Driving Switzerland

Please observe that in Switzerland there is a strict rule about giving priority to cars coming from the RIGHT – even in car parks! Buses, trams, ambulances and police cars always have right of way. If you have or cause an accident because you didn’t give way to cars coming from the right, you will be liable. Pedestrians always have the right at crossings. When driving uphill, the car driving UP has priority, so if you meet a car and you cannot cross, the one ascending the hill should back up. Do not use a mobile phone when driving. The drink drive limit is 0.5mg / L blood-alcohol level = one glass of wine.

Under Swiss law you need to carry a few things with you in your car at all times:

– a red breakdown triangle and bright yellow vest

– your driver’s licence

– the vehicle’s registration papers

– the car’s exhaust test certificate

– insurance documents

– plus a European Accident Report to be filled out in case you have an accident, supplied by your insurance  company.

Drivers Licence

Your foreign driving licence is valid for one year, after that and before the time is up, please apply for Swiss driving licence. Go to your local driving centre or “Strassenverkehrsamt”. You will need to have an eye test at an optician who completes one section of the form and then apply to the Strassenverkehrsamt for your licence. Take it along to the centre with two passport-size photos, your residence permit and your old driving licence.

Speed Limits

30/50km/h in town centres 60km/h in the outer suburbs 80km/h when outside towns 120km/h on motorways Speed cameras are prevalent throughout Switzerland. There are set fines for lower speeds, and percentage fines on your gross income on higher speeds.

Winter

It is highly recommended to use winter tyres to cope with the wintry conditions we enjoy in Winter. Aim to change your tyres from summer to winter around mid-October and back again to summer tyres around April. It might be that you will be liable if you have an accident in wintry conditions and you haven’t got the correct tyres. If you are driving to the mountains, it is advisable to carry snow chains in the vehicle, unless you have a four-wheel drive. Chains are relatively inexpensive, but are invaluable if you are caught in bad weather.

Motorway Tax

You will need a sticker to show that you have paid the motorway tax – the “Autobahn Vignette” which costs CHF 40. It is available from petrol stations or post offices and is valid for one calendar year. Buy your new one by the end of January each year.

Children

Children under 12 years or below 150 cm must be seated in booster seats.