HOW TO DRIVE IN SWITZERLAND: Must-know rules and tips for driving in Switzerland!

Visiting Switzerland and considering driving or renting a car? Make sure to watch this video first! Well cover everything you need to know so you know how to drive in Switzerland. From the Swiss toll system, to speed limits, to some CRAZY signage, we’ll make sure you’re prepared to drive in Switzerland.
_______________________
Found this video helpful? Consider supporting us at: www.buymeacoffee.com/Travelin...
_______________________
Bienvenue & Willkommen! We are Lex & Louis - and together we are The Traveling Swiss. We're an international couple (USA + Switzerland) who have recently moved from NYC to Switzerland. Come travel with us - we'll give you tips and guides, and hopefully have a few laughs along the way. Our goal is to show you that borders are meant to be crossed!
Keep up with us!
→ Instagram: / thetravelin. .
This channel is a labor of love, if you enjoyed the video please make sure to subscribe!
xx Lex & Louis

[@robertpearson8798]

We just got back from a trip to Switzerland where we didn’t drive but were car passengers a lot. Your car needs to have good brakes and tires and your steering needs to be in great condition, particularly in the mountains. Pedestrians are the kings at crosswalks and you need to pay constant attention. Roundabouts are definitely more efficient than lights and improve traffic flow but they’re less comfortable. In cities you’re thrown to the left, then to the right, then back to the left every minute or two (the degree depends on the driver).

[@harperdaughtry]

Also, for Americans, there is no right turn on red! Red always means stop. My Swiss neighbor was baffled that I would even think it would be ok to turn right in red. 😬

[@xevie37x]

Thank you for this tip!! We are going next month and driving so SUPER helpful to know! - your fellow American

[@harperdaughtry]

👋 from my American family living near Zürich. One thing we had to learn was car seats for children….the law here is 12 years old or 150cm. Both of my kids had to go back into booster seats when we moved. And I did have a friend drive through a random police check here and she was told her 10 year old needed to be in a seat. Just one driving thing with kids we noticed was very different from the law in the US. Thanks for these videos. We send them to family and friends that visit because y’all explain things so well. 🤗

[@giordano521]

Thank you for taking the time to put this video together. Your editing with actual pictures of parking line colors and the vignette saved me a lot of time and were greatly appreciated!

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

glad it was helpful!

[@LChasez93]

We just did our road trip in Sept 2022. We drove from Zurich - Appenzell - St Moritz. The best thing we pass through Julier Pass and had our hot chocolate at a stop next to Julier Tower with stunning red color and enjoy the view up there. It was a wonderful moment. 💕

[@smalltowntraveller]

great coverage

[@darealiyu5712]

Very useful, thanks

[@retirementbudgettravel699]

Awesome video!! Drove twice in Switzerland last year…. But felt like I didn’t really understand all the rules. Your video really filled in some gaps. Appreciate your wonderful videos!! 🇨🇭❤️👍🏼

[@pierrebisset226]

really helpful even for those of us who live in Europe but haven't driven into Switzerland before!

[@frenchriver9878]

Another tip: When you are in a roundabout, signal your exit from it. I believe it's the law in Switzerland. In smaller roundabouts that just take just seconds to navigate, there's not much time, but we noticed that drivers always signal when when they are about to exit, even if their signal blinks just once or twice beforehand. I doubt that you'd get a ticket for not signaling, but it's the courteous thing to do.

[@HansJuergBangerter]

North Americans also make often full stops on Roundabouts beore enganging even when nobody is coming so its a thing which is not NECESSARY AND SLOWS TRAFFIC DOWN USELESSLY since roundabouts are for making traffic fluid.

[@SatriaChannel_08]

The scenery is very beautiful....the green trees along the road are quite lush.... greetings from Indonesia.....

[@kumarv1219]

Important information 👍 planning to go and drive rental car, thanks

[@electriccomics]

I've got to say I'm a real fan of most of the driving conventions in Switzerland. One other thing I would have noted is that 60kmh is also quite common as a transition speed between 80 and 50 in many areas. I'm not a huge fan of how frequently the limit changes when driving from village to village. 50, 60, 80, 60, 50, 80, 60, 80, 50 in five minutes lol!

[@rsb300]

That is indeed annoying and distracting when the limit changes often

[@reynoldgenabe3950]

Thank for coming to travel

[@timmccabe4654]

Just rented a car and drove for 5 days. Worrying about speed limits in un-posted areas made it frustrating. The V shaped dotted lines at some intersections… I just took them to be like stop signs. All the lines on the street must be fun when it snows. Loved all the tunnels. Clean and well maintained. And one was 10 miles long! Do Daytime Running Lights count as headlights on? I think I saw most people defaulting to those. I think most rentals already have a vignette. Mine from EuroCar did. So let me get this straight, people self-report when they arrived in a parking space…? Is that what that thing was for 😂 … and they don’t cheat by setting it ahead..? 😉 Adaptive cruise control with speed sign recognition was helpful, except when it read the exit ramp speed signs on the side of the highway and unnecessarily applied the brakes - hard.

[@nusvivin6905]

You did all good

[@HansJuergBangerter]

Also when certain passes are closed for Winter you can load your car onto a train which goes through the tunnel under knief the same mountainso you safe gas and time so as when going towards Milano through the Simplon tunnel towards Domodossola or for St.Moritz using the Sereina Tunnel which goes nicely underknief the mountains.

[@LAVirgo67]

Planning on driving a rental car in Switzerland for three days next summer while up in the mountains, so this video is very timely. I'm also studying other websites for signage & road markings. Luckily, I live in Northern California where we have lots of mountains & I'm used to driving on those roads (e.g. narrow, icy, wet, etc.). Thanks for all of the valuable information!

[@nusvivin6905]

Im sure you will be fine on our roads. But be aware, our parking spots and parking lots are way smaller

[@kshipon1798]

@@nusvivin6905 Hello can drive regular patrol car or I must have electric car to drive in interlaken, Grindelwald etc.

[@josephkitchen3059]

Thank you 🎉!! So helpful! I’m driving in Switzerland 🇨🇭 next week and this was informative. I’m a NYC driver so not too worried. NYC driving is always an adventure 😂

[@markusf58]

Just be aware that the fines for speeding in our country are insane… and some rounds are narrow, compared to NYC…

[@kshipon1798]

@@markusf58 Hello can drive regular patrol car or I must have electric car to drive in interlaken, Grindelwald etc.

[@markusf58]

@@kshipon1798 Petrol, Diesel, Electric, Hybrid… whichever you choose is ok

[@henryjames3129]

Great video! Love you guys. Thanks to responding to my emails. I wish this video came out a month ago before I went to Switzerland. LOL I can't express how important the Vignette is. That is a must. Also in the USA I would go to AAA and get a International Drivers Permit. Most rental companies will not rent you a car unless you have one. Three years ago Hertz would not rent a car to someone who was in line with me. Avis told me they would however if you get stopped and do not have one, the police will impound your car. Depending on the AAA membership you have, mine was free. I think it is $20 for the standard membership. Well worth it. Thanks again! Can't wait to go back.

[@timmccabe4654]

International licenses are only a translation of your license into English and are not necessary if your license is already printed in German, French, Italian or English.

[@Dogbertandfriends]

Just don't make the mistake of driving the Juan pass from Interlaken to Gruyere to save time unless you love being terrified. The only thing preventing you from missing a turn and driving down a mountain is basically some sticks jammed in the ground with string between them.

[@samclayton270]

Well, the steering wheel and your eyes should help too... 😉

[@simplygregsterev]

Pay attention to driving and you won’t have a problem

[@nusvivin6905]

For me, nothing is more stressfull than driving through the city of zurich.😆 but they are patient and tolerant as soon they see the "GR" on my license plate🤘👍 danka gell..

[@dimitrisantonak8817]

Nice video please help me with something are there tools in Switzerland in tunnels and highways apart from vignette I already read that it has tunnels with added cost like 50€

[@user-dp6kq1uo9s]

Hello. Have enjoyed your videos very much and thank you! Regarding the Blue Zone parking procedures: Is the valid time always one hour or are there exceptions? There is a Wikipedia article about Swiss road signs, but one section details Blue Zone parking. The article implies that at certain hours, the parking time of one hour can be extended. Am I reading this incorrectly? Also, would any exceptions be listed on a sign. Sincerely appreciate your time.

[@SarahJonestoo]

Thank you. May I ask whether the e vignette still requires a sticker on your car or is it purely electronic? Also my car has Driving Lights which are always on. . . would I still need to put my Headlights on or do the Driving Lights count? Thank you very much indeed!

[@bkkdavidg]

Thanks for the helpful tips. I’m thinking of renting a car for two days in Lucerne for multiple day trips to Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Reichenbach, and maybe some areas east of Lucerne. I’m from USA, so I’ll be obtaining an international driver’s permit. I was thinking of renting from Sixt, because it’s near the old town Lucerne and close to my hotel. Any recommendations for 24hr parking or rental car places in Lucerne? Also, where can a purchase the motorway vignette? Do the rental companies offer it?

[@vijaysrini27]

One more thing is, if you spot a pedestrian crossing and somebody is about to cross the road, you need to stop the car and allow the person to cross, unless there is a signal.

[@weav8060]

Speed limits enforce in Switzerland have been strict since my dad was there with our family in the 1970s

[@bootscanlas9995]

I like to stay in AIBNB with walking distance to everything with nice view since I can’t no longer drive due to spine procedure Any suggestions of affordable Airbnb for 3 days thanks ❤

[@HansJuergBangerter]

In Europe its called Priority from the Right- Priorité de Droite, so when you on equal roads the person from your right has right of way, otherwise when you are on a secular road the more important road as priority.

[@BushTerrors]

So if I hire a car in France (Geneva Airport - French side), is that OK? - will they also have registration in the glove box? - I think my car will have standard tyres, but Snow chains as well. Is this OK for early November driving ias high as the Furka Pass?

[@Arthur3009]

Our base will be Interlaken. Does it make sense to go to Grindelwald and Bern by car?

[@kshipon1798]

Hello can drive regular patrol car or I must have electric car to drive in interlaken, Grindelwald etc.

[@ramp1126]

I like your KZbin videos about driving. I am planning to visit this summer in August. We are 4 adults. We love to drive. Please advise us driving’ vs Swiss metro. We are coming from United States. Your feedback greatly appreciated. Thanks 🙏

[@kukurei]

how much is usually the car rental insurance? is it recommended to get?

[@MrFsepulvedar]

This is great information thank you! Can you guys confirm this? - I’m not sure where I heard this, but parking during the night, from 7pm to 7am is allowed and free in the blue lines (without the neighborhood’s sticker)? Cheers!

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Hi, this is often the case - wherever there is a blue line there will also be a sign that tells you the length of time you can park (and if it becomes inactive in the evenings)

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

@@TheTravelingSwiss And the Parking Hauptführer will be waiting by your vehicle at 6.59am with pen poised! 😁

[@rasheedahaniff]

Hi thanks much for this amazing tips .what's the requirements for someone coming from the Caribbean to drive in Switzerland? Also do u drive on the right or left side of the road ?

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

I bought a Sherman tank. I drive on whichever side of the road I like - and nobody argues with me! 🙃😉🤣

[@jimjutte]

Will the border accept credit cards for the toll pass?

[@fiveinitaly]

Nice video. Everytime i drive in Switzerland i get a ticket😂

[@arunkumarmse]

Hi the motor vinneyette is given by the Rental Car

[@parama2all]

Are snow tires needed in month of May ? Mostly driving in Bernese Overland area.

[@markusf58]

As a Swiss I usually change tires in April, never needed winter tires in May so far!

[@romainsavioz5466]

The vignette isn't necessarily cheaper if you are just passing

[@angelagonzalezfarias1991]

My driver license(s) are from Colombia and Mexico (both in spanish) what should I do?

[@ilovesuisse1]

You cannot get your car registered without car insurance in Switzerland, your insurance company needs to email the Roads & Traffic people to verify you have insurance.

[@swamy64]

Alexis and Louis your videos are awesome. I love them. Alexis, very honestly I have never seen someone more beautiful than you❤❤❤

[@ranjithsingh9247]

Hi Guys, we are planning to visit Swiz this summer. We live in UAE where we have 20KM allowance on top of the speed displayed on the board, for an example, if the road speed is 60 we can go up to 80 and the camera's wont flash. Is there any allowance available in Swiz or I should stick to the speed limit advertised?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

5km allowance max

[@minvedal9911]

May I ask how to get a Swiss driver ‘s license with your American license ?

[@krystlehickox5209]

Do you need snow tires in the summer as well?

[@fabianboesch96]

No you don't the rentalcars have Summertires mounted and the passroutes in the mountains are free of snow in Summer.

[@charljustinedarapisa6758]

Sad that Im the 527th viewer of this show. Should have been the first 10 haha

[@christopherdavi5841]

Do I need to carry my passport while driving just in Switzerland. I think that if I plan to drive to a neighboring country it’s best to have it just in case. But I’m just wondering if I’m just driving in Switzerland

[@fabianboesch96]

Yes you should carry your passport if you drive around in Switzerland as a tourist.

[@olive1246]

Do you need the vignette when driving from Switzerland to Germany?

[@markusf58]

Yes. You need it when using Swiss motorways (green signs).

[@nicajazz21]

Hi, do we need to get any special car insurance from Switzerland?

[@drtosin96]

I would say check if you have insurance on your credit card . CC like Amex give you car rental insurance . You can always take the additional insurance when booking online if you want .

[@ilovesuisse1]

There’s no big deal about driving in Switzerland. I’m Swiss and i used to live in Sydney, Australia for quite a while, drove on the other side there, moved back to Switzerland in 2008, no problem with driving here.

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

LOL! Most of the Sydney taxi drivers are from foreign countries as are most tourists. So you would have had lots of practice in dodging folks on the wrong side of the roads. Up here in Cane Toad County all the tourist spots have now been fitted with warning signs on the exits back to the roads - "In Australia we drive on the left!" Apparently too many Furriners were getting killed before we got all the money out of "em! 😱😉

[@pilotdog68]

If I rent a car, should it already have a toll vignette? Or do I need to purchase my own?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

If you rent one in Switzerland it will have the vignette!

[@tusengvang8920]

I’m from North Carolina in the U.S. Am I able to rent a car and drive in Switzerland with a regular drivers license?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Yep! No problem

[@hikgerguy1234]

@@TheTravelingSwiss Keep in mind that many (perhaps ALL) rental companies require an international driver's license to drive in Switzerland, so make sure you have one.

[@kukurei]

Do we need a different driver's license? I'm from California and have my license here and age 38.

[@fabianboesch96]

No the US license is fine to drive in Switzerland as I worked for a carrentalcompany I rented tons of rentalcars to Americans.

[@Socurious548]

Hey guys, thank you for this one. My wife and I are coming to Zürich this winter. We lived in Germany for 4 years and have both been licensed there (in fact will be spending some time there on our trip) and I have a feeling you just saved me with the 120kph. In Germany it was generally 130kph until you hit the solid 3 strikes…and then it was open game. Are there priority road signs (gold diamond) in Switzerland also?

[@markusf58]

No, there are no car pool lanes in our country

[@karinwenzel6361]

Ich glaube, gemeint sind die Vorfahrtschilder (Raute mit gelbem Rand)! So yes, you do get the priority signs in Switzerland.

[@byankaree91]

I'm convinced I'll never drive in Switzerland! Thank you! 😅

[@Motherof6pack]

Great info! Question: Have either of you ever been pulled over by the police? 😬🤪

[@mgabbzc9009]

Not me thinking you meant 100-120 miles per hr. Haha 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@gouthamkolluru836]

Hi there, I am above 18 years old. I am Canadian and I hold full license. Can I rent a car in Switzerland based on my Canadian license?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Yes if your license is in a Swiss national language or English it's no problem so with Canadian licenses you'll be all set

[@gouthamkolluru836]

@@TheTravelingSwiss Thank you!

[@glaubhafieber]

My thai neighbor was worried about driving on phuket island because it has mountains on it. Me as a swiss: lol. Mountain

[@patricklacson]

Will my California driver's license allow me to rent a car in Switzerland?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Yep!

[@patricklacson]

@@TheTravelingSwiss Wonderful. No need for an international driver's permit?

[@sudburynoypi8149]

I DONT THiNk everyone respect the speed limit its a lie cmon we just had 11days visiy in swiss we rent a car and every single driver is a speeder

[@karinwenzel6361]

A lot of speeders? Not really true, even German drivers stick to the speed limits in Switzerland. Anything above +15 km/h will bring a criminal charge (not just an offense), with driving licences being withdrawn for at least one month (+21-25 km/h) or for two years (+40 km/h in cities or +50 km/h outside cities). And speeding fines for criminal charges are/can be income related, the highest reported fine was about 1 million CHF.

[@sudburynoypi8149]

@@karinwenzel6361 its a lie

[@billsmith756]

You missed out the tailgating habit of most swiss, expect them to drive extremely close, especially on the motorway.

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

Part of their green commitment. Like in cycle racing slipstreaming saves energy! 🧐