Driving advice for in Switzerland

Mandatory Documents for driving in Switzerland

Documents You Need to Bring:

To avoid any hassles while driving in Switzerland, always carry these documents with you:

• Full, valid UK driving licence
• Passport or valid identification document
• Motor insurance certificate
• Vehicle registration document (V5)
• Stick'AIR environmental sticker (if applicable)

Vehicle Identification – UK Sticker Requirements

Since 28 September 2021, vehicles registered in the UK must display the national identifier "UK" when driven abroad, including Switzerland. The identifier can either be incorporated into the vehicle's number plate alongside the Union Flag or displayed separately as a sticker.

Please note:

• GB stickers accompanied by the Council of Europe's golden stars are no longer valid.
• Vehicles without "UK" on their number plates must display a separate UK sticker when driving in Switzerland.

Insurance Green Card

Since 2 August 2021, drivers no longer need to carry an insurance green card when taking their vehicle into Switzerland.

Swiss Road Tolls and Charges

• Vehicles under 3.5 tonnes: A valid Swiss vignette is mandatory for motorway usage. This Swiss vignette can conveniently be purchased directly from our website prior to your journey.
• Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes: Must pay the Swiss Heavy Vehicle Charge (LSVA). This charge must be paid in advance to legally use Swiss roads.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) – From 2026

ETIAS is a travel authorisation system designed for visitors who currently travel visa-free to the European Union and select European countries. From the last quarther of 2026, travellers will require ETIAS approval to enter the 26 Schengen countries, as well as Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania.

For further details on ETIAS, please visit the official ETIAS website.

Driving in Switzerland: Packing Checklist

In addition to carrying the mentioned documents, drivers must also legally have the following items in their car.

• Warning Triangle: Must be stored inside the car (not in the boot) for quick access in case of breakdown.
• Headlamp Converters: Stickers to adapt headlights for driving on the right-hand side, preventing dazzling oncoming traffic.
• Motorway Vignette: Mandatory if driving on Swiss motorways; available at the border, most petrol stations, or purchased through our website.
• Spare Glasses or Contact Lenses: Necessary for drivers who normally wear corrective lenses.
• Crash Helmet: Mandatory for motorcyclists, moped riders, and their passengers.

Winter Driving Requirements

• Snow Chains: Mandatory during winter months, especially on mountain roads. Snow socks are not accepted.
• Winter Tires: From 1 November to 1 April, vehicles must be fitted with official winter tires displaying the 3PMSF (3-Peak-Mountain-SnowFlake) symbol.

Are there products that I shouldn’t take with me?

Don’t Pack These: Avoid bringing meat, dairy products, and certain fresh produce unless you have special clearance (phytosanitary certificate). Bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapples, and durians are okay though!

Driving rules in Switzerland

Overtaking and Passing

• General Rule: Drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left. Always signal when returning to your lane after overtaking.
• Trams and Trains: Overtake moving trams or trains on the right. If that's not feasible and there's no intersection or risk to other traffic, overtaking on the left is permissible. On one-way streets, trams can be overtaken on either side.
• Intersections with Limited Visibility: At such intersections without traffic lights or police direction, only vehicles on the main road may overtake.
• Built-Up Areas: Overtaking on the right is allowed when multiple lanes are moving in the same direction. Exercise caution near pedestrian crossings.
• Level Crossings: Do not overtake vehicles near ungated level crossings. However, overtaking cyclists or pedestrians is allowed if visibility is clear.

Right of Way

• General Rule: Vehicles coming from the right have priority unless indicated otherwise.
• Roundabouts: Wait for traffic already circulating unless signs specify differently.
• Built-Up Areas: Vehicles must give way to buses signaling to leave a stop. Trams and rail vehicles always have priority, except when entering a main road from a secondary one.
• Emergency Vehicles: Vehicles with flashing lights and sirens have the right of way, even at red traffic lights.

Warning Signals

• Daytime: Sound your horn before sharp bends with limited visibility outside built-up areas.
• Nighttime: Flash headlights instead of using the horn in similar situations.
• General: Avoid unnecessary use of warning signals, especially with oncoming traffic.

Towing Regulations

When towing in Switzerland, ensure your caravan or trailer adheres to the following maximum dimensions:

• Height: 4 meters
• Width: 2.55 meters
• Overall Length: 18.75 meters

Towed vehicles including caravans and trailers need a separate vignette

When Towing a Caravan: Driving with a caravan can get challenging. Some mountain roads, like the Oberriet – Hölzlisberg – Appenzell route, are steep and winding. Always double-check your route; don't rely solely on GPS. Swiss roads are usually excellent, but remote areas need extra caution.

Seat Belt Laws

All drivers and passengers aged 12 and over must wear seat belts in both front and rear seats if the vehicle is equipped with them. If you get caught without using a seat belt you get a fine of 60 CHF.

Traffic Lights

Switzerland employs the standard three-color traffic light system:

• Flashing Amber Light: Proceed with caution.
• Green Arrow: Indicates vehicles may turn in the arrow's direction and have priority.
• Green Arrow with Flashing Amber Light: Vehicles may turn but must wait for pedestrians to cross. If the arrow points left, yield to oncoming traffic as well.

Speed Limits

Switzerland uses the metric system for all road signs, meaning speed limits and distances are indicated in kilometers and meters. Speed limits are clearly marked by signs along the road, we advice you to take them into account.

Swiss speed limits

Switzerland uses the metric system for all road signs, meaning speed limits and other road signs including distance are indicated using kilometres and metres. 

Speed Regulations and Fines in Switzerland

Certain vehicles, including cars towing trailers or caravans, have specific speed limits, so always verify restrictions before traveling.

Speeding Penalties

Swiss speeding fines depend on how significantly the speed limit is exceeded and the type of road involved. Minor infractions start around 20 CHF for exceeding motorway limits by less than 5 km/h, while more severe violations can cost up to 600 CHF or more, particularly for exceeding limits by over 20 km/h in urban areas.

Speed Camera and Radar Detectors

Using or even carrying radar detection equipment, including GPS devices that indicate speed cameras, is illegal in Switzerland. Always disable this functionality before driving into the country.

Traveling with Children

Child Seat Regulations

In Switzerland, kids under 12 who are shorter than 150 cm need to sit in an approved child seat that meets European safety standards.

Bike Helmet

Cyclists in Switzerland are advised—but not legally required—to wear helmets.

Campervans and Caravans

When traveling by campervan or towing a caravan, vehicle dimensions must not exceed:

• Length: 18.75 m
• Height: 4 m
• Width: 2.55 m

Loads must remain within these dimensions, with no lateral overhangs permitted. Single axle loads must not surpass 10 tonnes. Note that using an A-frame to tow another vehicle is prohibited for UK vehicles abroad, so consider a trailer instead.

Traffic Fines and Penalties

Swiss police issue on-the-spot fines for traffic violations, typically ranging between 20 CHF and 500 CHF depending on the offense. Severe offenses, such as reckless driving, carry higher penalties, potentially exceeding 1,000 CHF and may result in license suspensions or vehicle confiscation.

If foreign drivers commit serious infractions, authorities can demand an immediate deposit equivalent to the expected fine plus administrative charges.

Parking Rules and Enforcement

General Parking Restrictions:

Avoid parking:

• On yellow markings
• Within 5 meters of pedestrian crossings or intersections
• On narrow roads or areas of reduced visibility
• At tram and bus stops
• Where continuous white lines leave less than 3 meters clearance
• Blocking visibility of traffic signs
• On main roads outside urban zones
• Where space is insufficient for two vehicles to pass
• On pavements unless explicitly allowed by signs

Paid Parking:

Parking meters commonly restrict durations between 15 minutes to 2 hours. Rules regarding meter use vary between towns, so we advice you to check the meter of your parking location.

Disabled Parking:

Internationally recognized disabled parking permits are valid in Switzerland. Holders may park:

• Up to 3 hours where parking is otherwise prohibited
• Indefinitely in designated parking zones
• Up to 2 hours in pedestrian-only 'zones de rencontre' areas, outside marked parking spaces

Ensure your vehicle never obstructs traffic flow or poses a hazard when utilizing these concessions.

Alcohol and Driving

Switzerland enforces a strict drink-driving limit of 0.05% blood alcohol content (0.01% for new drivers with less than three years' experience). Police conduct random breathalyzer checks and drug testing, especially following accidents. Penalties include substantial fines, possible imprisonment, and driving bans. Customs officials at borders may also test drivers suspected of intoxication.

Swiss Motorway Tolls

Motor vehicles and trailers up to 3.5 tonnes require a motorway vignette to use Swiss motorways and semi-motorways. The vignette, valid for 14 months (1 December to 31 January), costs 40 CHF and is available from customs offices, petrol stations, regional road authorities, TCS offices, or directly from our website. Entering a motorway without a vignette incurs a fine of 200 CHF. You still need to buy a vignette so the total costs would be 240 CHF.

Service Areas and Fuel Availability

Switzerland has well-equipped motorway service stations offering petrol, diesel, and LPG. Stations on regular roads typically operate from early morning (around 06:00–07:00) until evening (18:00–20:00), with automated pumps available after hours. On motorways, many stations operate 24 hours or from 06:00 until late evening, with automated pumps covering non-operational hours.

Driving a Rental Car in Switzerland

When renting a car in Switzerland, some of the information applicable to private vehicles may not directly apply. However, reviewing the general guidelines can help ensure a smooth experience. Here are key points specifically tailored for rental car users:

Important Rental Information

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 20 years old to rent a car.
• Driver’s License: A full and valid UK driving license, held for at least one year, is required. Carry your passport or a secondary ID as well.
• Credit Card: Many car rental providers require a credit card at the time of rental; confirm this beforehand to avoid issues.
• Cross-border Travel: If you plan to drive outside Switzerland, arrange this with the rental company in advance. Sometimes its not allowed to leave Switzerland with the hired car.
• Excess Insurance: Purchasing separate excess insurance before your trip is strongly recommended. It's typically more affordable than rental company coverage and protects you against unexpected costs.
• Vignette – Always verify if the car has a registered digital vignette.

Tips for Rental Car Drivers

• Speed Limits: On Swiss motorways, the speed limit is 120 km/h (approximately 74 mph). On main roads outside built-up areas, speed limits range between 80 and 100 km/h. In urban areas, the limit is generally 50 km/h.
• Emergencies: Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
• Seat Belts: Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants where provided.
• Alcohol Limits: Switzerland's legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05%, stricter compared to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (0.08%), but the same as Scotland.

From our rental experiences, we advise carefully checking rental terms and vehicle conditions upon collection. Rental staff typically provide useful insights into local driving rules, especially when traveling during winter months or planning cross-border journeys. Try to book with an American Express card ensuring you are fully covered for damage.

This guide has been written based on information from:

• Swiss Tourism Board - https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/
• Federal office for Customs and Border Security - https://www.bazg.admin.ch/bazg/de/home.html
• Federal roads office - https://www.astra.admin.ch/astra/en/home.html