RockfallSwitzerland
34. Rockfall
A rockfall warning indicates a road section where rocks or stones may fall from a cliff, cutting or steep slope, or where fallen material may already be present on the road. The danger may affect the full carriageway and can appear suddenly.
Drivers should reduce speed, scan the road and slopes ahead, increase their following distance and remain prepared to stop. They should avoid unnecessary stopping in the exposed section and never attempt to move unstable rocks themselves.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Where might falling rocks be a hazard on roads in Switzerland?
Watch for loose rocks beside steep slopes, road cuttings and other exposed sections. The Swiss falling-stones warning covers both falling rocks and rocks already on the carriageway. Reduce speed and keep enough visible stopping distance.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 8(3); OCR articles 4,18-19; LCR articles 26-27,31-32,37
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026
Does a falling-rocks warning sign in Switzerland impose a speed limit?
A falling-rocks sign is a hazard warning, not normally a numerical speed-limit sign. Follow any separate speed or closure signs, slow down to match visibility and conditions, and watch for material already on the road.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 8(3); OCR articles 4,18-19; LCR articles 26-27,31-32,37
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026
Warning for falling rocks.
English • Traffic sign 1.13 • Falling rocks.
Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 1.13 • Steinschlag.
Français • Signal 1.13 • Chute de pierres.
Italiano • Segnale 1.13 • Caduta di sassi.
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.
What should you do if rocks are blocking the road in Switzerland?
Slow or stop in a safe place away from the exposed slope if possible. Do not drive over unstable debris or stop beneath a cliff unnecessarily. Follow any closure or traffic-control instructions and report a dangerous obstruction through the appropriate road authority or emergency channel.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 8(3); OCR articles 4,18-19; LCR articles 26-27,31-32,37
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

Traffic rules
Switzerland