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WeatherSwitzerland

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Switzerland

88. Weather

Weather can have a major effect on driving conditions by reducing visibility, grip and vehicle control. Rain, fog, snow, ice, strong wind and bright sunlight can all increase the risk of an accident. Drivers should adapt their speed and following distance to the conditions, avoid sudden steering or braking on slippery roads and use the appropriate lights when visibility is reduced. Even when driving below the posted speed limit, a driver may still be travelling too fast for the weather and road conditions.

Weather
Road-information sign for the Simplon, Grimsel, Furka and Nufenen mountain passes. (Valais, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
How does weather affect driving?

Weather can reduce visibility, tyre grip and vehicle control. Rain, snow, ice, fog, strong wind and bright sunlight may require drivers to reduce speed and increase their following distance.

Should you drive slower in bad weather?

Yes. Drivers should adapt their speed to the weather, visibility and road conditions. The posted speed limit is a maximum and may still be too fast in poor conditions.

Why should you increase the following distance in bad weather?

Wet, snowy or icy roads can increase stopping distances. A larger following distance gives the driver more time and space to react and stop safely.

What should you do when driving in heavy rain?

Reduce speed, increase your following distance, use the appropriate lights and avoid sudden steering or braking. Heavy rain can reduce visibility and increase the risk of aquaplaning.

What should you do when driving in fog?

Reduce speed, increase your following distance and use the appropriate lights. Avoid relying on the vehicle ahead as a guide and make sure you can stop within the distance you can clearly see.

What should you do when driving on snow or ice?

Drive slowly and smoothly, increase the following distance and avoid sudden acceleration, steering or braking. Tyre grip can be greatly reduced on snow and ice.

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 ...