Motorway carnet in Switzerland

A vignette is compulsory in Switzerland only if you are using their motorways & tunnels (clearly signed posted with GREEN). You do not need one if using other roads. Being caught without a current one on a motorway gets a large on the spot fine - £200 They cover the rest of a current year plus the following January. So It's abad idea to pay full price for one now. You can probably pick up a cheap one on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l2736&_nkw=swiss+motorway Yes you will need to have chains on board in the winter months, and a breathalyser for France http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18662555 Recently, Germany added new rules to their Highway Code. According to the law, motorists must have winter tyres (that bear the M+S symbol) if they are driving on snow, black ice or roads covered in frost. If you are caught driving in these conidtions withouth the appopriate tyres fitted, you are likely to be fined €40. This amount will be doubled if you are the reason for any delays to traffic. You will also lose one point on your driving license.   In bocco al lupo

If you buy your 2013 vignette in December this year, it lasts from Dec 1 2012 until Jan 31 2014 - so it would cover your trip (and the one next year, if you are planning one!)

Thanks both of you, much appreciated. Very useful responses!