Switzerland 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Bundesamt für Strassen (ASTRA/FEDRO)
Last Updated: February 1, 2026
Summary
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.
Key Changes
Motorway Speed Limit Review and Variable Limits
Effective January 1, 2026
120 km/h fixed limit
Fixed 120 km/h speed limit on all motorways regardless of conditions
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
Official Source: ASTRA Verkehrsmanagement
Instructor's Tip
“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.”
Enhanced Tunnel Safety Regulations
Effective July 1, 2026
Standard tunnel rules
Basic tunnel driving rules: headlights on, no overtaking, maintain distance
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
Official Source: ASTRA Tunnel Safety
Instructor's Tip
“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.”
Changes by Category
🚗Speed Limits(1)
Motorway Speed Limit Review and Variable Limits
Effective January 1, 2026
120 km/h fixed limit
Fixed 120 km/h speed limit on all motorways regardless of conditions
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
Official Source: ASTRA Verkehrsmanagement
⚠️Penalties & Fines(1)
Via Sicura Program: Updated Excessive Speed Penalties
Effective January 1, 2026
Mandatory minimum 1-year prison
Excessive speeding (raserdelikt) carried mandatory minimum 1-year prison sentence regardless of circumstances
Judicial discretion restored
Judges can consider individual circumstances for excessive speeding; prison sentences remain possible but not automatically mandatory; vehicle confiscation still applies
Official Source: ASTRA Via Sicura
🔧Vehicle Equipment(2)
Updated E-Bike Classification and Rules
Effective April 1, 2026
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
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
Official Source: ASTRA E-Bike Regulations
Digital Motorway Vignette Available
Effective August 1, 2026
Physical sticker only
Annual motorway vignette available only as windshield sticker for CHF 40
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
Official Source: ASTRA Autobahnvignette
🛡️Safety Rules(1)
Enhanced Tunnel Safety Regulations
Effective July 1, 2026
Standard tunnel rules
Basic tunnel driving rules: headlights on, no overtaking, maintain distance
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
Official Source: ASTRA Tunnel Safety
Instructor Tips
Re: Motorway Speed Limit Review and Variable Limits
Instructor's Tip
“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.”
Re: Enhanced Tunnel Safety Regulations
Instructor's Tip
“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.”
Re: Updated E-Bike Classification and Rules
Instructor's Tip
“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.”
Re: Via Sicura Program: Updated Excessive Speed Penalties
Instructor's Tip
“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.”
Re: Digital Motorway Vignette Available
Instructor's Tip
“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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Swiss motorway speed limit changing?
What are the new tunnel driving rules in Switzerland?
Do I need a license for my e-bike in Switzerland?
Can I buy the Swiss motorway vignette digitally?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-02-01
Primary Sources:
- Bundesamt für Strassen (ASTRA/FEDRO) — Official regulatory body
- ASTRA Verkehrsmanagement — Motorway Speed Limit Review and Variable Limits
- ASTRA Tunnel Safety — Enhanced Tunnel Safety Regulations
- ASTRA E-Bike Regulations — Updated E-Bike Classification and Rules
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