Switzerland

Motorway “Vignette

Motorway “Vignette”: The use of the motorways (freeways and highways) with motorized vehicles is only permissible when paid for in Switzerland with the Vignette. On the Grand Tour motorways are only used when preferable in terms of traffic and route. Switzerland has a very extensive rail network, and is considered by many as the best way to travel.

For a link to advice from the AA please click here

*information correct at time of publishing

<<< Back to Euro Hire

Documents you must carry in the vehicle

• Driving licence
• Passport
• Green card (or insurance document) - we supply this for rentals
• VE103 (or log book - photocopy is unacceptable) - we supply this for rentals
• 'Letter of Authority' to rent the vehicle - we supply this for rentals
• Rental Agreement - we supply this for rentals

What you must have in the vehicle

• Warning triangle (kept within a reach i.e. not in the boot)
• Snow chains - in accordance with local signs indicate, they must be fitted on at least two drive wheels

Speed

• 31 mph (50 km/h) - Built-up areas
• 49 mph (80 km/h) - Main Roads
• 62 mph (100 km/h) - Dual carriageways separated by a central reservation
• 74 mph (120 km/h) - Motorways

Travelling with Children

• Children up to 12 years of age or up to 1.50m (whichever they reach first) must use an appropriate child restraint

Do's

• You must use dipped headlights in poor daytime visibility
• You can obtain parking discs for ‘blue zone’ parking areas from police stations, tourist offices and some shops.
• Snow tyres are not compulsory, however vehicles which are not equipped to travel through snow and which impede traffic are liable to a fine.
• Drivers who are involved in an accident who decide not to call the police must complete a European Accident Statement Form
• Outside built up areas drivers must sound their horns before sharp bends where visibility is limited, after dark this warning must be given by flashing headlights
• Pedestrians generally have right of way and expect vehicles to stop. Some pedestrians may just step into the road when on crosswalks and will expect your vehicle to stop.
• Motorways - You MUST purchase a sticker to display on the windscreen known locally as a 'vignette'. It cost CHF40 for vehicles up to 3.5Tonne. You can purchase these stickers in the UK or from the customs offices at the boarder or service stations and garages throughout the country.

Don'ts

• You must not use your horn in built up areas except in cases of immediate danger
• You must deactivate the speed camera alert on sat navs or you could be slapped with an on the spot fine
• The police can carry out random breath tests. The legal limit is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
• A lower limit of 10 milligrams applies to professional drivers and to new drivers with less than 3 years’ experience