Hiring a car in Switzerland gives you the freedom to explore as well as take in some impressive and scenic mountain drives.  Switzerland’s road network is well planned but there are strict parking and speeding regulations of which foreign drivers should be aware.

Tips for driving in Switzerland

• Drive on the right
• Seatbelts are compulsory front and rear
• The minimum age for hiring a car is 21 but young driver fees may apply
• For the more mature driver, we can offer car hire with no maximum age limit
• Do not drink and drive - this is rigorously implemented and a single beer can put you over the limit
• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free set
• Beware of speed traps - radar guns are commonplace throughout the country
• Speeding is subject to an on-the-spot fine (as well as some other traffic offences)
• Children must wear an appropriate restraint
• Children under 12 should not ride in the front
• Dipped headlights are required during the day on all roads
• Headlights must be on through tunnels
• Overtaking is forbidden in tunnels
• Snow chains are obligatory in some winter conditions. Signs will usually inform you where these are required. Snow packs can often be pre-booked or requested when you hire your car.  For further details, speak to our reservations team on 0800 358 7706
• Some cantons require additional vehicle equipment to be carried during the winter months.  This may already be included in your car hire but when applicable, the required “winterisation fee” will be clearly visible during the booking process.
• Pedestrians have right of way at zebra crossings
• Vehicles going uphill have priority over those going down and the yellow “postbus” always has priority
• Speed limits are 120kph on motorways, 80kph on main roads, 50kph in urban areas, and 30kph
• You must display a “vignette” if you intend to drive on the motorways - this is included for all our hire cars.
• Tolls are also charged for some tunnels including the Grand St Bernard Pass and Tunnel between Martigny in Switzerland and Aosta in Italy; the Lötschberg Tunnel; the St Gotthard tunnel between Luzern and Lugano; the Mont Blanc tunnel.
• Some villages and towns in Switzerland are inaccessible by road and in these instances cars are usually parked at the bottom of the mountain and the resort is then accessed by tram, train or cable car.
• There are strict parking laws across the country and drivers are required to have the appropriate permit to park in some areas (eg blue or red stickers which are usually available from local tourist offices).  Parking offenders may be towed.  Watch out for “Yellow Zones” where parking is not permitted at any time.
• If your driving licence does not include a photograph, remember to carry your passport with you when you drive as a further piece of identification
• Carry a spare pair of glasses with you whilst driving. 
• Traffic lights flashing amber mean “proceed with caution”
• Remember that traffic signs may use French, German and/or Italian.  This can present more of a problem on smaller back-roads rather than major routes and motorways.
• If you are planning a ski trip to Switzerland, remember that weekend trips are particularly popular and cars are in great demand from Friday to Sunday so it is always advisable to book ahead to secure your choice of car.
• Consider the option of air-conditioning - this can be as useful in winter as summer if you need to de-mist on a cold morning
• A pair of sunglasses can come in useful year round - the low winter sun can be dazzling
• If you need to dig your car out, remember to clear snow from the roof as well as from windows to avoid it falling onto the windscreen when you are driving
• Don’t try to drive in large, snow covered boots.  It is always best to drive in dry shoes.
• If possible, plan your route along main roads which are more likely to have been gritted.
• Check local weather forecasts before you leave in case of bad weather.
• Ski resorts are also likely to advise if particular roads or passes are open or shut due to bad weather.