CurveSwitzerland
36. Curve
A curve is a section of road that changes direction to the left or right. A sharp, unexpected or poorly visible curve can reduce a driver’s view of approaching traffic, stopped vehicles, pedestrians and other hazards.
Drivers should reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within their lane and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Warning signs may indicate the direction of the first curve or a series of successive curves.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What makes a bend dangerous in Switzerland?
A bend can hide traffic and shorten your stopping view. Swiss bend warnings identify curves whose shape requires a reduction in speed. Keep enough room for oncoming vehicles and choose a speed that lets you stop within the visible distance, or half that distance where meeting is difficult.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 4; OCR article 4; LCR articles 31-32,35
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026
How should you approach a sharp curve in Switzerland?
Slow down before the bend, select the correct lane position, look through the curve and steer smoothly. Keep enough grip and visible stopping distance for the road and weather conditions.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 4; OCR article 4; LCR articles 31-32,35
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026
Is overtaking safe on a blind bend in Switzerland?
No. Do not start overtaking where your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed or where signs or road markings prohibit it. Wait until there is a lawful, clear and sufficiently long view ahead.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 4; OCR article 4; LCR articles 31-32,35
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026
Warning for a curve to the left.
English • Traffic sign 1.02 • Left-hand bend.
Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 1.02 • Linkskurve.
Français • Signal 1.02 • Virage à gauche.
Italiano • Segnale 1.02 • Curva a sinistra.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • SSV, Anhang 2 (DE)
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSR, annexe 2 (FR)
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSStr, allegato 2 (IT)
SVG source: Bundesamt für Strassen (ASTRA) • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Warning for a curve to the right.
English • Traffic sign 1.01 • Right-hand bend.
Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 1.01 • Rechtskurve.
Français • Signal 1.01 • Virage à droite.
Italiano • Segnale 1.01 • Curva a destra.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • SSV, Anhang 2 (DE)
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSR, annexe 2 (FR)
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSStr, allegato 2 (IT)
SVG source: Bundesamt für Strassen (ASTRA) • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Traffic rules
Switzerland