DRIVING IN SWITZERLAND

While in Switzerland drivers may want to consider leaving behind the car and taking to public transport instead. Switzerland has an impressive network of trains, buses and trams, supplemented in the mountains by numerous cable cars, mountain railways and chairlifts.

Winter driving

As in Austria, care is needed when driving on alpine roads during the winter months. The rule of the road here is to give way to vehicles ascending, and you must also give way to postal vehicles. Beware of some roads which change their direction of traffic flow depending on the time of day. Border crossings and tunnels in the mountains can be congested. It's compulsory to switch off your engine while waiting in stationary traffic.

Vignette

A vignette is needed to use the motorways but unlike Austria only one type is available and this covers a whole year (or to be precise, the 14 months from December 1 to January 31). Vignettes are available at border crossings, service stations and post offices, or in advance from the Switzerland Travel Centre at 10 Wardour Street, London W1D 6QF. The cost of the vignette is CHF 40. If you are towing a trailer or caravan you have to purchase two vignettes.

Traffic rules

Give way to the right except on main roads marked with a yellow diamond. Dipped headlamps are compulsory in tunnels. Road signs may be given in French, German or Italian. Buses pulling out have priority. Blue zones operate where you must display a disc to park. Parking meters are also common. Parking on the pavement is not permitted. The police are authorised to impose on-the-spot fines. If you need to wear spectacles to drive you must carry a spare pair in the car.

Switzerland offers some of the most spectacular driving in Europe, but care is needed on its mountain roads, especially in winter

           

Speed limits	Urban	Open road	Motorway
Car	50 kph	80 - 100 kph	120 kph
Towing	50 kph	80 kph *	80 kph
Traffic regulations
Essential equipment	Warning triangle
Minimum driving age	18 years
Drink-drive limit	50mg alcohol per 100ml blood
Child in front seat	Min 7 years unless using child restraint
Seat Belt	Compulsory in front and rear seats
Motorcyclists	Must wear crash helmet and use headlamp at all times
Emergency telephone numbers
Police	117
Fire	118
Ambulance	144

* 60kph if laden weight exceeds 1000kg

Extracted from Haynes Glovebox guide DRIVING ABROAD by Robert Davies. This authoritive guide provides a wealth of information on all aspects of driving abroad.

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