Estonia

Fines for speeding in Estonia

  • Up to 20 km/h over the limit: Fine of €5 per km/h exceeded.
  • 21–40 km/h over the limit: Fine of €5 per km/h exceeded.
  • 41–60 km/h over the limit: Fine of €5 per km/h exceeded.
  • More than 60 km/h over the limit: Fine of €5 per km/h exceeded.

Note: The first 4 km/h over the limit are considered a warning and are not fined.

For example, if you drive 100 km/h in a 90 km/h zone, the calculation would be:

  • 100 km/h – 90 km/h = 10 km/h over the limit.
  • 10 km/h – 4 km/h (warning) = 6 km/h to be fined.
  • 6 km/h × €5 = €30 fine.

Starting from January 1, 2024, the fine for speeding doubled, with one penalty unit increasing from €4 to €8.

Do I need to purchase Vignette?

In Estonia, there is no general vignette system. However, there are specific tolls for certain infrastructure. Here’s what you need to know:


1. Who Needs a Vignette?

  • No vignette required for any vehicles in Estonia.
  • Instead of a vignette system, Estonia primarily uses a toll system for specific roads and bridges, although these are quite limited.

2. Where Are Tolls Needed?

  • Toll Roads: Estonia does not have a widespread toll system for highways, but there are some exceptions:
    • Tallinna Sadam (Port of Tallinn): There are tolls for ferries traveling between mainland Estonia and its islands, such as Tallinn to Saaremaa and other smaller islands. These tolls depend on the vehicle type (passenger cars, motorcycles, etc.).
    • Some Bridges: There are occasional tolls for certain bridges, but these are not common.

3. Toll Prices

  • Estonia has limited tolls, so there aren’t many options to consider. Here’s what you can expect:
    • Ferry Tolls:
      • For example, the ferry between Tallinn and the island of Saaremaa (via the Virtsu-Kuivastu ferry) has fees starting from around €5-€10 for a passenger car.
      • Prices for passengers or motorbikes are generally lower, depending on the ferry route.
    • Bridge Tolls: Currently, Estonia does not have any major bridge tolls outside of the ferry fees.

4. Where to Pay Tolls

  • Ferry Tolls: These are usually paid directly at the ferry terminals. Tickets can be bought at the terminal or booked in advance online.
    • For the Tallinn-Saaremaa route, you can book tickets via the official ferry operator websites.
  • Bridge Tolls: If applicable, toll payments for any bridges can be made at toll stations or via electronic payment methods.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Ferry Tolls: If you don’t pay the ferry toll, you may be denied boarding, or in some cases, fined.
  • Toll Violations: For any infractions related to toll payments, fines can be imposed, but as tolls are limited, the penalties are relatively rare.

6. Additional Information

  • Environmental Zones: Currently, Estonia does not have low-emission zones (LEZs) like other countries, so there are no additional restrictions based on vehicle emissions.
  • Toll-Free Roads: The majority of roads in Estonia are toll-free, including the national highways and rural roads.

7. Tips for Travelers

  • Book Ferry Tickets in Advance: For the most popular ferry routes, like Tallinn to Saaremaa, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  • Carry Payment Options for Ferries: Be prepared to pay tolls at ferry terminals. Some services may accept cash, while others prefer cards or online bookings.
  • No Need for a Vignette: You do not need to worry about purchasing a vignette for motorways or expressways in Estonia.