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Introduction (Aim, Purpose, Meaning)
The Swiss environmental badge, also known as Stick'AIR, has been an important tool for improving air quality in urban areas since its introduction in 2019. The sticker is required for vehicles wishing to drive in certain environmental zones, especially in Switzerland's most polluted cities such as Geneva. The aim is to reduce the emission of pollutants and particulate matter in the air and thus protect the health of the population.
Legal basis
The Stick'AIR Vignette was introduced following a series of Swiss government measures. In particular, this is the rsGE K 1 70.09: Ordinance on the Emergency System for Air Pollution Peaks of 06.11.2019. The ordinance was partially extended and the last amendment was made on 18 November.
The Annex to the Ordinance on the Emergency System for Air Pollution Peaks regulates the allocation of vehicle types to the vignette categories. This serves to allocate and determine which vehicle, with which Euro standard, receives which stickers.
Characteristics (appearance, description)
There are 6 Stick'AIR environmental stickers with 6 different colours: Grey, Brown, Orange, Yellow, Purple, and Green. The stickers have a diameter of 65 millimetres. The numbers on the stickers (5, 4, 3, 2, 1) are white and stand for the different pollutant classes, not for the Euro standard. In addition, there is a white registration plate field in which the unique sticker test number is printed in black. The stickers shown here are symbolic images.
Cities
In the following cities or regions there are one or more environmental zones and the Swiss environmental sticker is compulsory depending on the air pollution peak.
Vehicles affected
The following vehicles are affected by de Stick'AIR and require a vignette upon entry, depending on the air pollution peak and the city or region:
Motorbikes (L), cars, motorhomes (M1), minibuses (M2), coaches (M3), vans (N1), lorries (N2), heavy goods vehicles (N3).
Agricultural and forestry machines are not affected.
Which sticker do I get? (Classification)
To obtain the Stick'Air, the minimum standard for petrol and diesel of Euro 2 and 3 respectively must be met.
Penalties (fines)
In the event of a missing or incorrect Swiss vignette for a vehicle, fines equivalent to €455 will apply from 15.01.2020.
Important to know for foreigners:
From a fine of €70 or more, in accordance with EU Directive 2011/82 of 25.10.2011 "to facilitate the cross-border exchange of information on road safety related traffic offences", non-payment will result in enforcement proceedings in the home country, up to and including imprisonment.
Exceptions
The general exceptions to the sticker requirement in Swiss environmental zones are manageable. These are mainly public service vehicles (police, fire brigade, rescue service, etc.) and other vehicles belonging to public companies - this includes taxis. All vehicles that can obtain a Stick'AIR are also obliged to obtain it. Persons with reduced mobility carrying a parking permit for disabled persons are not required to have a Swiss vignette. Disabled parking permits are the same everywhere in Europe, so disabled people's vehicles are recognisable even abroad.
FAQ
How long is my sticker valid?
Unless the engine or the exhaust emission standard of the vehicle or the registration number changes, the sticker is valid for the entire life of the vehicle. This means that you do not have to buy a new one every year.
Where does my sticker have to be affixed?
The environmental sticker must be affixed to the left or right inside of the windscreen. It does not matter whether it is on the top or the bottom. The main thing is that it is clearly visible!
Since motorbikes do not have a windscreen, the sticker must be affixed to the mudguard from the outside using the backing film.
Does my sticker have to be affixed?
Basically: Yes! The Stick'AIR is only valid if it is stuck on.
Can I have more than one Swiss environmental sticker on my windscreen?
No. Only the sticker with the currently valid number plate may be affixed. It must be clearly and immediately recognisable from the outside. If several stickers with different registration numbers are affixed to the windscreen, a fine may be imposed in the event of an inspection.
What is the best way to get the old sticker off?
The best way to remove the old stickers is to use a sticker scraper (similar to a glass scraper) or to carefully heat the sticker with a heat gun so that the adhesive comes off. Caution! The difference in temperature, especially on cold days, could damage the windscreen.
What happens if the sticker fades?
Our stickers have a 2-year UV protection guarantee - without any ifs and buts! Simply send us a picture of the faded sticker and we will send you a new one free of charge.
My windscreen is broken and needs to be replaced. What happens to the sticker?
The Swiss vignette is made in such a way that it is destroyed when it is removed, so a new sticker must be purchased. In many cases, insurance companies not only cover the cost of the new disc, but also the new sticker. A new sticker must therefore be purchased.