Road rules and safety - Switzerland

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The use of seat belts and child restraint systems is mandatory. Child restraint systems are not compulsory for children above the age of 12 and taller than 1,50 m

Seats belts are not compulsory for:

  1. passengers with specific medical certificate; for journeys abroad passengers get a medical certificate by the local (cantonal) authorities according to Directive 91/671/EEC as amended
  2. delivery vehicles which do not drive faster than 25km/h
  3. driving at walking pace
  4. operational staff and passengers in public transport (e.g. buses, coaches, trams)

The amber light announces the red light at which the driver has to stop. The penalty for ignoring the red light is 250 CHF.

Motorcycles
Vehicles below 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
Motorways/expressways

Passenger cars & vans
Vehicles below 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
Motorways/expressways

Passenger cars & vans with trailers
Vehicles below 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
Motorways/expressways

Heavy goods vehicles
over 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
Motorways/expressways

Buses

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
Motorways/expressways
0,5 g/l

Standard drivers

0,1 g/l

Novice drivers (driving license on probation)

0,1 g/l

Professional drivers (trucks, buses, transport of dangerous goods)

Forbidden drugs (special focus as regards novice drivers)

THC (cannabis)

Methylamphetamine

MDMA (ecstasy)

Heroin

Amphetamine

Methamphetamin

  • Forbidden lanes are indicated by specific road signs.
  • Bicycle routes are reserved for bicyclists.
  • Sidewalks are reserved for pedestrians.
  • Bus lanes are reserved for buses (public transport).
  • The emergency lane may not be used except where this is expressly permitted (e.g. by a road sign).
  • Red light in the shape of a cross means that the lane may not be used.

Respective penalties:

  • driving with a vehicle on sidewalk (100 CHF)
  • driving with a vehicle on tram rail tracks (60 CHF)
  • driving with a vehicle on bus lane (60 CHF)
  • driving with a vehicle on bicycle lane (100 CHF)

BicyclesDrivers do not need to wear a helmet provided that the maximum speed is not higher than 20km/h
MopedsHelmet must comply with UN ECE Regulation 22
Motorcycles with/without a sidecarHelmet must comply with UN ECE Regulation 22
Light and heavy tricyclesHelmet must comply with UN ECE Regulation 22
Light and heavy quadricyclesHelmet must comply with UN ECE Regulation 22
Drivers may not use their mobile phone without a hand-free setpenalty of 100 CHF
The driver has to follow the traffic. He has to guarantee no distraction at any time by any communication device (navigation devices, radio, computers etc.)
Drivers may use their mobile phone with a hand-free set
Mandatory day time running lightEffective as of 01.01.2014
Safety equipment for carsWarning triangle
Safety equipment for cyclistsCyclists must have a bell, except when the mass of the bike is less than 11kg.

Disclaimer

This content on road safety and traffic rules is provided by the national authorities according to Article 8(1) of Directive (EU) 2015/413/EU. The European Commission does not assume liability for this content or its accuracy. For the most accurate and up-to-date information check national websites, where you can also find information on other national rules covering time-based charges (vignettes), emission stickers and road tolls.

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Road rules and safety

Last checked: 12/06/2023
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