DangersSwitzerland

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.


87. Dangers

A general danger warning sign warns road users of a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign. The particular danger may be explained by a supplementary panel, text, symbol or other indication placed with the warning sign.

Drivers should increase their attention, observe the road ahead and adapt their speed to the nature of the hazard and surrounding conditions. The exact appearance of the sign and the way the danger is identified vary between countries, so road users must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Warning for pedestrians over 150 metres. (Broc, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What does a general danger warning sign mean?

A general danger warning sign indicates that there is a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign in the local traffic-sign system.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A.32, other dangers; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 13; international framework subject to national law

Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign. Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign.

What should you do when you see a general danger warning sign?

Increase your attention, observe the road and surroundings carefully and adapt your speed where necessary so that you can respond safely to the hazard.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A.32, other dangers; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 13; international framework subject to national law

Does the sign impose a specific speed limit?

Not normally. A warning sign alerts road users to danger rather than establishing a numerical speed limit. A separate speed-limit sign may be provided where a specific maximum speed is required.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A.32, other dangers; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 13; international framework subject to national law

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 ...