Driving Tips in Switzerland

Our new Driving Tips series gives you the need-to-know advice for driving abroad!

If you’re visiting Switzerland soon, and plan on driving, there may be some quick rules of the road to brush up on for embarking on your adventure.

Click to jump to: Speed Limits Rules & Regulations What to Bring Along

Speed Limits in Switzerland

The legal limits are clearly signposted but are generally as follows:

Built up areas	50 km/h
Outside built-up areas	80 km/h
Semi-Motorways	100 km/h
Motorways	120 km/h

Norway Driving Rules and Regulations

Here are some rules, regulations and advice to follow before you start your driving holiday in Switzerland:

• Driving is on the right hand side of the road.
• All front and back seat occupants must use seat belts. National requirement is that children up to 12 years of age and under 150cm have to be placed in a child restraint approved to UN ECE regulation 44.03.
• You must be aged 18 or older and hold a valid driver’s license.
• Drinking and driving limits: If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05 per cent or more, severe penalties are handed out and include fines or prison. The police may request any driver to undergo a breath test or drugs test. Visiting motorists may be forbidden from driving in Switzerland for a minimum of one month.
• Use of dipped headlights during the day recommended for all vehicles. This is compulsory when passing through tunnels even if they are well lit, a fine will be imposed for noncompliance.
• Third party insurance is compulsory.
• Use of mobile phones is prohibited whilst driving in Switzerland.

Important Driving Signs in Switzerland

What to Bring Along

When driving in Switzerland it is compulsory to have:

• Snow chains are compulsory in areas indicated by appropriate signs and must be fitted on at least two drive wheels. All vehicles with spiked tyres are prohibited on motorways and semi motorways except for certain parts of the A13 and A2.
• Snow tyres are not compulsory, however vehicles which are not equipped to travel through snow and which impede traffic are liable to a fine.
• Each motor vehicle must be equipped with a warning triangle which must be kept within easy reach (not in the boot). This must be used in any breakdown or emergency situation.

Choose Sixt for stress free car hire in Switzerland

Whether you’re visiting for the skiing season or for a fun weekend city trip, Switzerland offers you tons of beauty and ensure you see it all by travelling with your own car. Sixt’s reliable and high quality car rental services ensure you will recieve a premium vehicle for a great price. Our stations can be found in all major travel hubs and airports, in cities such as Zurich, Bern, Geneva and many more. We have a varied fleet of vehicles including hatchbacks, 4x4s, people carriers and more; which can be fitted with winter tyres or additional equipment to make it suitable for any trip you wish to embark on.

Browse all Sixt Stations in Switzerland