Road rules and safety - Switzerland

Which rule are you interested in?

Alcohol limits
Forbidden lane
Influence of drugs
Mobile telephone
Other specific rules
Safety helmet
Seat belts
Speed limits
Traffic lights

0,1 mg/ml Novice drivers (driving license on probation)
0,1 mg/ml Professional drivers (trucks, buses, transport of dangerous goods)
0,5 mg/ml Standard drivers

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)

Forbidden drugs (special focus as regards novice drivers)

THC (cannabis)

Methylamphetamine

MDMA (ecstasy)

Heroin

Amphetamine

Methamphetamin

	Drivers may not use their mobile phone without a hand-free setpenalty of 100 CHF
	Drivers may use their mobile phone with a hand-free set
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.)

Safety equipment for cyclistsCyclists must have a bell, except when the mass of the bike is less than 11kg.
	Safety equipment for carsWarning triangle
	Mandatory day time running lightEffective as of 01.01.2014

	Motorcycles with/without a sidecarHelmet must comply with UN ECE Regulation 22
	Light and heavy quadricyclesHelmet must comply with UN ECE Regulation 22
	Light and heavy tricyclesHelmet must comply with UN ECE Regulation 22
	MopedsHelmet must comply with UN ECE Regulation 22
	BicyclesDrivers do not need to wear a helmet provided that the maximum speed is not higher than 20km/h

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:

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
delivery vehicles which do not drive faster than 25km/h
driving at walking pace
operational staff and passengers in public transport (e.g. buses, coaches, trams)