Give waySwitzerland
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.
20. Give way
A give-way sign requires drivers to allow traffic with priority to proceed before entering, crossing or joining a road. Drivers must reduce speed, observe approaching traffic and stop when necessary.
Unlike a stop sign, a give-way sign does not always require a complete stop. The driver may continue without stopping only when the route is clearly safe and no road user with priority is forced to change speed or direction.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What does giving way mean in Switzerland?
At a give-way sign, allow vehicles on the road you are approaching to proceed without obstructing them. Reduce speed in good time and, if you must wait, stop before the junction. The stop sign adds a compulsory stop; at a junction controlled by operating traffic lights, those signals govern instead.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Road Signs Ordinance articles 36,75; Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 6,14-15
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Supporting official source
Give way.
English • Traffic sign 3.02 • Give way.
Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 3.02 • Kein Vortritt.
Français • Signal 3.02 • Cédez le passage.
Italiano • Segnale 3.02 • Dare precedenza.
🔗 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 2017-07-02. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Must you always stop when giving way in Switzerland?
No. A give-way control requires stopping when necessary to yield or obtain a safe view. A stop sign requires a complete stop even if the road appears empty.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Road Signs Ordinance articles 36,75; Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 6,14-15
What should you check before proceeding after giving way in Switzerland?
Wait until the manoeuvre is safe. Check the priority traffic, the view in both directions and enough space to complete the entry. Giving way to one vehicle does not remove duties towards another driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Road Signs Ordinance articles 36,75; Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 6,14-15

Traffic rules
Switzerland