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You are here: Home Moving to Country Facts Driving in Switzerland

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22/09/2009Driving in Switzerland

Driving in Switzerland How to obtain a licence, import vehicles and follow road rules in Switzerland.

Basics

The geographic diversity of Switzerland requires adapting to various environments ranging from motorways to small mountain roads. The rules concerning driving in the country can be complicated, particularly for foreigners.

The minimum age for driving in Switzerland is 18 for cars and two-wheel vehicles of 50cc or more. The minimum age for driving a smaller engine two-wheel vehicle is 17.

Switzerland allows drivers to use a foreign licence for one year; to drive after one year it must be exchanged for a national driving licence. Anyone who does not apply for a Swiss licence within the first year of residence must pass a Swiss driving test.

In this first year it is prohibited to lease or sell a car to a third party.

Each canton has an Automobile Service that conducts technical inspections and issues vehicle registrations. When moving within a canton, it is necessary to send the driver’s licence and vehicle registration papers to the Automobile Service of that canton for updating. When moving to another canton, it is necessary to request a new licence from the Automobile Service of the new canton within 14 days of relocation. In addition, plates must be registered at the Automobile Service.

Driving through Switzerland: Autoroute

International driving licence

To obtain an international driving licence, it is necessary to provide a residence permit, a copy of the lease or a confirmation from the local authority of residency within the canton, a passport photo and CHF 40. The international driving licence only has a validity of three years.

Importing a car to Switzerland

Vehicles owned for less than six months will be charged an import tax. It is necessary to provide official documentation to confirm the value of the car and its country of origin. The import duties include customs duties, 7.5 percent VAT, CHF 15 for a report required for vehicle registration, and a consumption tax of 4 percent of the vehicle’s value.

Vehicles owned for over six months are not charged an import duty, but require a completed clearance request form for moving purposes. A month after importing the car, the motor registration office informs the owner that the official motor vehicle inspection will take place within a year. Once the test is completed, drivers pay the Swiss road tax, between CHF 100 and 800 depending on the engine size. Insurance and license plates much be purchased as well, and can be expensive depending on the vehicle model, parking place and other details. Comprehensive vehicle insurance can cost about CHF 1200 for an average car.


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