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Driving / Traffic rules
These traffic rules will help you to get a better understanding of the Swiss traffic system:
- In Switzerland, everyone drives on the right-hand side
- Motorways/highways are marked with green road signs, and main roads have blue road signs
- The speed limit is 30 km/h or 50 km/h in towns and cities; 80 km/h on country roads and 120 km/h on motorways. Fines for driving too fast can be substantial - There are speed radars everywhere in the country.
- Always stop at a red light. Turning off to the right is also forbidden at a red light
- Pedestrians always have right of way on a zebra crossing
- Except for oncoming trams (trams enjoy right of way at all times)
- Winter tyres must be mounted in winter; if you have an accident in winter without winter tyres, the insurance company will reduce your cove
- Moreover, car lights must be on at all times
- Driving into a roundabout – cars that are already in the roundabout have right of way. Roundabouts are signposted in advance
- In residential areas, there is an increasing number of speed bumps designed to make drivers drive more slowly
- By law, not only front-seat passengers but also back-seat passengers must wear a seatbelt.
- Children under the age of 12 must be placed in a baby or child seat, or an appropriate equivalent. These seats must be approved and bear the ECE-R-44 certification mark of which the serial number must begin with 03 or 04. The Touring Club (go to: TCS) offers extensive information on their website.
- It is not permitted to carry more passengers than seats available in the car.
- Making a phone call while driving without a headset or car kit can result in a fine of CHF 100, and parking your car on the pavement will cost you CHF 120. Zurich’s traffic lights are often equipped with radar. Running a red light costs CHF 250. Speeding tickets range between CHF 40 and CHF 260.
- If you are involved in an accident, it is advisable to call the police. If there are any injuries, it is your legal duty to do so. In the case of an accident, you must wear the orange security jacket that is required to be in your car at all times, until the situation has been dealt with. Your passengers must also wear one of these jackets should they leave the vehicle.
PS: The alcohol limit for driving is 0.5 per mil. However, if you had a bit too much to drink, you can hire a chauffeur to drive you home in your own car:
My Driver Telephone 043-333 11 00 (www.mydriver.ch).
Driving lessons
If you don’t yet feel confident driving on Swiss roads, we recommend taking a few brush-up lessons with a driving instructor, for example with Kerstin Müller – she speaks German, French, Italian, Spanish and English.