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Driving in Switzerland: Tips and requirements
Welcome to one of the safest countries for road travel! Here’s everything you need to know about driving in Switzerland as a foreigner.
The best way to get to know this country is by exploring its road routes leading to hidden villages in the mountains, lakes, or through the Grimsel and Furka passes. Therefore, driving in Switzerland enhances the quality of your trip.
Throughout this post, we will detail which licenses are valid for foreign drivers in this country, what mandatory requirements are, the traffic rules, parking, and other tips to ensure a safe driving experience.
Keep reading if you want to explore Switzerland freely and without restrictions!
Valid Driving Licenses in Switzerland
This country is not part of the European Union, but it is part of the Schengen area and has signed agreements with several countries to allow foreign travellers to drive in Switzerland easily. Let’s see which licenses are valid depending on your nationality.
National License from Your Home Country
Most foreign citizens can drive in Switzerland with their national license from their country of origin for up to 12 months. The main requirement is that it must be in one of the following languages: English, French, German, or Italian.
If your license is in a different language, you must provide an official translation or an international driving permit.
International Driving Permit
This permit is mandatory for licenses not in the official languages mentioned in the previous section. For example, if you have a Spanish license, you will need to apply for an international driving permit.
This license can be obtained at the authorised traffic offices in your country and is an addition to the original license, so both must be presented together.
Switzerland License Exchange
After 12 months, you must exchange your license for a Swiss one. This process is done at the traffic office of the canton where you reside (Strassenverkehrsamt or Service des automobiles) and must be completed before your residence reaches one year. To do so, you need to present your original license, identification, proof of residence, and the application form.
Some countries are exempt from taking the practical and theoretical tests, such as Spain, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the United States, or Argentina, but others, such as China or India, must take the tests.
Requirements and Documentation to Drive in Switzerland
The excellent road conditions and strict regulations in this country make driving in Switzerland a safe experience. Want to know the requirements you need to meet?
- Mandatory Age: The minimum age is 18, and there is no maximum age limit as long as you have good physical and mental abilities.
- Valid License: As we’ve seen in the previous section, you can drive with your national license for up to 12 months if it’s in an official language or with an international permit.
- Mandatory Insurance: Every vehicle in Switzerland must have at least civil liability insurance, which covers third-party damage.
- Technical Inspection: Vehicles must undergo periodic technical inspections to ensure they are in good condition.
- Vehicle Documentation: Includes the circulation permit, which proves that the vehicle is registered and legally allowed to drive.
- Vignette Sticker: To drive on Swiss motorways, the vehicle must display a vignette sticker on the windscreen, available at petrol stations for €40.00 ($44.00) US.
- Environmental Sticker: Applies to older diesel vehicles in some cities.
- Blood Alcohol Limit: The legal limit is 0.5 g/l, and for novice drivers with less than 3 years of experience or professionals, the limit is 0.1 g/l.
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Traffic Rules in Switzerland and Signage
Traffic in Switzerland is among the lowest in terms of accidents across Europe, thanks to strict traffic rules focused on safety.
Switzerland has a high cost of living, but thanks to taxes collected from citizens, the government invests in a modern and well-maintained road infrastructure, both urban and rural. Speed and alcohol checks with high fines are frequent.
Local drivers are very strict about respecting and following these rules, so you’ll need to adapt to them.
Direction of Travel
As in most countries, you drive on the right, and the steering wheel is on the left of the vehicle. This may be inconvenient if you come from countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, or Malta, where driving is the other way around.
Speed Limits
You can drive in Switzerland at 120 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on main roads, 50 km/h in urban areas, and 20-30 km/h in residential or school zones.
Mobile Phone Use
Using a mobile phone is completely prohibited in this country, as in many others, unless using a hands-free system to avoid distractions.
Lights
If you’re driving in Switzerland, you should know that it’s mandatory to keep dip lights on throughout the day, even during summer when the weather is better.
This is because the weather can change quickly, with rain or fog, and it’s a way to reduce the number of accidents at intersections and during overtaking.
Traffic Signage
Like the rest of Europe, road signs in Switzerland are very similar, but depending on the canton, they will be in German, French, Italian, or Romansh.
Violations and Fines
If you don’t follow the regulations mentioned earlier, here are some fines you could face. Not paying them will generate additional charges and issues when trying to re-enter the country.
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Speeding | from €40.00 ($44.00) |
| Driving under the influence | from €467 ($512) and license suspension |
| Illegal parking | from €40.00 ($44.00) |
| Not displaying vignette | €187 ($205) |
| Not turning on lights | from €40.00 ($44.00) |
Main traffic violations in Switzerland.
Tolls and Fuel Charging
Tolls in Switzerland operate with the payment of the toll sticker we mentioned in other sections. It is valid from January 1st to January 31st of the following year. Generally, there are no additional tolls on motorway sections, except for specific tunnels.
You can buy this sticker at petrol stations, post offices, or online for €40.00 ($44.00).
Fuel prices for driving in Switzerland are approximately:
- Unleaded petrol (95 and 98): Price from €1.85 – €2.05 ($2.00 – $2.20) per litre.
- Diesel: €1.95 – €2.15 ($2.10 – $2.30) per litre.
- Electric charging: €0.28 – €0.56 ($0.32 – $0.64) per kWh.
- Payment method: By card at the pump, cash at the register, or through mobile apps.
Parking in Switzerland
Parking in Switzerland is very organized, with both free zones and regulated ones. Let’s explain this in more detail:
- Blue Zone: Free parking with time limits.
- White Zone: Paid parking through a meter or app, from €1.00 – €3.00 ($1.10 – $3.30) per hour.
- Red Zone: Restricted or requires special permits.
- Private underground parking: From €20.00 – €40.00 ($22.00 – $44.00) per day.
- Prohibited: Parking on sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, or in front of entrances.
Car Rental Options in Switzerland
If you don’t own a car, the best option for driving in Switzerland is to rent one from rental companies operating in the country such as Europcar, Avis, Sixt, or Unirent. You can find them in major locations like airports, train stations, and city centres.
Many digital nomads choose this option due to their constantly changing location, as do students who need a vehicle to go to university comfortably. Here are the available prices and vehicles:
- Compact vehicles: From €51.00 ($55.00) per day.
- SUV/family cars: From €82 ($88.00).
- Electric vehicles: From €70.00 ($77.00).
- Weekly rental: From €307 – €512 ($330 – $550).
Tips for Driving in Switzerland as a Foreigner
Still have questions about driving in Switzerland as a foreigner? As we’ve mentioned throughout this article, driving on Swiss roads is very safe and efficient, so you only need a few tips to enjoy the journey:
- Familiarize yourself with Swiss signs and rules before driving.
- Always carry your valid license and passport with you.
- Purchase the toll sticker before entering a motorway.
- Carry snow chains in winter.
- Bring an emergency kit as a recommendation.
- Use GPS or traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps to avoid fines or detours.
- Respect speed limits, as there are many automatic speed cameras.
- In long tunnels, always maintain a safe distance and don’t change lanes.
- Only park in designated and marked spots, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swiss roads are among the best in Europe in terms of quality and maintenance, including mountain roads. Traffic is usually smooth, although there can be congestion in larger cities like Zurich or Geneva during peak hours.
You need to call 112 and, if the car is rented, inform the company so they can notify the insurance.
It’s mandatory to keep lights on throughout the day on all roads. This measure increases visibility and safety.
Yes, for up to 12 months if it’s in French, German, Italian, or English. For other languages, you will need the international permit or an official translation.
