Information signsSwitzerland

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

Information signs

An information sign is a traffic sign that provides useful guidance or clarification to road users without imposing rules or warnings. These signs inform drivers about things like parking zones, directions, facilities, road layouts, or the start and end of built-up areas. Their purpose is to help drivers navigate confidently by giving clear, practical information that improves orientation, comfort, and overall traffic flow.

Start of a tunnel with indicated length.

Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way.

Route to be followed in order to turn left.

Information about the directions of the roundabout.

Detour for vehicles that are not allowed to pass.

Parking only allowed for a limited time.

Place where you can let other vehicles pass.

1. Start of a priority road

This traffic sign indicates the start of a priority road. Drivers on the priority road normally have priority over traffic entering from side roads until the priority road ends, unless traffic lights, other signs or applicable traffic rules indicate otherwise.

2. End of the priority road

This traffic sign indicates the end of the priority road. The road no longer has continuing priority at subsequent intersections. Follow the applicable traffic lights, priority signs and default priority rules.

3. Start of a motorway

This traffic sign indicates the start of a motorway. From this point, special motorway rules apply, including restrictions on which road users may enter and on stopping, reversing and other manoeuvres. Follow the applicable speed limits, lane rules and local motorway regulations.

4. End of the motorway

This traffic sign indicates the end of the motorway. The special motorway rules end at this point. Follow the speed limits, access rules and other traffic signs that apply to the road ahead.

5. Start of an expressway

This traffic sign indicates the start of an expressway. From this point, the traffic rules and access conditions that apply to expressways take effect according to the applicable local regulations.

6. End of the expressway

This traffic sign indicates the end of the expressway. The special traffic rules associated with the expressway end at this point. Follow the rules and traffic signs that apply to the road ahead.

7. Start of a residential area

This traffic sign indicates the start of a residential area. Special traffic rules apply within the area according to the applicable signs and local regulations. These rules may affect speed, parking and how different road users use the road.

8. End of the residential area

This traffic sign indicates the end of the residential area. The special traffic rules associated with the residential area end at this point. Follow the traffic signs and rules that apply beyond the area.

9. Start of a zone for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the start of a pedestrian zone. Pedestrians are the principal road users within the zone, while access by vehicles and other road users is subject to the applicable traffic signs and local rules.

10. End of the zone for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the end of the pedestrian zone. The special traffic rules associated with the pedestrian zone end at this point. Follow the traffic signs and rules that apply beyond the zone.

11. National speed limits

This traffic sign indicates the national speed limits. The applicable default maximum speeds depend on the road type, vehicle category and local traffic rules when no different speed limit is indicated.

12. Start of a tunnel

This traffic sign indicates the start of a tunnel. Special traffic rules may apply within the tunnel, including requirements concerning vehicle lighting, speed or following distance. Follow the applicable signs and local rules.

13. Start of a tunnel with indicated length

This traffic sign indicates the start of a tunnel and shows its length. The displayed value indicates the length of the tunnel. Follow the traffic rules and any special requirements that apply within it.

14. Crossing for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates a crossing for pedestrians. It marks a designated place where pedestrians cross the road. Priority and crossing rules depend on the applicable traffic signs, signals and local regulations.

15. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where oncoming drivers have to give way.

16. Dead end street

This traffic sign indicates a dead end street. The road has no through route for vehicles, although access to properties or other destinations along the road may still be possible.

17. Road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Vehicular traffic may travel only in the permitted direction, subject to any exceptions indicated by traffic signs or local rules.

18. Information about the next exit

This traffic sign gives information about the next exit. It may show the exit number, destination, direction or distance to the exit.

19. Maximum speed of a lane

This traffic sign indicates the maximum speed for the indicated lane. Vehicles using that lane must not exceed the displayed speed limit while the restriction applies.

20. Route to be followed in order to turn left

This traffic sign indicates the route to use for a left turn. Follow the indicated route instead of turning left directly at this point.

21. Information about the directions of the roundabout

This traffic sign gives information about directions at a roundabout. The diagram shows the available exits and the destinations reached from them.

22. Detour for vehicles that are not allowed to pass

This traffic sign indicates a detour for vehicles that cannot continue on the normal route. Vehicles affected by the relevant restriction should follow the indicated alternative route.

23. Parking allowed

This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed. Vehicles may be parked in the area covered by the sign subject to any indicated conditions, restrictions or local parking rules.

24. Parking only allowed if you pay

This traffic sign indicates that parking requires payment. Pay the applicable parking charge according to the indicated conditions and local payment rules.

25. Parking only allowed for a limited time

This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed only for a limited time. Observe the permitted parking duration and use a parking disc or other time-recording method where required.

26. Start of a parking zone

This traffic sign indicates the start of a parking zone. The parking rules indicated for the zone apply throughout it according to the applicable signs and local regulations.

27. End of the parking zone

This traffic sign indicates the end of the parking zone. The parking rules associated with that zone end at this point. Other parking restrictions or conditions may still apply.

28. Place where you can let other vehicles pass

This traffic sign indicates a place where vehicles can let other traffic pass. A passing place provides additional space where vehicles can temporarily move aside when the road is too narrow for traffic to pass normally.

29. Crossroad shape

This traffic sign shows the shape or layout of an upcoming junction. The diagram indicates how the approaching road and connecting roads are arranged.