The traffic regulations in Switzerland are similar to those in many other Western European countries, so the requirements for a driving licence are identical to those from Germany and Austria. Citizens from outside of Europe however, need an international driving licence. The most important differences are the speed limits and restricted areas for driving.
Awhelp24 summarized the most noteworthy peculiarities of the Swiss traffic regulations:
General speed limits in Switzerland:
For cars, motorbikes, caravans (motor homes), up to 3.5 t total weight:
- Within urban areas: 50km/h
- Outside urban areas: 80 km/h
- Motorway: 120 km/h
For vehicles with trailers, caravans (mobile homes), permissible total weight from 3.5 t. up to 7.5 t:
- Within urban areas 50 km/h.
- Outside urban areas: 80 km/h
- Motorways: 80 km/h
Road charges for motorways in Switzerland:
You have to pay about €33 in order to use Swiss motorways and federal roads with vehicles below thr weight of 3.5 t and an additional vignette is required for trailers. These can be purchased at petrol stations, post offices and customs offices, both within Switzerland and in areas near the border. Toll roads are indicated by certain street signs: A white motorway on a green background, with a white cross on a red backround at the bottom. Purchased Vignettes can be used for one year. Vignettes must be affixed to the inside left side of the windscreen in order to be valid. Using a toll road without the corresponding vignette can lead to a fine of up to €175.
Right of way rules in Switzerland:
- Vehicles on mountain roads that are driving uphil have the right of way
- Mail vans have the right of way on specific signposted roads
- Rail vehicles always have the right of way
Tunnels in Switzerland:
In tunnels, the lights must be kept on and a safe distance should be maintained. It is also advisable to pay attention to the radio, as informations about traffic jams or emergencies in Swiss tunnels will be broadcasted here. During a traffic jam, it is advisable to switch off the engine and keep the windows closed, as carbon monoxide can quickly accumulate in the enclosed space of a tunnel and the tunnel's ventilation systems are not always reliable. If an evacuation has been ordered by the authorities, leave your vehicle behind and head to the next emergency exit immediately. The car key should remain inside the vehicle, so it can be moved easily if necessary.
Laws for navigation devices in Switzerland:
GPS devices may not be placed in the centre of the windscreen. While some may be let off with a warning, fines of up to €500 could be issued. A paraphrased excerpt from article 71a of the Swiss VTS describes the conditions as the following: The driver must have a clear view of the road at an eye level of 0.75m above the seating, outside a semicircle of 12.0 m radius".
Furthermore, the use of apps or navigation devices with a warning function for traffic controls ("speed cameras") is prohibited.
Parking in Switzerland:
- Parking areas with "blue" markings indicate that a parking disc must be used.
- Parking in "yellow" zones is prohibited.
- Although "white" areas may suggest that you are allowed to park indefinetly, some restrictions may apply in certain areas. Watch out for parking machines in the area.
- "Red" parking zones require a special red parking disc, allowing you to stay for a maximum of 15 hours free of charge.
- Parking on the side of a main road is only permitted in urban areas
Winter / summer tyres and snow chains:
Winter tyres are mandatory from the beginning of November to the end of April. During this time, unlike in Germany, studded tyres may also be used as long as there is a corresponding sticker on the boot lid and the speed limit of 80 km/h is not crossed. You may not use studded tires on the motorways however.
The use of snow chains is allowed in signposted areas and must be fitted to at least 2 traction tyres. Violations can lead to a fine of up to 70€
Snow chains may be used in signposted areas and must be fitted to at least 2 drive wheels. Violation of this regulation can be punished with a fine of up to 70€.