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Vignette for Cars in Europe: Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Hungary, and Others

When planning overseas trips by car, Ukrainians should keep in mind two important documents:

  1. Car insurance
  2. Car vignette

Recently, Romania has started requiring a technical inspection (TO) for vehicles entering the EU.

What is a vignette and why is it needed?
A vignette is a toll (tax) for using roads in some countries. Without a vignette, a fine may apply. It allows free travel on the roads of the country where it is purchased. All information in this article is valid as of July 2024.

The following European countries require the purchase of a vignette for using roads, and there are no exceptions for Ukrainians:

  • Moldova
  • Romania
  • Bulgaria
  • Czech Republic
  • Slovenia
  • Hungary
  • Slovakia

When purchasing a vignette, be sure to provide the car’s number in Latin letters, not Cyrillic.

Moldova Vignette for Ukrainians
In Moldova, an electronic vignette (e-vinieta) is required for using highways and all roads. This applies to all vehicles registered outside Moldova, including passenger cars, trailers, and trucks up to 3.5 tons.

Vignette prices for passenger cars in Moldova:

  • 7 days: 4 EUR
  • 15 days: 8 EUR
  • 30 days: 16 EUR
  • 90 days: 45 EUR
  • 180 days: 85 EUR
  • Over 180 days: 180 EUR

Where to buy the vignette in Moldova, including online:

  • Moldova Agroindbank branches at border crossings and other sales locations
  • Online at e-vinieta.gov.md

Driving without a valid vignette may incur a fine of 5,000 to 6,500 MDL (approx. 262 – 340 EUR). The vignette must be valid for the entire duration of the car’s stay in Moldova, even if the car is stationary.

Romania Vignette for Ukrainians
In Romania, an electronic vignette (rovinieta) is required for using all roads, except municipal roads. It is mandatory for all vehicles except motorcycles.

Vignette prices for passenger cars (category A):

  • 1 day: 2.5 EUR
  • 10 days: 3.3 EUR
  • 30 days: 5.3 EUR
  • 60 days: 8.4 EUR
  • 12 months: 28 EUR

Where to buy the vignette in Romania:

  • By SMS (send car registration number and category to 7500)
  • Online at roviniete.ro and e-rovinieta.ro
  • At gas stations (MOL, Lukoil, OMV, and Rompetrol), post offices, and other sales locations

The fine for not having a vignette can be up to 4500 RON (approx. 907 EUR). Road cameras will record license plates, and the fine may be sent by mail if the vignette was not purchased.

Bulgaria Vignette for Ukrainians
In Bulgaria, an electronic vignette is required for traveling on roads. The vignette can be purchased online at BG TOLL or Vinetki.bg, as well as at gas stations and in offices of the Road Infrastructure Agency. It is important to buy the vignette at the first gas station after crossing the border to avoid fines.

Vignette prices for passenger cars for 2024:

  • 7 days: 8 BGN (~$4.40)
  • 1 month: 30 BGN (~$16.50)
  • 3 months: 58 BGN (~$31.90)
  • 1 year: 97 BGN (~$53.30)

The fine for not having a vignette is 300 BGN (~$165) for passenger cars.

Czech Republic Vignette for Ukrainian Cars
In the Czech Republic, an electronic vignette is required for vehicles with a permitted maximum weight of up to 3.5 tons.

Vignette prices in the Czech Republic:

  • 10 days: 270 CZK (~$12.50)
  • 30 days: 430 CZK (~$20)
  • 1 year: 2300 CZK (~$105)

Slovenia Vignette for Ukrainians
In Slovenia, passenger cars with a maximum authorized weight of up to 3.5 tons (class 2A) must purchase an electronic vignette for using highways and expressways.

Vignette prices for passenger cars (class 2A):

  • Weekly vignette: 16 EUR
  • Monthly vignette: 32 EUR
  • Annual vignette: 117.50 EUR

Hungary Vignette for Ukrainian Travelers
In Hungary, an electronic vignette (e-matrica) is required for using highways and expressways. It is mandatory for vehicles with a maximum permitted weight of up to 3.5 tons (category D1).

Vignette prices for passenger cars (category D1):

  • 10 days: 5,500 HUF (~$15)
  • 1 month: 8,900 HUF (~$24)
  • 1 year: 49,190 HUF (~$134)

Slovakia Vignette for Ukrainian Cars
In Slovakia, an electronic vignette (e-vignette) is required for using highways and expressways for vehicles with a maximum permitted weight of up to 3.5 tons.

Vignette prices for passenger cars:

  • 10 days: 12 EUR
  • 30 days: 17 EUR
  • 1 year: 60 EUR

For more details on each country, including penalties for not having a vignette, you can visit the relevant websites.