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[Switzerland] What to Know When Driving a Rental Car in Switzerland / Basic Traffic Rules, Speed Limits, Highways, Road Signs, and More

by 디아나제이 2024. 9. 4.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Basic Traffic Rules

Drive on the right: Switzerland follows right-hand driving. Always use your turn signals when changing lanes.

Seatbelt requirement: All passengers in the vehicle must wear seatbelts at all times.

No phone use: The use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free system like Bluetooth.

Child restraints: Children under 12 years old or shorter than 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat or booster seat.

 

 

 

 

2. Speed Limits

Urban areas: 50 km/h (some zones may be limited to 30 km/h).

Outside urban areas: 80 km/h.

Highways: 120 km/h.

 

Speed limit signs are displayed as red circles with numbers inside.

 

 

 

 

3. Highway Use

Vignette (road toll sticker): To use Swiss highways, your vehicle must have a Vignette sticker attached. Rental cars typically already have this sticker, but it’s important to check.

Highway signs: Highways are marked with green signs with white letters. Highway numbers start with ‘A’ (e.g., A1, A2).

Tolls: Most Swiss highways are covered by the Vignette, with no additional tolls required.

 

 

 

 

4. Road Signs

 

Highways (Autobahn): Swiss highway signs are green with white lettering. They typically include a number starting with ‘A’ (e.g., A1).

 

 

 

 

 

National and regional roads: These are marked with blue background signs with white lettering. The difference in color helps distinguish the type of road and route more easily.

 

 

 

 

 

Local direction signs: Local directional signs have a white background with black text and are typically used to indicate nearby destinations within cities.

 

 

 

 

 

Tourist destination signs: Brown background signs with white text are used to indicate nearby tourist destinations.

 

 

 

 

Bicycle lane signs: These have a red background with white text, indicating dedicated bicycle lanes.

 

 

 

 

 

Speed limit signs: Red circles with numbers inside (e.g., 50 km/h). The word “GENERELL” on a sign indicates a general speed limit for urban areas, typically 50 km/h unless otherwise posted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Overtaking: This sign features a red car and a black car. The red car indicates an overtaking vehicle, while the black car represents the vehicle being overtaken. In areas with this sign, overtaking other vehicles is prohibited, often due to restricted visibility or road hazards.

 

 

Yield: A downward-pointing red triangle indicates that drivers must yield. Before entering a road, you must slow down or stop to let other vehicles pass. This sign is commonly seen at intersections and roundabouts.

 

 

 

 

No Entry: This sign shows a red circle with arrows pointing in three directions. It indicates that vehicles are not allowed to enter the specified direction, often found in one-way streets or zones with restricted access at certain times.

 

 

 

Dead End (T-Junction): A blue T-shaped sign with a red bar indicates a dead-end road. Drivers should be aware that the road does not continue, and alternative routes should be taken.

Restricted Entry: A white circular sign indicates restrictions for specific vehicles. Typically, buses and bicycles are allowed, while other vehicles may be restricted. The phrase “dienst gestattet” in German means “service vehicles allowed,” indicating that only specific vehicles may enter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction Zone: A red triangle with an image of a person digging indicates a construction zone. Drivers should reduce speed and be alert for lane changes or road obstacles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ferry: Signs showing a car on water with an arrow indicate the need to take a ferry to cross. It guides drivers to the nearest ferry terminal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parking Signs: Blue background signs with “P” indicate parking areas. For example, “Zentrum / See” shows parking near the city center or lake, while “Allmend Messe” directs to another parking lot.

 

 

 

 

 Highway Exit Sign:

The green sign on the left indicates the end of the highway. It means that the highway section is ending, and you will now be entering a regular road.

 

 Directional Signs:

Zentrum: Indicates the city center.

Littau: Directs you to nearby regions or towns.

Gütsch: Points toward specific destinations, such as parking areas or tourist sites.

Spital: Indicates the direction to a hospital (white background with a blue cross).

 

 Speed Limit Sign:

The “50” sign on the top right shows the general speed limit in urban areas, which is 50 km/h. The word “GENERELL” indicates that this speed limit generally applies throughout the city unless otherwise posted.

 

 

 

 

 

 Speed Limit Sign:

The red circle with “100” inside indicates that the maximum speed limit in this area is 100 km/h, commonly seen on highways or fast-moving roads.

 

 Traffic Signal Warning:

The triangular sign with a traffic light symbol warns that a traffic signal is approaching. Red, yellow, and green lights are displayed, alerting drivers to pay attention to upcoming signals.

 

 

 

 

 

 Two-Way Traffic Warning:

The triangular sign with up and down arrows indicates that you are entering a two-way traffic area. Drivers must be cautious of vehicles coming from the opposite direction and the risk of collisions.

 

 Speed Limit Sign:

The circular sign with the number “80” indicates the maximum speed limit in this area is 80 km/h. Drivers must adhere to this limit for safe driving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Intersections and Roundabouts:

Entering a roundabout: Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. You must slow down or stop to yield before entering the roundabout.

Exit indicator: When exiting a roundabout, you must use your turn signal to indicate the direction you’re leaving.

 

 

 

 

 

6. Parking:

Blue Zone: Areas marked with blue lines allow for 1-hour free parking. You must use a parking disc to indicate your arrival time, and place it on the front windshield.

White Zone: Areas marked with white lines are paid parking zones. You must pay using a parking meter and display the receipt on your dashboard.

Yellow Zone: Areas marked with yellow lines indicate no parking zones. Parking is prohibited in these areas.

 

 

 

[Switzerland] Guidelines for Renting a Car / Parking and Refueling / Parking Zone Color Differences, Parking Disc, Parking Syste

Switzerland Parking Guide Switzerland uses different parking zones indicated by colors, and each zone follows its own parking rules. It’s important to understand these rules based on the color of the zone when parking. Below is a detailed guide to parki

lifetraveler.tistory.com

 

 

 

 

 

7. Fuel and Gas Stations

Using gas stations: Most Swiss gas stations are self-service, where you pump fuel and pay by card afterward. In mountainous regions, gas stations may be less frequent, so it’s best to refuel in advance.

Fuel types: Diesel vehicles use “Diesel,” while gasoline vehicles use “Benzin” or “Super” as labeled at gas stations.

 

 

 

 

8. Winter Driving

In winter, heavy snowfall is common in Switzerland, so winter tires are often necessary. For mountain regions, it’s a good idea to carry snow chains.

On icy roads, reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, and drive cautiously.

 

 

 

 

9. Drunk Driving

In Switzerland, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.05%. Strict penalties apply for driving under the influence, so be cautious.

 

 

 

 

10. Emergency Equipment

Swiss law requires all vehicles to carry a warning triangle, reflective vest, and first aid kit.

In case of an accident or breakdown, use your hazard lights and place the warning triangle behind your car.

 

 

 

 

 

11. Toll Gates and Fees

Most highways are toll-free if you have the Vignette, but certain tunnels, such as the Gotthard Tunnel, may require additional tolls.

 

 

 

 

 

12. Police and Accident Protocols

In the event of an accident, you must immediately report it to the police. Every vehicle should have proof of insurance.

During a police stop, you must present your passport, international driving permit, and vehicle documents (including your rental agreement).

 

 



 

 

 

 

Road signs in Switzerland and Liechtenstein

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_signs_in_Switzerland_and_Liechtenstein#Road_markings

 

Road signs in Switzerland and Liechtenstein - Wikipedia

Parking spaces can be signposted (see 4.17–4.21) and/or marked by white (parking free, unless signposted with 4.20; or 4.18), blue, or red solid strips (sometimes only indicated by partial markings); blue markings indicate Blue Zone parking spaces with m

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

 

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