. €450–€1,500 for trucks.

What it is

A coloured disc sticker required to enter German Umweltzonen (Environmental Zones). Over 70 German cities including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt have these zones. Only green badge (Euro 4+) vehicles are admitted to most zones.

Badge colours

How to get it

From a German vehicle inspection station (TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ), car dealerships, or some garages. Foreign vehicles can also obtain them via online services before travelling.

Fine

€80 + 1 penalty point on German driving record.

What it is

A toll sticker required to drive on Austrian motorways and expressways. Available as physical sticker (affixed to windscreen) or digital vignette registered to your number plate. All foreign vehicles must have one.

Fine without vignette

€120 on-the-spot fine (reduced rate). Up to €3,000 if contested.

What it is

Switzerland offers only an annual vignette (no short-term option). Valid from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the year after. Must be affixed directly to the windscreen — not on a sucker mount.

Fine without vignette

CHF 200 (≈€210) plus cost of vignette.

What it is

Since 2021, the Czech Republic uses a fully digital vignette system — no physical sticker. Registered to your licence plate online. Cameras automatically verify compliance on motorways.

What it is

ZTL zones restrict access to historic city centres in Italy. Camera systems automatically record all vehicles entering. Non-residents without a permit receive fines sent by post — often weeks later and to your home country.

Who can get a permit

Residents, businesses within the ZTL, and hotel guests (hotels pre-register plates). Tourists generally cannot enter — park outside and walk or use public transport.

Typical fines

ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)

London's ULEZ covers all of Greater London. Non-compliant vehicles pay £12.50 per day. Compliant vehicles: petrol Euro 4+, diesel Euro 6+. No physical permit — payment via TfL website or phone.

Congestion Charge

Applies in the Central London zone. Operates Mon–Fri 7am–6pm and Sat–Sun 12pm–6pm. Charge: £15/day for most vehicles.