Switzerland updates driving regulations in 2026 with variable motorway speed limits on key sections, new tunnel safety requirements, updated e-bike regulations, continued Via Sicura road safety program reforms, and the introduction of a digital motorway vignette.
Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzungen
Gültig ab 1. Januar 2026
Vorher
120 km/h fixed limit
Fixed 120 km/h speed limit on all motorways regardless of conditions
Nachher (2026)
Variable speed limits on key sections
Dynamic speed management with variable speed limit signs on major motorway sections around Zurich, Bern, and Basel; limits adjust between 80-120 km/h based on traffic density and weather
Variable speed limit signs are being installed on major motorway sections. The displayed speed limit is legally binding - it changes based on traffic and weather conditions. Pay attention to electronic signs, especially around Zurich, Bern, and Basel.
Sicherheitsregeln
Gültig ab 1. Juli 2026
Vorher
Standard tunnel rules
Basic tunnel driving rules: headlights on, no overtaking, maintain distance
Nachher (2026)
Stricter tunnel protocols
Mandatory minimum 150m following distance in tunnels over 1km; new emergency SOS stations every 250m; real-time air quality monitoring triggers automatic speed reductions
Switzerland has over 220 road tunnels. The new rules require 150m following distance in long tunnels (over 1km). New SOS stations are every 250m. If air quality drops, speed limits automatically reduce. Know the tunnel safety procedure: stop engine, leave keys, follow escape signs.
Fahrzeugausstattung
Gültig ab 1. April 2026
Vorher
Two categories: slow and fast
Slow e-bikes (25 km/h) treated as bicycles; fast e-bikes (45 km/h) required license plate and insurance
Nachher (2026)
Stricter fast e-bike rules
Fast e-bikes (45 km/h) require category M license, yellow license plate, mandatory helmet, mirrors, and daytime running lights; banned from cycle paths unless signed otherwise
Fast e-bikes (S-Pedelecs, up to 45 km/h) now need a category M license, yellow plate, helmet, mirrors, and daytime running lights. They're banned from cycle paths unless specifically allowed. Slow e-bikes (25 km/h) remain classified as bicycles. As a car driver, be aware of speed differences.
Strafen & Bußgelder
Gültig ab 1. Januar 2026
Vorher
Mandatory minimum 1-year prison
Excessive speeding (raserdelikt) carried mandatory minimum 1-year prison sentence regardless of circumstances
Nachher (2026)
Judicial discretion restored
Judges can consider individual circumstances for excessive speeding; prison sentences remain possible but not automatically mandatory; vehicle confiscation still applies
The Via Sicura "raser" rules still apply but with more judicial flexibility. Exceeding the limit by 40+ km/h (on motorways) still triggers the raser offense. Your vehicle can still be confiscated. The main change is judges can consider circumstances rather than applying mandatory minimums.
Fahrzeugausstattung
Gültig ab 1. August 2026
Vorher
Physical sticker only
Annual motorway vignette available only as windshield sticker for CHF 40
Nachher (2026)
Digital or physical option
Annual motorway vignette available as digital e-vignette linked to license plate or traditional windshield sticker; both cost CHF 40; purchasable online
You can now buy the Swiss motorway vignette digitally - it's linked to your license plate number instead of being stuck on your windshield. It costs the same CHF 40 per year. Buy it online before entering Switzerland. Driving without a valid vignette on motorways means a CHF 200 fine plus the vignette cost.
Alle Regeländerungen stammen aus offiziellen staatlichen Verkehrsbehörden und Rechtsveröffentlichungen. AutoviaTest ist eine unabhängige Bildungsplattform und ist mit keiner Regierungsbehörde verbunden. Regeln können sich vor ihrem Inkrafttreten noch ändern.
Informationen zuletzt überprüft: 1. Februar 2026
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