Top Attractions - Switzerland

Attractions - Bern

Driving Tips for Switzerland

· Any special requirements for driving in Switzerland?
· What should I know about Parking in switzerland?
· How much does fuel cost in switzerland?
· What is the speed limit on Swiss Roads?
· What is the conversion for kph to mph?
· What is the alcohol limit in Switzerland?
· Are there any Toll roads in Switzerland?
· What are the seat belt regulations in Switzerland?
· What is the minimum age for driving in Switzerland?
· What documents may i need to carry?
· What terms may I find useful when driving in Switzerland?
· What number do I call for the emergency services in Switzerland?

Any special requirements for driving in Switzerland?
In Switzerland vehicles drive on the right, overtake on the left. All secondary roads must give way to traffic coming from the right unless a priority sign is shown (a yellow diamond on a white background) and you must always give way to police, ambulances, fire engines, trams and buses. If in doubt, always give way to your right. At traffic lights and railway crossings, you must switch off your engines (Für bessere luft-Motor Abstellen, Coupez le Moteur) to avoid traffic pollution. It is also common in Switzerland for traffic lights to flash amber outside rush hour times. This means 'proceed with caution' and to remember to lookout for cyclists. On narrow mountain roads, vehicles travelling uphill assume the right of way.

What should I know about Parking in Switzerland?
Restricted parking areas are clearly marked, and the regulations are strictly enforced with on-the-spot fines. Finding a place to park in the city is always difficult and it is worth considering the numerous park and ride schemes (P & R) where a bus or tram will take you from an allotted car park into the centre of town. The Swiss are very strict about parking regulations. Most cities have "blue zones" that require you to display a parking disc on your dashboard. These discs can be obtained at motor clubs, gas stations and police stations. Parking on the sidewalks is illegal in Switzerland. White Zones (white road markings): means permit free unlimited parking. Red zones (red road markings) allow you to park up to 15 hours for free, but you must have a red parking disc. If you use a multi-story car park, remember you must pay before you go to your car at one of the ticket machines, as generally you cant pay at the exit.

How much does fuel cost in Switzerland?
At the time of writing a litre of gasoline cost approximately 1.50 SwF.

What is the speed limit on Swiss Roads?
Speed limit on Motorway: 120kph/74mph
Speed limit in Towns: 50kph/31mph
Speed limit on Major roads: 80kph/50mph
If you are caught for speeding or for another traffic offence, fines are normally payable on the spot for all non-resident drivers. The size of fines varies depending on the offence ranging form CHF 60 for 6kph over the speed limit to appearing in court and maybe loosing your license for driving more than 25 kph over.

What is the conversion for kph to mph?
1 mile=1.6 km 1 U.S.
1km=0.6 miles

What is the alcohol limit in Switzerland?
The blood/alcohol limit in Switzerland is 50mg per 100ml of blood. The law is very strict, random testing is carried out and if convicted you will loose your license, receive a heavy fine and may be imprisoned. If you hold a driving license and are travelling in a car with a drunk driver, you are equally responsible under Swiss law.

Are there any Toll roads in Switzerland?
To use a motorway in Switzerland a 'vignette' pass must be displayed in the windscreen. A ‘vignette’ pass can be obtained for 40SwF ($27) from Swiss National Tourism Offices.

What are the seat belt regulations in Switzerland?
In Switzerland seatbelts are compulsory front and rear. Children under seven years of age must travel in the rear, unless in an approved child seat.

What is the minimum age for driving in Switzerland?
The minimum driving age in Switzerland is 18.

What documents may i need to carry?
It is advisable to carry your driving license, insurance certificate and vehicle registration, along with your passport.

What terms may I find useful when driving in Switzerland?
Detour - umweg
Diesel - diesel
Entrance - eingang
Exit - ausgang
Gasoline - benzin
No parking - parken verboten
One-way - einbahn
Police - polizei

What number do I call for the emergency services in Switzerland?
Police Service - 117
Fire Service - 118
Ambulance Service - 114

Car Rental

Getting Around

Instant Quote!