Driving Advice Switzerland
Going to Switzerland this summer? Here are som good advices for driving in Switzerland, that will keep you prepared and safe on your journey. General driving advice and special equipment for driving legaly in Switzerland. Use this as a checklist before you go to avoid any problems.
General driving advice Switzerland:
– A valid full driving licence. The original vehicle registration document and Your passport
– Make sure you have European breakdown cover.
– 112 is the emergency number across Europe.
– Don’t use a hand held mobile while driving.
– If you wear glasses, take a spare pair.
– It is recommended that you have a reflective jacket in the car – they are compulsory in many European countries.
– Speed camera / radar detection systems are illegal in most European countries. Come countries have also banned the use of sat navs which detect fixed speed cameras so ensure this is deactivated.
– Plan your journey
– There is only one safe rule when it comes to drinking and driving; if you drink, don’t drive.
Check your Car before taking of to Switzerland:
Service your car before you go to avoid expensive and frustrating breakdowns while away. Check the tread for wear – the legal limit in the summer for car tyres across Europe is 1.6mm but we recommend a minimum of 3mm as tyres wear quickly after 3mm. Check the tyre pressure – remember to check them when cold. Check tyres for any damage and replace them if you need to. Think about taking a puncture repair kit to get you on the road again without having to change a tyre, until you are able to get to a garage for a replacement.
Driving Advice Switzerland
– Warning Triangle
– Motorway tax sticker or ‘vignette’ (see more details below)
– When approaching a roundabout give way to traffic from the right on roundabouts and at crossroads. On most occasions, pedestrians have right of way and you should stop accordingly.
– GPS devices are allowed but the ‘fixed speed camera PoI (Points of Interest)’ function needs to be deactivated. Carrying or using radar detectors is not allowed, severe penalties apply.
– The use of horns can be made before sharp bends (or where visibility is limited.) If it’s dark, flash your lights instead, especially in urban areas.
– Hitchhiking is prohibited on motorways so please keep this in mind when driving through.
– If you will be using Swiss motorways, you will need to get a tax sticker or ‘vignette’ to be displayed in the back of the car. You can get these from the Swiss centre in the UK and are readily available in Switzerland from garages, post offices etc.
– Speed limits for private vehicles without trailers (may vary, always look out for signs):
In built-up areas 31 mph (50 km/h)Outside built-up areas 49 mph (80 km/h)Motorways 74 mph (120 km/h).
If towing a caravan or trailer the speed limit is lowered by 6mph (10 km/h) from the above. Cars towing must also not exceed 49 mph (80 km/h) on motorways.
– Seat belts: Seat belts are compulsory for front/rear seat occupants (if fitted) Children up to 12 years old (measuring less than 4ft11in) must be seated using a child restraint system adapted to their size and weight.
