<P> Vignette is a form of road pricing imposed on vehicles, usually in addition to the compulsory road tax, based on a period of time instead of road tolls that are based on distance travelled . Vignettes are currently used in several European countries . The term originated in France in the 1950s, although vignettes there were not linked to motorway use and no longer exist; it is now used throughout Central Europe, as well as in Italy (vignetta). </P> <P> Vignettes are used in Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland . In most of these countries a small, coloured sticker is affixed to a vehicle windscreen, but in Hungary, Romania and Slovakia these have been superseded by electronic vignettes . In Moldova and Romania vignettes are required for the use of any road, and in Bulgaria are required for the use of any road outside built - up areas . In the other countries vignettes are required only for the use of motorways and expressways . </P> <P> Prices for an annual vignette for passenger cars range from € 30 to € 150, depending on country . In all countries except Switzerland short period vignettes are sold for visiting or transiting vehicles . In Switzerland visiting foreign motorists must buy an annual vignette to use the country's motorways . Vignettes can usually be obtained at border crossings, gas stations and other outlets . Improperly used or lost vignettes are usually not refunded . </P>

The proof of having paid the road toll for swiss highways is called