1. Documents and road tolls – news for 2026
In 2026, the e-vignette is standard. In the Czech Republic 🇨🇿 and Austria 🇦🇹, ANPR cameras verify license plates in real-time.
| Country | System 2026 | Important notes |
|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | E-vignette | Exemptions for EVs require registration. |
| Austria | Digital / Sticker | Separate tunnel tolls (Streckenmaut). |
| Switzerland | Annual e-vignette | No 10-day vignettes. |
2. Car preparation: 3PMSF tires and chains
In 2026, the M+S marking will no longer be sufficient in many Alpine regions. The symbol of a snowflake on a three-peak mountain (3PMSF) is mandatory.
⚠️ Chains in Austria: Must comply with ÖNORM V 5117. Failure to have matching chains in the trunk when a mandatory sign is present can result in a fine of up to 5000 EUR.
3. The Swiss trap: Data roaming
Switzerland 🇨🇭 is not part of the EU's free roaming zone. 1 MB of data can cost up to 40 PLN. Turn off data roaming before the border!
