Driving in Switzerland – Mastering Swiss Roads
Welcome to Switzerland – the country of breathtaking Alps, delicious chocolate, and … strict traffic rules! If you’re planning to explore Switzerland by car, there are a few things you should know.
Don’t worry, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about driving in Switzerland. From speed limits and tolls to the (infinite) number of speed cameras. After reading this blog, you’ll be mastering the roads of Switzerland with confidence!
If you’re still deciding how a car fits into the rest of your trip, our guide to planning your first trip to Switzerland covers transport, costs, regions, and the most common planning mistakes.
Left or right-hand traffic in Switzerland?
If you’re wondering whether you suddenly have to drive on the left-hand side in Switzerland: no, you don’t have to. Unlike in the United Kingdom, Switzerland has right-hand traffic.
You should also note that overtaking is on the left in Switzerland. Overtaking on the right lane while driving on the Swiss motorway is even prohibited by traffic law and can result in a on-the-spot-fine of 250 CHF (approx. 277 USD).
Only in traffic jams or heavy traffic on the left and middle lane may it be permitted to overtake on the right with caution in exceptional cases.
In Switzerland, there is also a so-called right-hand driving rule. This means that vehicles must always drive in the right-hand lane if there are several lanes. Violations can result in a fine of around 60 CHF (approx. 66 USD).
Right has right of way!
In Switzerland, the right of way generally applies to secondary roads at intersections, forks, or junctions. This means that anyone coming from the right has the right of way.
However, this does not apply to exits from parking lots, garages, dirt roads, or similar. Right of way also does not apply on main roads or where there are road signs to this effect.
The traffic sign with a yellow diamond in the middle and a white border indicates priority roads. Here, whoever is on this road has the right of way.
In addition, emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens always have the right of way.
Caution: Pedestrians always have the right of way at crosswalks, which are marked by white or yellow stripes!
Traffic circles – the European test of patience
If you’ve never driven through a traffic circle before: congratulations, this is going to be exciting!
If you are inside the traffic circle, you have the right of way. There is neither a stop sign nor traffic lights. As soon as no vehicle is coming, drive into the traffic circle and drive out again at the desired exit.
No problem, if you miss your exit, you can also do another lap around the traffic circle 😉
Tip: When leaving the traffic circle, it is mandatory to signal – otherwise you could be fined!
Traffic lights in Switzerland – unlike in the USA
In the US, you’re used to traffic lights on the opposite side of intersections. In Switzerland (and most European countries), traffic lights are located directly at the stop line instead. So if you drive too far ahead, you won’t see the signal!
Tip: Always stop at the white stop line, otherwise you will suddenly find yourself blind.
Besides, the traffic light does not change directly from red to green or vice versa. It always turns yellow briefly beforehand so that you know that it is about to turn red or green.
In most US states, you are allowed to turn right on red when there is no traffic. In Switzerland, this is strictly forbidden unless a green arrow sign expressly permits it.
Speed limits in Switzerland
There are strict national speed limits in Switzerland. You’d better stick to them while driving in Switzerland, otherwise you could face some hefty fines.
So what are the Swiss speed limits?
A maximum of 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph) is permitted inside built-up areas. The speed limit is often reduced to 30 km/h (approx. 19 mph) in urban areas, especially where there are many pedestrians or near schools, retirement homes, tram stops, etc.
On main and secondary roads outside built-up areas, the speed limit is 80 km/h (approx. 50 mph).
A maximum speed limit of 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph) applies on expressways.
The maximum speed limit on Swiss motorways is 120 km/h (approx. 75 mph).
Cars with trailers under 3.5 tons and mobile homes over 3.5 tons may only drive 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph) on motorways. Cars with trailers over 3.5 tons may not drive faster than 80 km/h. (approx. 50 mph)
If different speed limits apply, you will be made aware of this by appropriate traffic signs. So always pay attention to the road signs!
Caution: Even a few km/h (mph) too much can be very expensive!
Speed cameras – the expensive selfie
Switzerland loves its speed cameras, which are also affectionately known as “Blechpolizist”, which means “tin policemen”. There are over 70 fixed speed cameras in the city of Zurich alone.
Both fixed and mobile speed cameras record you for speeding, red light, or distance violations.
If you are caught in a speed trap, it can quickly become expensive – in serious cases, you may even face a prison sentence or a driving ban.
Even as a tourist, you are not protected from penalties: The Swiss authorities have international agreements with many countries that can be used to enforce penalties.
If you are flashed in a rental car, the rental company will receive the fine. The fine, including a hefty processing fee, will then be added directly to your bill.
Caution: Radar detectors are prohibited and can result in heavy fines.
Are there tolls in Switzerland?
Yes, there is a toll for highways in Switzerland. Unlike in other countries, there are no toll stations. However, you do need a vignette if you want to drive on the Swiss highways.
The vignette currently costs 40 CHF (approx. 45 USD) and is always valid for 14 months, from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year.
You can get the vignette at petrol stations, post offices, or online. There is now even an e-vignette that you can purchase online. The vignette is then stored on your license plate.
If you are caught without a vignette, you will be fined a whopping 200 CHF (approx. 220 USD) plus the purchase price of the vignette.
Blood alcohol limit in Switzerland
The legal alcohol limit in Switzerland is 0.5 per mille (approx. 0.05% BAC). For novice drivers, i.e. drivers who have less than 3 years of driving experience, the alcohol limit is 0.1 per mille (approx. 0.01% BAC).
For comparison: In most US states, the limit is 0.08%. This means that even a small beer or a glass of wine can be enough to put you over the alcohol limit.
If you break these rules and drive under the influence of alcohol, you could face extremely severe penalties. In serious cases, you could even face a prison sentence. So don’t drink and drive!
Tip: If you plan to drink, leave the car behind. Our guide to travelling around Switzerland by public transport explains how the trains, buses, boats, and tickets work.
Distractions in road traffic
Distracted driving causes around 5,700 accidents in Switzerland every year. That’s why it’s always important to keep your eyes on the road!
The Swiss police are very strict when it comes to punishing distractions. In particular, using a cell phone at the wheel can cost you a fine of 100 CHF (approx. 110 USD).
But other distractions – such as tapping on your navigation device or eating while driving in Switzerland – can also be penalized.
Lights on – always!
Driving with lights on is mandatory – even during the day.
In principle, daytime running lights are also sufficient during the day if your vehicle is equipped with them. In poor visibility and especially in the evening, you should always have your dipped headlights on.
Parking in Switzerland
Parking in Switzerland is expensive and often limited.
Official parking spaces are divided into different zones and marked with colored lines.
In the blue zone, there is free parking for one hour from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 18:00 with a blue parking disk. Outside these times and on Sundays and public holidays, you can also park here for longer.
Tip: You can set the arrival time to the next half hour.
There is a charge for parking in the white zone. The parking spaces are usually numbered and there is a parking machine nearby where you can pay for your ticket.
Tip: Use apps like EasyPark for uncomplicated payment!
The yellow markings indicate private parking spaces. Do not park here under any circumstances!
Refueling in Switzerland
Gas stations on highways and in Swiss cities are usually open all day. Outside opening hours, self-service machines are often available where you can pay with banknotes, credit cards, or debit cards.
In Switzerland, a distinction is made between different fuels: Super, Super Plus, diesel, LPG, and natural gas. If you are driving in Switzerland with a rental car, pay close attention to what you need to refuel!
At self-service machines, you will be debited a certain amount (usually 150 CHF) and then corrected as soon as you know how many francs you have filled up for.
If you are at a petrol station with staff, you can fill up your vehicle and pay afterward at the petrol station. Most petrol stations are connected to a small store.
There are no gas station attendants who fill up for you.
Rental cars, fuel, parking, and mountain transport can add up quickly, so include them when budgeting for a trip to Switzerland.
Car rental in Switzerland
Before booking a rental car, check whether it actually suits your route. Our Switzerland itinerary compares realistic 7, 10, and 14-day routes and explains why we would use the train for most first-time trips.
If you want to go on vacation in Switzerland and hire a car, we recommend that you have an international driving permit if you do not have an EU driving license. Although this is not always mandatory, it is still recommended to avoid complications.
While the minimum age to drive a car in Switzerland is 18 years old, you can rent a car from the age of 20.
However, there is often an extra charge if you are under 25. Also, certain vehicles are only available from an older age. Some car rental companies also have a maximum age limit of 80.
We recommend that you book your rental car online in advance of your trip. There you can also easily book extras such as winter tires (or snow chains), child seats, additional drivers, and more.
If you have only ever driven an automatic, you should make sure that your rental car also has an automatic gearbox. In Europe, many rental cars are equipped with manual transmission, which can be quite a challenge when driving in Switzerland on steep roads.
Tip: An SUV or four-wheel drive can be worthwhile, but is not necessary if you are only driving on main roads.
We also recommend that you take out liability insurance and fully comprehensive insurance without an excess when you book your rental car.
When handing over the rental car, you should – as in any other country – check the rental car thoroughly. If in doubt, it is always better to take photos of any damage in advance.
Legally required equipment in the vehicle
In many countries, there are strict regulations on how the car must be equipped. In Switzerland, however, only the warning triangle is mandatory.
Although a safety vest is not compulsory, it is still recommended, especially in the event of an accident or breakdown.
If you want to take your car abroad outside Switzerland, you should find out whether you need additional equipment.
In addition, the CH sticker is often mandatory if you’re crossing borders, for example if you want to drive to Italy. These are available in different versions. We recommend a magnetic CH sticker that you can also remove.
Driving in the Swiss mountains
Switzerland is known for its beautiful mountain roads that offer wonderful views of the landscape. However, there are a few traffic rules to follow if you want to take a road trip through the Swiss Alps.
Some of the most beautiful mountain passes we recommend are:
- Gotthard Pass – Perfect for a road trip, with spectacular views of the Alps.
- Furka Pass – James Bond fans will recognize this route from “Goldfinger”.
- San Bernardino route – Unique atmosphere through the Swiss countryside.
If you’re still deciding which parts of Switzerland to explore by car, our guide to the best places to visit in Switzerland compares the country’s most beautiful regions and can help you plan the perfect road trip.
There is one golden rule on Swiss mountain roads: the uphill driver has the right of way over the downhill driver!
So if you are driving downhill and another vehicle comes towards you, you should move back if the road allows it.
The often winding and narrow mountain roads sometimes make driving in Switzerland difficult. That’s why it’s customary to honk briefly if you have a poor view of the road to guide oncoming traffic.
For easier routes that don’t require planning an entire road trip, our favorite day trips from Zurich include several places we regularly visit from the city.
If you’re planning a road trip to the mountains in winter, you should be prepared:
- Although winter tires are not a legal requirement in Switzerland, they are strongly recommended (usually from October to April). If you cause an accident without winter tires, you could face severe penalties.
- Snow chains are mandatory on some mountain roads and are marked with blue signs.
- While most mountain passes are passable in summer, they may be closed in winter.
Driving is only one part of planning a trip to Switzerland. Our Switzerland travel tips for first-time visitors cover the practical details beyond the road, from payments and packing to Sunday opening hours, local etiquette, and changing mountain weather.
