Permits & Vignettes

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 (V5C / carte grise). 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 sticker (or digital vignette) required to drive on Austrian motorways and expressways. Available in 10-day, 2-month, and annual versions. Since 2022, a digital vignette option is also available.

Who needs it

All vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes on Austrian motorways. Vehicles over 3.5t use the separate GO-Box electronic system (TOLL2GO).

Pricing (2024)

Fine without

Up to €120 on-the-spot, or up to €3,000 if prosecuted.

What it is

A compulsory windscreen sticker (or digital e-vignette) for driving on Swiss motorways. Unlike Austria, Switzerland only sells annual vignettes — no short-term options. The vignette is valid from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year.

How to get it

At Swiss border crossings, post offices, petrol stations in Switzerland, or online in advance via the Swiss Federal Roads Office website.

Fine without

CHF 200 (approximately €210) on-the-spot fine.

What it is

Since 2021, the Czech Republic operates a fully electronic vignette system — no physical sticker required. The fee is linked to your vehicle's registration plate. Cameras verify payment automatically.

Pricing (2024)

How to get it

Purchase online via edalnice.cz, at Czech post offices, petrol stations, or via partner apps. Must be purchased before driving on motorways.

Fine without

CZK 5,000–100,000 (€210–€4,200). Immediate payment possible.

What it is

ZTL zones are restricted traffic areas in Italian city centres — Rome, Florence, Venice, Siena, and hundreds more. Camera systems (telecamere) enforce 24/7. Tourists generally cannot obtain permits, meaning the historic centre is effectively off-limits to non-resident vehicles.

Who can get a permit

Local residents, businesses, disabled badge holders, and hotel guests (only for drop-off — must be arranged directly with your hotel, who apply for a temporary permit on your behalf).

Key ZTL cities

• Rome — centre active 6:30am–6pm weekdays
• Florence — year-round, virtually all hours
• Siena — historic centre fully closed
• Milan — area C congestion charge too

Fine for violation

€80–€333 per violation. Foreign-registered vehicles are traced via European cooperation and fines sent by post — sometimes months later.

ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)

London's ULEZ covers all of Greater London (expanded August 2023). 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 (roughly 1 square mile). Operates Mon–Fri 7am–6pm and Sat–Sun 12pm–6pm. Charge: £15/day for most vehicles.

Charges at a glance

How to pay

Via TfL website, app, or phone — before midnight on the day of travel (or next day). No sticker needed; cameras read your plate.