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CarSwitzerland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Switzerland. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Switzerland

94. Car

A car is a motor vehicle primarily designed to transport a small number of people and their luggage on roads. Cars may be powered by petrol, diesel, electricity, hydrogen or a combination of different energy sources.

Drivers must comply with the applicable requirements concerning the driving licence, vehicle registration, insurance, technical condition, seat belts and passenger safety. Speed limits, equipment requirements, road access and other traffic rules vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Cars prohibited except with permission. (Locarno, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What is a car?

A car is a motor vehicle primarily designed to carry a relatively small number of passengers and their luggage on roads.

Is a car the same as a motor vehicle?

No. A car is a type of motor vehicle. The broader category of motor vehicles can also include motorcycles, buses, trucks, mopeds and other powered vehicles, depending on local legal definitions.

Do you need a driving licence to drive a car?

Yes. A driver must normally hold a valid driving licence for the vehicle category concerned. The licence categories and minimum ages vary between countries.

Does a car need to be registered?

Yes, normally. Cars used on public roads generally have to be registered with the competent authority and display the required registration plate or plates.

Does a car need insurance?

Most countries require at least third-party liability insurance before a car may be used on public roads. Additional insurance may be optional.

Must people in a car wear seat belts?

Where seat belts are fitted, drivers and passengers are generally required to wear them correctly. Exact requirements and exemptions vary between countries.

Do children need a special restraint in a car?

Yes, in many countries. Children below specified age, height or weight thresholds must be transported in an appropriate approved child-restraint system.

How many passengers can a car carry?

A car must not carry more people than it is designed and legally approved to transport. Passengers should use the designated seating positions and required restraint systems.

Can a car tow a trailer?

Yes, if the vehicle and licence permit it. Maximum trailer masses, combination masses and licence requirements depend on the vehicle and local regulations.

Can every car use a motorway?

Most ordinary cars can use motorways, but they must satisfy the applicable vehicle, speed and access requirements. Certain unusually slow or restricted vehicles may be prohibited.

1 Switzerland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Tunnel 12 Pedestrian zone 13 Customs 14 One-way traffic 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Road narrowing 24 Priority over oncoming traffic 25 Give way to oncoming traffic 26 Pedestrian crossing 27 Railway crossing 28 Mandatory direction 29 Turn prohibition 30 School area 31 Overtaking 32 Crossing animals 33 Slippery road 34 Rockfall 35 Aircraft 36 Curve 37 Chevron 38 Wrong-way driving 39 Roadworks 40 Crosswind 41 Height limit 42 Width limit 43 Length limit 44 Weight limit 45 Intersection direction sign 46 Priority at the next junction 47 Traffic lights 48 Traffic lights warning 49 Pedestrian lights 50 Road markings 51 Junction layout 52 Driving licence 53 Location marker 54 Road number 55 Countdown markers 56 Traffic mirror 57 Emergency telephone 58 International border 59 Pedestrian underpass 60 Cycling route 61 End of restriction 62 Parking 63 No parking 64 No stopping 65 Parking disc 66 Reversing 67 U-turn 68 Traffic jam 69 Detour 70 Uncontrolled crossroad 71 Road surface 72 Exit 73 Information point 74 Horse riding 75 Emergency exit 76 Runaway truck ramp 77 Radio service 78 Oversize load 79 City limit 80 Hospital 81 Parking garage 82 Passing place 83 Pedestrian overpass 84 Axle weight limit 85 Licence plate 86 Charging station 87 Dangers 88 Weather 89 Turn on red 90 Pedestrian 91 Cyclist 92 Moped 93 Motorcycle 94 Car 95 Truck 96 Bus 97 Police 98 Ambulance 99 Tailgating 100 European emission standard ...