The basics
The geographic diversity of Switzerland requires drivers to adapt to 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.
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, 7.6 percent VAT, CHF 15 for a report required for vehicle registration, and a consumption tax of four 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 a canton-specific road tax, between CHF 100 and 2000 depending on the engine size. Insurance and license plates must 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.
Motorway usage
Special licences must be purchased to use the motorways in Switzerland, even for short distances. The motorway tax sticker or ‘vignette’ costs CHF 40 and is available at customs offices, post offices and garages. Failure to show a vignette is punished with a fine of CHF 140.
Car hire
A range of car rental companies is available, with major chains located in all main towns and cities. In order to rent a car, the driver must be over 20 years old and have had a driving licence for at least one year. However, each company’s rules differ and it is best to check individual regulations.
Driving from Schwyz to Oberiberg through first snow winter
Winter driving
Since Swiss roads are often covered in snow during the winter months, it is advisable to change to winter tires and install snow chains if possible. While not compulsory, Swiss police can stop drivers if they think it is unsafe to drive without special snow equipment.
General road rules
- As in the EU, it is illegal to use a mobile phone, except for a hands-free unit, while driving.
- The alcohol limit while driving is 0.05 percent; which is lower than other European countries.
- Drivers who break down or have an accident must place the triangular warning sign behind their car.
- On roundabouts, vehicles inside the circle have the right of way.
- When two vehicles meet on a narrow mountain road, the ascending vehicle has the right of way.
Speed limits
Motorways: 120 km/h (75 mph)
Country roads: 80 km/h (50 mph)
In cities: 50 or 60 km/h (31 or 37 mph)
Residential areas: 30 km/h (18 mph)
The highway code manual can be purchased for around CHF 20 at customs offices and each canton’s automobile service. The books are available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Expatica / Chris Morillon / Markus Häfeli
Markus Häfeli is the founder of autociel.ch, serving expatriates in the Swiss-Romande and the rest of Switzerland for all their car matters.
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Here is Expatica's guide to obtaining a driving licence, importing vehicles and following road rules in Switzerland.
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