As of 2023, there are over 6 million vehicles registered in Switzerland. Driving in Switzerland may be necessary if you are looking for a job that requires regular travel, or you are renting a house or apartment that isn’t served by public transport. This guide will explain all the things you need to know about operating a vehicle in Switzerland.
Swiss driving rules
First things first, there are some Swiss driving rules that expats should take note of, as they may be different to what you’re used to in your home country:
- The legal driving age in Switzerland is 18. However, you are permitted to drive (with an accompanying driver) from the age of 17 with a provisional licence.
- You should carry your driving licence and vehicle registration documents with you at all times when driving in Switzerland.
- You drive on the right and pass on the left in Switzerland.
- Everyone in the vehicle over the age of 12 must wear a seatbelt, and children under the age of 12 must be in a car seat if they are less than 150 centimetres tall.
- It is compulsory to drive with your lights on (ideally, daytime running lights, otherwise dipped beam headlights) during the day in Switzerland, whatever the weather. This applies to all motor vehicles, including motorbikes.
- Winter tyres are not required by law in Switzerland, but they are recommended in winter months.
- All vehicles must carry a warning triangle. Note that it needs to be in the main part of your car, not in the boot.
- You should not be distracted while driving - this includes using a mobile phone, eating, or wearing headphones.
Speed limit
Unless otherwise specified, the speed limit in Switzerland varies according to the type of road you are on, as follows:
- 50 km/h in urban areas - although 30 km/h is quickly becoming the norm
- 80 km/h in rural areas
- 100 km/h on expressways (Autostrasse)
- 120 km/h on =motorways (Autobahn)
Alcohol limit
The blood alcohol limit for driving in Switzerland is 0,25 milligrams per litre, or 0,05‰. Note that this is a lot lower than in other European countries. It is always recommended to make use of the extensive public transport system in Switzerland if you’re heading out for a night on the town. Penalties for driving under the influence can range from a fine and a driving disqualification to a significant prison sentence.
Note that the alcohol limit is essentially zero if you are a new driver (holding a probationary driving licence), a learner driver (holding a provisional driving licence), a driving instructor, professional driver, or are accompanying a learner driver. The alcohol limit is set at 0,01‰ for these groups of people.
It’s also worth noting that drink driving rules also extend to passengers in Switzerland. If you’re found to be a passenger in a car driven by someone over the alcohol limit, you can be penalised with a fine or even a driving ban, on the basis that you shouldn’t have allowed yourself to be driven by someone over the limit.
Driving licence
One of the first things that you need to do when moving to Switzerland for the first time is to exchange your driving licence. Officially, you can use some driving licences from other nations (mostly in Europe) for up to 12 months, but if you plan to make Switzerland your home in the long term, it is best to exchange it. Find out which nations have to take a theory or practical test as part of a licence exchange, as well as the price of exchange, in our guide to driving licences.
Learning to drive in Switzerland
If you have come to Switzerland and want to start driving, you will need to learn to drive. Learning to drive in Switzerland is a multi-step process that requires constant supervision and training, as well as a thorough theory and practical test. It is also important to know what prior preparation you need before taking your test and what to do if you fail.
Buying a car in Switzerland
If you are looking to buy your own car in Switzerland, check out our guide, which covers everything you need to know about buying both new and used cars, with information on requirements, prices, and other things to consider.
Car leasing
If you need a vehicle in Switzerland but don't want to buy one outright, car leasing is a convenient way of getting to use a car, for a fixed monthly payment, without actually owning it.
Registering a vehicle
One of the key parts of purchasing your first vehicle in Switzerland is to know how to register it. Switzerland uses a system where cars are assigned to your personal or family number plate, instead of each vehicle having their own. To find out more about the cost of registration and the steps that need to be taken, check out our guide to registering a vehicle.
Vehicle taxes
As part of your new vehicle registration, you will have to familiarise yourself with the various vehicle taxes that are charged. Each canton calculates its vehicle taxes differently, depending on different factors like size, horsepower, weight and carbon emissions.
Periodic vehicle inspection
Vehicles that are imported to Switzerland or have been running in the country for five years must submit to a periodic vehicle inspection. This is to make sure that your vehicle is still roadworthy and does not pose a threat to other motorists. For expats, it is essential that you know how to prepare your vehicle for inspection, how much it will cost and what to do if your vehicle fails.
Importing a car to Switzerland
If you are looking to bring your own vehicle to Switzerland from another country, you will have to pass several checks and pay a certain amount in import tax. Importing a vehicle to Switzerland requires that you declare you are importing the vehicle at the border and pay the necessary fees, as well as submit to a vehicle inspection.
Exporting cars from Switzerland
If you are leaving Switzerland and want to take your car with you, or have otherwise bought a vehicle in the alpine nation and want to send it overseas, you'll need to export the vehicle, which requires completing a customs check.
Motorways
There are over 1.600 kilometres of motorway in Switzerland. Motorways in Switzerland have a speed limit of 120 km/h unless stated otherwise and are a key part of long journeys. When driving on Swiss motorways for the first time, it is important to know the etiquette of the road, as well as making sure you have a Swiss motorway vignette - which functions in place of tolls in Switzerland.
E-vignette
You need a vignette (either a sticker vignette or an e-vignette) to drive on motorways and expressways in Switzerland, unless your vehicle is heavier than 3,5 tonnes. Learn about the e-vignette in Switzerland, and where you can buy one.
Road signs in Switzerland
There are hundreds of different road signs in Switzerland. Make sure you are familiar with the most imortant ones with our guide to Swiss road signs.
Car insurance
Every single vehicle on the roads in Switzerland must be insured. This is to guarantee coverage should you have an accident or if your vehicle is stolen. Car insurance in Switzerland is offered by several competitive insurance firms.
Traffic violations in Switzerland
On Swiss motorways or on roads in Swiss cities, there are several traffic violations that the police monitor for. The majority of infractions are dealt with using a fine or written warning, but serious offences may result in court proceedings.
Most common traffic violations in Switzerland
Some of the most common traffic violations that you may encounter in Switzerland are:
- Running red lights
- Unsafe overtaking on Swiss motorways
- Blocking junctions
- Speeding fines
Speeding fines in Switzerland
Switzerland has a strict system of speeding fines that operates on all Swiss roads. These can range from a set amount to a percentage of income, as follows:
A court summons usually results in fines amounting to a percentage of your salary. Excessive speeding will also usually lead to a one to three-month disqualification.
Parking fines in Switzerland
Other than speeding fines, the most common traffic violations in Switzerland are parking fines. This is where a vehicle is parked in an unsafe or incorrect space, or has not paid the required toll to park in a certain location. Traffic wardens are employed by the local council (Gemeinde) and will perform regular sweeps to make sure everyone is parked legally.
Fines for incorrect parking range from 25 to 50 Swiss francs per day before the car is reclaimed. Traffic wardens have the right to impound your car if it is parked incorrectly or payment has not been made, leading to a towing fee of 100 to 200 Swiss francs.