Switzerland Driving Tips

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• Car Hire Depots
• Driving Distances
• Driving Licence
• Driving Age
• Rules and Regulations
• Equipment
• Child Safety Seats
• Speed Limits
• Drink Driving
• Tolls
• Road Signs
• Parking
• Visa Information
• Winter Driving

Depot information

We search & compare rates with leading suppliers on a wide range of vehicles in Switzerland. Our Suppliers are located throughout major cities of Switzerland. Click here for more information.

Driving Distances in Switzerland

• Basel to Bern - 100 kms (1 hr / 10 min)
• Basel to Zurich - 85 kms (1 hr)
• Lucerne to Zurich - 60 kms (1 hr)

Licence Requirements

A full valid driver's licence is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International Drivers Licence is recommended for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check terms & conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules, Laws and Regulations

General driving rules, laws and regulations in Switzerland;

• Vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road.
• Pass car on the left hand side of the road.
• Dipped headlights are to be used when driving through tunnels.
• Seat belts are to be used by all passengers and driver.
• Use of the horn is not permitted during the night.
• Radar detectors are strictly banned.
• Driving while using a mobile is prohibited, with the exception of a hands free system.
• Hazards lights can only be used to warn of danger.
• Must carry with you at least one spare glasses or contact lenses for drivers who use corrective eye-wear.
• Snow chains are obligatory during winter periods.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

Equipment

The following equipment are required to be carried in the vehicle and which are to be used in the event of an incident, accident or breakdown:

• Warning Triangle: to be used at the event of an accident or breakdown to warn following traffic.

Child Safety Seats

It is a requirement that children under the age of 7 years old must be seated in an appropriate child seat. Any passenger under the age of 12 years old can only be seated in the back seats of the vehicle.

Speed Limits

Speed limits in Switzerland are expressed in kilometers per hour (km/h). It is highly recommended to keep to the speed limit advised as traffic infringements can be imposed for driving over 5km/h over the speed limit. Below are the speed limits in Switzerland to use as a guide only, unless posted otherwise:

• Residential Areas: 30km/h
• Urban Areas (built up areas): 50km/h
• Rural Roads (outside towns): 80km/h
• Dual Carriageways: 100km/h
• Motorways: 120km/h

Drink Driving

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) in Switzerland is 0.05mg/100ml. Motorists can be stopped at any time to undertake random breath tests.

Tolls

All vehicles using a motorway in Switzerland must display a vignette sticker on the front windscreen. Most rental vehicles from Switzerland have these attached, otherwise a sticker will need to be purchased. Stickers can be obtained from petrol stations, post offices and border gates. Fines apply if a sticker is incorrectly or not displayed.

Road Signs

Road Signs in Switzerland adopts the standardization of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals which many European countries now utilize, but with slight variance. Signs in Switzerland are commonly found in the countries local language however English is also used on city roads and state highways. The signs are very easy to understand as the vast majority of them are posted with symbols.

• Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background or yellow and a symbol in the middle.
• Prohibitory Signs are signs where motorists must follow the actions they are permitted or forbidden to do. These signs are mainly a circle shape but can vary such as a octagon or a square. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border.
• Information Signs are indicated with a blue or green background and white text providing motorists with information such as directions.

Parking

Strict parking regulations are enforced in Switzerland, drivers no obeying parking laws will be fined and risk having their vehicles towed or clamped. The majority of street parking in Switzerland is broken up into zones. The Blue Zones allows drivers to park for up to 90 minutes but must display a blue parking disc with the time of arrival. Discs can be obtained from banks, tourist offices, police stations and petrol stations. Red Zone parking is free up to 15 hours but must display a red parking disc with the time of arrival, again can be obtained from banks, tourist offices, police stations and petrol stations. White Zones Pay and Display are paid parking with time limitations, vehicles must display a parking ticket which can be purchased from nearby machines. In other White Zones parking is free for unlimited time. You then have parking meters where parking is timed and may be payable, check signage for instructions and restrictions. Yellow Zones parking is restricted in this area.

Visa Information

Visa, passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Switzerland:

• For the purpose of tourism, Australians do not require a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. Contact the Consulate or Embassy of Switzerland in your local state for additional information regarding visas.
• A valid passport is required with at least 3 months validity.

Winter Driving

Legal requirements apply when driving in winter in Switzerland. All cars in Switzerland must be equipped with winter tyres from November through to early April. Inclusions vary depending on supplier but most include winter tyres. Click here for more information.

All information provided is to be used as a guide only. Distances and time may very according to the route taken. The information shown on this page may have changed since the date of publication. Please refer to the countries local tourist office for up-to-date advice. Last updated: November 2021