From Vignettes to the Via Toll System: Lithuania Strengthens Its Road Financing Model
The Via Toll electronic road toll system, set to go live in Lithuania on January 1, 2027, will mark a significant step toward creating a more efficient and sustainable road infrastructure financing model. Once the measures for more efficient toll collection are implemented and the Via Toll system becomes operational, it is projected that approximately €110 million will be collected in 2027 for road infrastructure improvements.
“After years of delays, we are finally transitioning to a more modern road charging system, one that is already in place in many European countries. A fairer tax is coming, road users will pay based on how much they actually use the roads and the impact their transport has on the environment and infrastructure. Lower tolls are planned for agricultural transport and low-emission trucks, so we’re encouraging businesses to update their fleets. I am pleased that Via Toll will also contribute to the ‘STOP Road Damage’ program, and the funds collected will go back where they are most needed – back to Lithuania’s roads, because we all want to drive on safer, better, and higher-quality roads,” – says Minister of Transport Juras Taminskas.
“Once the Via Toll system becomes operational in Lithuania, operators of vehicles in categories M2, M3, N1, N2, and N3 will pay road tolls only for the actual use of toll highways and regional roads. The transition to a pay-per-kilometer model will ensure the principles of proportionality and fairness, as well as more sustainable road financing. By allocating more funding to the improvement of roads and other related infrastructure, all residents of the country will benefit from this change,” says Martynas Gedaminskas, CEO of Via Lietuva.
Currently, approximately 70 million euros in road user fees are collected annually from vignettes in Lithuania; however, due to insufficient enforcement, a large number of violators have long avoided administrative liability. In May, it was announced that the Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration (LTSA) would strengthen its team of specialists to process administrative violations more quickly. It is estimated that more effective administration of road user fee violations will help generate additional revenue for the state budget, including the Road Fund.
Once these measures are implemented – including the expansion of the network of surveillance cameras on toll roads, the phasing out of vignettes starting in 2027, and the transition to the Via Toll system – the annual amount collected from road tolls could increase by more than 1.5 times, reaching 110 million euros, and even more in the future. These funds will supplement the State Road Fund and allow for greater investment in improving road conditions, as well as solutions that enhance traffic safety.
Via Toll – an important long-term source of funding for road improvements
The State Road Fund, which began operations in 2026, aims to ensure sustainable financing for the most important road infrastructure projects. This year, the fund has allocated nearly 180 million euros, which will be used for the repair of national roads, road reconstruction, the construction of bypasses, and the maintenance of regional roads and bridges.
The Road Fund is administered by Via Lietuva, which is responsible for budget planning, allocating funds to contractors, ensuring project financing, and accountability. This fund is supplemented by funds from various sources, including road user toll revenues, vehicle registration fees, and funds collected from traffic violations and the sale of confiscated vehicles.
It is anticipated that the Via Toll system will become one of the most important long-term sources of road infrastructure funding, eventually enabling faster upgrades to the national road infrastructure and helping to reduce the proportion of roads in poor condition across the country.
A convenient and digital payment system
For operators of buses and freight vehicles, the e-tolling system will also allow for convenient and quick payment for road use.
The Via Toll system is designed so that users need to be involved as little as possible in calculating the fee – the fee will be determined automatically based on the distance traveled. In addition, users will be able to choose convenient digital methods for using the system, including a mobile app.
As the system’s launch approaches, detailed user instructions, practical guides, and answers to frequently asked questions will be provided. All key information regarding the project’s progress is available on the website vialietuva.lt/en/via-toll-en.
Starting in 2030 – a tax based on actual distance traveled throughout the EU
In addition, the transition to an e-tolling system will help Lithuania prepare for future EU regulations. Starting in 2030, distance-based road tolling will become mandatory in EU member states.
The advanced electronic road tolling system in Lithuania is being implemented by the international company Kapsch TrafficCom, one of the leading providers of e-tolling solutions in Europe. The company’s systems are in operation in many countries, including Poland, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, and the Scandinavian countries.