Driving in Switzerland
Complete guide for tourists and expats. Learn the road rules, speed limits, and essential information before you drive in Switzerland.
Can You Drive in Switzerland?
Accepted Licenses From
Validity Period: EU licenses valid for 12 months; others valid for 12 months
Important Note
After 12 months, must exchange for Swiss license. IDP recommended for non-EU licenses.
What to Carry in Your Car
Mandatory Items
- Valid driving license
- Vehicle registration document
- Valid insurance certificate (green card)
- Highway vignette (Autobahnvignette) if using motorways
- Warning triangle
Recommended Items
- Reflective safety vest
- First aid kit
- Snow chains (winter)
- Winter tires (Nov-March)
Speed Limits
Urban Areas
km/h
Rural Roads
km/h
Highways/Motorways
km/h
Toll Roads
Payment Methods
Average Cost
CHF 40 annual vignette for all motorways
One-time annual fee covers unlimited motorway use. Penalty CHF 200 + vignette purchase if caught without.
Parking
Line Colors
Parking Tips
- Use parking disc (Parkscheibe) in blue zones
- Download parking apps like ParkingPay or Twint
- Park+Ride available at major train stations
- Underground parking common in cities
Average Cost: CHF 2-4 per hour in city centers
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- 1Driving without highway vignette on motorways - heavy fines!
- 2Not using headlights during daytime (required since 2014)
- 3Speeding - Switzerland has very strict enforcement and steep fines
- 4Ignoring postal bus horn signals on mountain roads
- 5Not yielding to uphill traffic on narrow mountain roads
- 6Driving without winter equipment in winter conditions
Traffic Fines
Speeding
CHF 40-260+ (minor) or criminal penalty (major excess)
No Seatbelt
CHF 60
Phone Use
CHF 100
Red Light
CHF 250+
Illegal Parking
CHF 40-100
Ready to Drive in Switzerland?
Take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of the road rules.
Emergency Contacts
Police
117
Ambulance
144
Fire
118
Roadside Assistance
TCS: 140 / ACS: 0800 140 140
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Want to Master Switzerland Driving Rules?
Practice with our driving test questions and learn all the rules before you drive.
