Road rules and safety - Switzerland
Which rule are you interested in?
- Seat belts
- Traffic lights
- Speed limits
- Alcohol limits
- Influence of drugs
- Forbidden lane
- Safety helmet
- Mobile telephone
- Other specific rules
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:
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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 |
Respective penalties:
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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.