A. Introduction
A trip across the border to Switzerland is always worthwhile, especially as a vacation destination. But even apart from that, the neutral Alpine country has an enormous amount to offer. In June 2021, I traveled to the cantons of Valais and Lucerne, where I was able to get an immediate overview of various peculiarities in road traffic in Switzerland. These are presented below and examined for their differences to Germany and their possible benefits.
B. Toll sticker
A toll sticker (Vignette) is required to use the Swiss motorways and national roads ("Autostrassen"). Switzerland was the first country in Europe to introduce a toll for passenger cars. It was later adopted in a similar form for passenger cars in Austria, for example. The vignette requirement has been in place since 1985. The fee for this is 40 Swiss francs (CHF) and is only valid for the current year and for the month before and after. For example, the 2021 vignette is valid from December 1, 2020 to January 31, 2022. 1] Unlike in Austria, for example, it is not possible to purchase the vignette for shorter periods. The penalty for not having a vignette is a fine of 200 CHF. For vehicles without a windshield – for example, trailers or motorcycles – the vignette must be affixed in a location that is not replaceable and easily accessible. The vignette can be conveniently purchased at the last German gas station before the border. 40 CHF is currently the equivalent of about 38.50 euros, the price at German gas stations in the border area was 41 EUR. In addition to the normal vignette, additional fees may apply for certain road tunnels. For example, the return trip through the St. Bernhard Tunnel for cars with or without trailers costs just under 45 euros.[2] In 2022, the e-vignette will be introduced in Switzerland, [3] eliminating the need to affix and scrape off the vignette on the windshield.
C. Signage
Swiss highway signs are different than in Germany in green, which is used by various EU countries, such as Italy. Signs on expressways, so-called "Autostrassen", are also green. The signs for exits on the highway, however, are blue. The reason for the green signs on the motorways is that Switzerland started building its motorways relatively late. When the first motorways were built in the 1960s and 1970s, the blue color had already been assigned to main roads. So a new color had to be chosen, and green was selected.[4] Other road signs in Switzerland are blue, like the German federal highways (BAB), which can be a bit confusing at first. The signage in urban areas is also blue, as are the place-name signs (yellow in Germany).
D. License plates
I. Country code
The country code "CH" is derived from the Latin and stands for "Confoederatio Helvetica".[5]
II. Regional license plates
The Swiss regional license plate "Kontrollschilder" shows white signs on a black background. At the beginning there are two letters, the code for the 26 cantons. These are followed by one to six digits, with only six-digit numbers having a thousands separator in the form of a narrow space. The rear license plate starts with the Swiss coat of arms and after the sequence of numbers the coat of arms of the canton can be seen. In contrast to most other European countries, Swiss license plates are not assigned to a specific vehicle, but to its owner. This can also be used by the owner as a transferable license plate for a maximum of two vehicles. The front license plate is slightly smaller, which may not be quite obvious, and imported cars therefore require new mounts from Switzerland. All Swiss license plates can be ordered in either portrait or landscape format when embossed (applies only to the rear license plate). There is no additional labeling of e-cars with the letter "E" at the end of the license plate, as in Germany. The Swiss license plate does not show a date for the expiration of the main inspection. Nevertheless, it also exists in the Swiss Confederation, where it is called "Motorfahrzeugkontrolle": The following inspection intervals apply to cars and motorcycles: the first inspection is due five years after the first registration, then every three years, and after that the vehicle must be inspected every two years.
III. Mopeds and electric scooters
Switzerland also has an insurance plate for mopeds, which is yellow with black lettering. The license plate is valid if a control stamp (vignette) with the corresponding year is affixed to it. The license plate does not have to be changed annually, as it is in Germany, which is a relief. Like car license plates, it begins with two letters of the canton, followed by up to six digits. The size is reminiscent of insurance plates in Germany. The control mark is valid from January 1 of the year whose number it bears and remains valid until May 31 of the following year [8] (unlike in Germany, where it is only valid until the end of February of the following year).
IV. E-scooters
E-scooters are also allowed in Switzerland. Unlike in Germany, there is no compulsory insurance for light motorcycles, i.e. electric scooters and e-bikes with a maximum speed of 20 or 25 km/h, as there is in Germany under the German Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance.
V. Bicycles
An absolutely unique feature in Switzerland was the requirement for bicycles to have a vignette.[10] A fine of 40 CHF was imposed for violations. However, it was abolished in 2012, which is surprising given the increasing density of bicycle traffic. The sticker for the bicycle had to be renewed every year. The abolition was justified by the fact that the compulsory insurance brought with it a high administrative burden and was hardly checked anyway.
E. Speed limit and sanctions
I. Permissible maximum speeds in Switzerland
The permissible maximum speeds are lower in Switzerland than in Germany: 120 km/h generally applies on Swiss motorways, 100 km/h on expressways, 80 km/h on main and secondary roads outside of towns and 50 km/h within towns. However, lower speeds may also be signaled. For example, on motorways, a speed limit of 80 or 60 km/h may be signaled for a limited time or on certain sections (e.g. in tunnels or construction sites). In contrast to Germany and Austria, road signs in Switzerland do not have a speed-limiting character. The beginning of the local speed limit is signaled in Switzerland with the sign "Generally 50", usually directly under the place-name sign. You will often find 30 km/h (18.6 mph) speed limits in Switzerland.
II. Fines and penalties
The density of speed cameras in Switzerland is comparatively high, although I only noticed stationary speed measurement devices during the entire stay. The fines and penalties in Switzerland are notoriously high. 11] Even if you exceed the speed limit by just 1-5 km/h, you will be fined 40 CHF in urban and non-urban areas. In Germany, no measurement would be triggered at such low speeds. Anyone driving 6-10 km/h too fast has to pay 120 CHF in urban areas and 100 CHF in rural areas. On the highway, the fine is only CHF 60. If you exceed the speed limit by more than 16-20 km/h in a built-up area, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and fined. On the highway, this applies to speeds over 25 km/h. If you exceed 31-34 km/h on the highway, you will be disqualified from driving for at least a month. There is no driving ban as in Germany, but it is the equivalent of a temporary disqualification from driving. For speeding by 35 km/h, the law provides for a minimum of 3 months' withdrawal of the driver's license. Speeding by 25 km/h or more in urban areas, 30 km/h in non-urban areas and 35 km/h on the highway constitutes a so-called "gross violations of traffic rules" and are no longer punishable only by fines, but at least by fines, and are entered in the criminal record and remain visible in the criminal record for a certain period of time. In contrast to a fixed monetary fine, the amount of a suspended sentence is variable, as it is in Germany. It is calculated by multiplying the number of days by the respective amount of the daily rate. The court sets the fine according to the degree of fault and the personal and economic circumstances of the offender. [12] In Switzerland, there is no holder liability, which makes it necessary to determine the driver. [13]
During a check, a "safety margin" (tolerance) is subtracted from the measured speed. The exact figures can be found in Art. 8 of the Ordinance of the Federal Roads Office on the Road Traffic Control Ordinance. 14] In the event of a report being filed, the public prosecutor's office issues a penalty order providing for a fine or a monetary penalty. A person who was caught driving in a built-up area in the canton of Thurgau, Switzerland, at more than 16 km/h was fined CHF 400. An "objection" can be lodged against this. He was informed by separate letter from the road traffic office that he would now be given a warning under Article 16a of the Road Traffic Act ("SVG"). It is a "minor offense." In this case, the "offending person [...] is given a warning if the license has not been withdrawn in the previous two years and no other administrative action has been taken." However, if a similar offense occurs in the next two years from the date of a corresponding order, the road traffic office will withdraw or revoke the driving license. The costs of the order amounted to a further CHF 200.[15] To get an impression of the enormous severity of the laws in Switzerland, one may recall media reports according to which a German was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment under Swiss criminal law for exceeding the speed limit twice. Of this, 18 months were suspended on probation. According to the Swiss judgment, the rest of the sentence was to be suspended for violation.[16] He was traveling at up to 200 km/h, and thus 80 km/h too fast for Swiss motorways. He was also noticed in the Gotthard Tunnel – driving at 135 km/h instead of the permitted 80 km/h.
F. Recent legislative changes
Since January 1, 2021, numerous interesting legal changes have come into force. 17] The zipper principle has only been mandatory in Switzerland since the beginning of the year. This is indicated by road signs with the inscription "zipper with tolerance" in front of a narrowing of the lane, e.g. in front of construction sites. In heavy to stop-and-go traffic, the lane that ends at the end of the road must be used all the way to the front instead of joining the continuing lane at the back or joining in earlier. This is to help traffic flow better. Furthermore, it is only mandatory in Switzerland to form an emergency lane on the highway at the beginning of the year. The Swiss Federal Council has lifted the ban on selling and serving alcohol at motorway service stations in the national motorway ordinance. Cyclists and mopeds (motorized bicycles) are now allowed to turn right at red traffic lights, provided that this is indicated by a sign with a yellow bicycle and an arrow. In doing so, they must pay attention to pedestrians and traffic crossing the road, as these have right of way. If nothing is indicated at a traffic light, red also applies to cyclists and mopeds.
G. Driver's license
The hurdles for successfully obtaining a Swiss driver's license are significantly higher than in Germany. In addition to the theoretical and practical tests and an "emergency aid course", there is also a mandatory awareness course in Switzerland.[18] This lasts eight hours and aims to teach future drivers responsible safety behavior and environmental responsibility. Switzerland also has a probationary period. It lasts for three years, not two. Any serious misconduct during this time can lead to the withdrawal of the driver's license for novice drivers. A full license is issued after this probationary period only after an additional two-day theoretical training course. [19] The minimum age of 17 years for obtaining a learning license for motor vehicles came into force on January 1, 2021.
It is well known that the cost of living in Switzerland is very high. Obtaining a driver's license is also expensive. As a rule, costs of 3,800 francs must be expected, which probably makes it the most expensive driver's license in the world. Of course, it must be taken into account that wages are also correspondingly higher than in Germany. On average, a salesman in Switzerland earns 5,283 CHF per month.
H. Alcohol and drugs
In Switzerland, the regulations regarding alcohol consumption are stricter than in Germany. The law recognizes three levels of drunk driving: anyone caught driving a vehicle with 0.25 to 0.39 mg/l or 0.50 to 0.79 per mille will receive a warning and a fine.<21> At 0.25 to 0.39 mg/l or 0.50 to 0.79 per mille and simultaneous violation of the Road Traffic Act, the driver's license is withdrawn for at least one month. In addition, a fine or a prison sentence of up to three years will be imposed. The amount of the fine depends on the financial circumstances of the convicted person, see above. Anyone who is "drunk at the wheel" of a motor vehicle or a pleasure craft and has a blood alcohol level of 0.04 or 0.08 or more will have their driver's license suspended for at least three months. In addition, they will be fined or imprisoned for up to three years. Furthermore, the violation is entered in the criminal record and is visible in the criminal record excerpt for a certain period of time.
The Swiss government has a zero tolerance policy on drug use and driving.[22] A positive drug test is considered to be equivalent to being unfit to drive and is considered a "serious offense" against the Road Traffic Act. It results in the immediate revocation of the driver's license for at least 3 months. In addition, a heavy fine and possibly even a conditional or unconditional prison sentence can be expected. Exceptions to this are recognized in the case of medical prescriptions for narcotics.
I. Failure to obey a red light
The fine ("Ordnungsbuß") for failing to observe a red light (Art. 27 para. 1 SVG) is CHF 250, but only if there was no danger involved.[23] If there are aggravating circumstances, the fine can be doubled. Incidentally, there is no distinction made based on how long the light has been red after the switchover, as is the case in Germany. However, if the traffic light has already been red for several seconds, it is likely that the authorities will decide to initiate criminal proceedings. The fine will again be imposed by penalty order.
J. Using a cell phone while driving
Anyone who uses a cell phone while driving without a hands-free device is subject to a fine of CHF 100. This is based on Art. 3 para. 1 of the Traffic Regulations Ordinance (VRV) and Annex 1 no. 311 of the Fixed Penalties Ordinance (OBV). Drivers are obliged to "ensure that their attention is not impaired, in particular by audio playback devices or communication and information systems. Even making a phone call while driving with a hands-free system can lead to a conviction for violating traffic regulations (Art. 90 of the Swiss Road Traffic Act (SVG)), if the driver is no longer able to exercise due care and no longer has control over the vehicle as a result.[24] Texting while driving is a gross violation of traffic regulations, which, according to Art. 90, para. 2 SVG, is punishable by up to three years imprisonment or a fine.
K. Car-free zones
Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn is probably the most well-known car-free town in Switzerland. Private transport is only allowed to drive as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The road from Täsch to Zermatt is closed to public traffic, from there you can only get to Zermatt by train with a chargeable shuttle train. Only e-buses and electric taxis are allowed in Zermatt. The first electric vehicle drove through Zermatt as early as 1947.[25]
L. Car trains
There is one particular attraction in Switzerland that should not be missed: car trains transport cars, buses and motorcycles over rough mountain passes. At the loading station at Kandersteg in the canton of Bern, you can reach Goppenstein in the canton of Valais within 15 minutes. The price is €30 and is not included in the motorway toll sticker.
On the car train, the cars are parked bumper to bumper with the handbrake on and first gear engaged. When driving onto the wagons, staff instruct the vehicles.
I was able to experience another car train at the Furka Pass. The car loading station provides the only direct connection between Realp and Oberwald when the pass is closed in winter. It connects the Urseren Valley in the canton of Uri with the district of Goms in the canton of Valais. The car transport is adventurous but comfortable, the journey through the 15.4 km long Furka Base Tunnel takes 15 minutes. In summer, the car train saves time compared to the 45-minute drive over the Furka Pass. During the summer months, it costs CHF 27.
M. Regional tickets with fixed prices
Tickets that allow unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats and numerous mountain railways within the route network are particularly attractive for tourists in Switzerland. For example, the "Tell Pass" allows you to travel to the Titlis ski resort in central Switzerland and take cable cars up Mount Pilatus, as well as taking a boat trip on Lake Lucerne from Lucerne to Küssnacht. It costs only 220 CHF for two adults for three days.
N. Swiss Museum of Transport
The Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne is a versatile transport and communications museum and the most visited museum in Switzerland. It displays a large collection of locomotives, cars, ships and aircraft, as well as an exhibition on road safety. A decommissioned original electric locomotive "Crocodile", the highlight of Swiss machine aesthetics, can also be seen there. However, the price is steep: 64 CHF for 2 adults, not including the surcharge for visiting the planetarium.
O. Fuel prices and costs for train rides
Petrol prices in Switzerland are comparable to those in Germany. However, diesel costs about 20 cents more than in Germany, making the fuel price one of the highest in Europe. This is because diesel is taxed at around 88 cents per liter of fuel.[26] Train fares in Switzerland are also relatively high. For example, the second-class fare from Zurich to Basel is €52. In Germany, you would pay around €30 for a comparable route of about 110 km.
P. Popular vehicle brands
In Switzerland, you see similar vehicle models on the road as in Germany. By contrast, you see more vehicles from the "Subaru" brand than in Germany, which appear quite high up in the Swiss registration statistics. Vehicles from the Japanese manufacturer Isuzu are also popular, especially in the pick-up category.
Q. Noise protection measures
Motorcyclists should be aware that Geneva has noise cameras: if you are too loud, you will be caught on camera. A noise camera works in a similar way to a speed camera, except that it is not used to catch people who are driving too fast, but those who are too loud. If the vehicle exceeds a certain noise limit, the device will display this. In the first test phase in the canton of Geneva, drivers who are too loud will only be notified that they have exceeded the limit by a text message ("Quiet!"). No fines will be issued during the pilot project.
R. Peculiarities of road traffic
I was not able to explain an "Oelwehr" (oil emergency) warning sign in a built-up area straight away. It indicates road closures due to oil spill clean-up operations, for example in the event of oil traces. The largest automobile club in Switzerland is the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS). The horizontal stripes on zebra crossings or "pedestrian crossings", as they are called in Switzerland, are yellow, not white. This is stated in Art. 77 SSV (Signaling Ordinance). It is assumed that the color is more striking than white and therefore particularly emphasizes the right of way of pedestrians. 28] At the numerous construction sites in Switzerland, you will encounter construction site traffic lights that do not switch from red to green, but from red to yellow flashing light, which is initially a bit confusing. Also, construction site traffic lights are equipped with a countdown display in seconds. The police emergency number in Switzerland is not "110", but "117".
p. Further peculiarities
Roundabouts are also very popular in Switzerland. The largest roundabout in Switzerland is located near Hinwil, in the Zurich Oberland. It has a diameter of about 1.5 kilometers. It connects the A52 with the A53. In the middle of the roundabout is a traffic practice area set up. [29] In Switzerland, all motorized vehicles except motorcycles or motor vehicles are required to have lights on during the day as well. [30]
T. Conclusion
- Comparing the legislation in Switzerland and Germany, Switzerland has considerably more moderate traffic laws, which can be seen from the lack of a general speed limit in Germany, comparatively lower sanctions, and higher alcohol limits. Furthermore, the hurdles for obtaining a driver's license in Switzerland are higher than in Germany. Only for e-scooters does Switzerland not require insurance, making it appear more moderate.
- The strict regulations in Switzerland are obviously very effective and significantly improve road safety. From the statistics on traffic deaths on highways, it can be seen that only four countries in Europe are safer than Switzerland. Statistically, Switzerland is doing significantly better than Germany. The Alpine country has comparatively lower numbers of traffic deaths in road traffic.
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The statements represent initial information that was current for the law applicable in Germany at the time of initial publication. The legal situation may have changed since then. Furthermore, the information provided cannot replace individual advice on a specific matter. Please contact us for this purpose.