|
|
Switzerland
Switzerland has a lot to offer
the motorist; quiet, well-maintained roads and a decent autoroute network,
coupled with dramatic scenery. There are 4 official languages in
Switzerland, so be prepared for the signage to switch from one language to
the other as you drive around the country.
Autoroutes, Autobahns (Motorways, Freeways)
Swiss autoroutes are all tolled. However, unlike France where you pay on
demand for the length of your journey, in Switzerland it is necessary to
purchase an annual 'vignette'. This sticker, which must be fixed to the
inside of your windscreen, entitles you to drive on the autoroutes for 1
year (Jan-Dec). At the time of writing it cost SF40. Failure to display the
vignette when driving on an autoroute will land you a SF100 fine as well as
the cost of the vignette. You can buy them in advance of your journey from
Swiss tourist offices, as you enter the country at border posts and inside
Switzerland from post offices and some garages. However, this law is not
made very clear to the visitor and border guards (especially in remote
areas) will not remind you of the requirement. Obviously, if you are
entering the country by autoroute, it is more likely that you will be
stopped at the border and sold a vignette.
Although it is possible to get around Switzerland without using autoroutes,
it will certainly speed up journey times and you don't want to miss the
fantastic autoroute drive from Montreux to Lausanne - breath-taking scenery
with the Jura on one side and Lake Geneva on the other.
Swiss autoroute signs are green.
Petrol (Gasoline)
Petrol in Switzerland is cheap, certainly cheaper than in France, but much
more expensive than in the USA. It is more expensive on the autoroute than
in supermarkets, but not prohibitively so. You will find unleaded, diesel
and LPG. No leaded fuel is sold. You will often find automatic pumps where
you pay in advance using cash (notes only). Because of the variety of
languages you will find that unleaded petrol is called bleifrei (German),
essence sans plomb (French), or benzina sensa piomba (Italian), diesel is
called diesel, diesel, or gasolio and LPG is called autogas, Gaz de pétrole
liquéfié (GPL), or gas liquido (GPL).
Crime advice
Switzerland is a safe country by European standards and car crime is rare.
Take usual precautions when driving an obviously foreign car.
Law enforcement
Traffic laws are strictly enforced and Swiss police can impose on-the-spot
fines. Radar cameras are common, particularly in areas where the speed limit
is lower than the road type would suggest.
Speed Limits - see our
speed converter
Motorway - 120kph
Open Road - 80 kph
Town - 50 kph
Minimum age for car drivers
18 (even if you legally hold a license at a younger age in your country it
is still illegal to drive in Switzerland if not 18)
Documentation
At all times you must be able to prove that you are a) licensed to drive the
category of vehicle you are in b) either the owner of the vehicle or that
you have a owner's permission to drive c) insured. Licenses must be
photocard licenses. If you do not have one you must also carry your
passport.
Country of origin stickers
Country of origin stickers (e.g. GB stickers) must be used in Switzerland,
unless your license plate has the sticker pre-applied.
Headlights
Right-hand drive cars must be adapted using headlight deflectors before you
can drive in Switzerland, even during daylight hours. Spare bulbs must be
carried. Headlights must be used in tunnels. Motorcycles must use headlights
night and day. Dipped headlights are compulsory day and night.
Warning triangle
Warning triangles are compulsory. Note that if you intend to drive on into
Spain or Italy you will need two.
Fluorescent vests
Fluorescent vests are not required in Switzerland, but they are required in
Italy, so if you are travelling into this country a vest must be carried and
worn in the event of a breakdown.
Alcohol
The blood alcohol limit is higher than many European countries at 0.4
milligrams of alcohol per litre of blood (much higher than France at 0.25
mg/l), but even so the simple advise is don't drink and drive. See our
guide to
maximum blood alcohol limits.
Seat belts
Seat belts must be worn front and rear.
Children
Children under 7 cannot travel in the front seats unless they use a proper
child seat. In the rear, children between 7 and 12 must be in a child seat
or a booster seat if required.
Parking
Pay and display is common. Do not park on the pavement. In some areas a blue
parking disc must be displayed which you can buy from garages and some
shops.
General notes
Spectacle wearers are required to carry a spare pair.
On mountain roads vehicles travelling uphill have the right of way.
Snow chains are required in some areas during winter.
Alenda Car Rental has taken care to
ensure that the information in this website was correct at the time of
publication. However, we can take no responsibility for any harm, or
misfortune, caused by following the advice on this website. You should
always consult the authorities in the country in which you are travelling
for up-to-date advice. |
Suppliers include:
Agg, Alamo, AA, Auto Europa, AutoUnion,
Avis, Budget, Crown, Drive A Matic, Easy Car, Europa, EuroPark, Europcar,
Fox Autorent, Haro, Helle Hollis, Berent, Rentauto, National, Sixt, Niza
Cars, Star Rent a Car, Stoutes, Thrifty.
|
