Anticipate Your Journey: Uncover the Major Travel Alterations Across Switzerland in the Year 2025
Changing Gears on Swiss Roads!
Brace yourselves, motorists! New driving rules are coming into play on Swiss roads starting from January 1, 2026. Here's a rundown of the significant changes that await:
New Obligations and Rules:
- Emergency Corridor: Drivers must create an emergency corridor on multi-lane roads during traffic congestion. Failure to comply could result in a fine of approximately €93.
- Zipper Merge System: This will become mandatory when two lanes merge into one. Drivers must alternate turns, utilizing both lanes up to the merge point. Violators will be fined €93.
- Right Turn on Red for Cyclists and Motorcyclists: Cyclists and motorcyclists will now be allowed to make a right turn at a red light, provided a signal is given and other traffic is yielded to.
- Charging Station Signage: New symbols for parking spots with electric vehicle charging stations will be introduced to help drivers identify these spots more easily.
General Driving Rules (Reminder):
- Drive on the Right: Switzerland follows the right-hand driving rule, similar to most of mainland Europe.
- Motorway Vignette: A motorway vignette is required for driving on Swiss motorways.
- Speed Limits:
- Motorways: 120 km/h (approximately 74 mph)
- Expressways: 100 km/h (approximately 61 mph)
- Rural roads: 80 km/h (approximately 49 mph)
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (approximately 31 mph)
- Residential areas: Variable speeds, often 30 km/h (approximately 19 mph) or lower.
EU-Influenced Changes (Potential Impact):
While not yet officially adopted as Swiss law as of May 2025, the EU's new driving license regulations could potentially impact Swiss policy. These include but are not limited to:
- Accompanied Driving for 17-Year-Olds (EU-wide)
- Probationary Period for Young Drivers with a minimum of two years.
- Health Self-Assessment for license issuance and renewal.
These EU changes are not yet Swiss law, but they may be considered for future legislation in Switzerland.
Stay tuned for more updates on the changing landscape of Swiss roads!
Preparing for a future European lifestyle, travelers might need to adapt to potential driving rule changes in Switzerland. The new regulations could include accommodating cyclists and motorcyclists when making right turns at red lights. Additionally, digital nomads exploring Switzerland may find it easier to locate electric vehicle charging stations with the introduction of new symbol signage.
