1 – Foreign driving licence

Your foreign driving licence is valid for 12 months from the date of your arrival in Switzerland. You must exchange it to continue driving legally before the end of the 12-month period.

2 – Do I have to sit an exam again? 

• EU/EFTA licences can usually be exchanged without a test.
• For other countries, a practical test (driving only) may be required. Start early to avoid delays, some cantons have waiting lists. The test must be passed within 12 months, or you will lose your right to drive.

3 – Compliance with the Swiss Highway Code

Switzerland strictly enforces the highway code. Even minor offences (parking, speeding, failure to observe the right of way) can result in heavy fines or loss of driving licence.

4 – Specific features of Swiss signage

Swiss road signs may differ from those in your home country.

• Priority signs include yellow crosses, diamonds, and inverted triangles.
• Motorways are marked in blue, not green.

5 – Priority on the right

The right of way rule is widely applied, even in the absence of signs.

6 – Winter tyres and equipment

Winter tyres are not mandatory but strongly recommended. Without them, you may be held partially liable in an accident and not be covered by your insurance.

7- Daytime lights compulsory

Headlights must always be on, even during the day.

8 – Compulsory motorway tax sticker

A CHF 40 annual vignette (sticker or digital) is required to drive on Swiss motorways.

9 – Driving a foreign vehicle in Switzerland

A foreign car must be declared at customs and registered in Switzerland within 12 months. Swiss insurance and roadworthiness tests are compulsory.

10 – Zero tolerance for alcohol (or almost)

Maximum rate: 0.5 ‰
For new drivers (probationary licence), professional drivers and bus drivers: 0.1 ‰

11 – Priority to public transport

Pedestrians have priority at crossings. Trams and buses often have priority, even at roundabouts and intersections.

12 – Standard speed limits

There are many speed cameras, often discreet and automatic.

13 – Driving behaviour

Disciplined and predictable, priority and safe distances are respected.

14 – Parking

Check the rules of your canton and commune. However, the following basic information below
applies :

• Blue bays = free limited-time parking
• White bays= paid limited-time parking
• Yellow bays = private parking (do not use)