Driving in Switzerland | Mandatory Vehicle Equipment 2025

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment | Switzerland 2025

Ikona pojazdu typu van

Warning Triangle

Only mandatory item

Vehicles from Slovakia or other EU countries already meet or exceed Swiss requirements.

Trucks

  • Reflective vest (driver)
  • Wheel chocks

Motorway travel requires a vignette. Learn more: Swiss motorway fees

Motorcycles

  • Helmet (ECE 22.05 standard)
  • Reflective elements on the motorcycle

Child Seats

  • Children under 12 years and 150 cm: mandatory child seat
  • 12+ years or 150+ cm: seatbelt only
  • Front seat: rear-facing seat only if airbag is off

Tip

Use child seats that meet ECE R44/04 or R129 (i-Size) for maximum safety.

Recommended Equipment | Switzerland

  • Reflective vest (even if not required)
  • First-aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Spare bulbs and fuses
  • Spare wheel or repair kit
  • Torch, basic tools, window scraper
  • Seatbelt cutter, glass-breaking hammer

Winter Equipment

No law requires winter tyres, but if you cause an accident due to lack of them, you are held liable. In winter, consider:

  • Winter or all-season tyres with M+S or 3PMSF symbol
  • Snow chains (mandatory where road signs indicate)
  • De-icer, winter washer fluid, antifreeze

Fines

Missing warning triangle: 40 CHF (~€42). Missing documents: 20 CHF per item.

Mandatory Documents | Switzerland

  • Passport or ID card (valid for at least 3 more months)
  • Driving licence (Swiss authorities accept Slovak licences)
  • Registration certificate with valid inspection
  • Third-party insurance (OC)

For Trucks

  • Transport permit or professional driver qualification (code 95)
  • CMR waybills, invoices, customs documents

Truck tolls are charged on all Swiss roads under the LSVA scheme.

Reminder

Switzerland is not in the EU. Expect full customs checks when crossing the border. Declare all goods. Fines up to 3000 CHF per day apply for violations.

Key Traffic Rules | Switzerland

Speed limits by vehicle type (km/h)
Vehicle type Urban Non-urban Expressway Motorway
Motorcycles & cars ≤ 3.5t 50 80 100 120
Cars with trailers & trucks > 3.5t 50 80 80 100
Buses 50 80 100 100
  • Alcohol limit: 0.5‰ (or 0.1‰ for new/professional drivers)
  • Low beams required 24/7 all year
  • Hands-free only for phone use
  • Seatbelts required for all occupants

Note for truck drivers

Driving banned 22:00–05:00, Sundays and public holidays.

Don't Risk a Fine!

Lack of correct vignette may result in high fines. Buy swiss vignettes and enjoy hassle-free journey. You'll receive payment confirmation via e-mail.

Buy Vignettes CH

Switzerland by car | Summary

Only the warning triangle is mandatory, but consider carrying a full kit — especially for mountain travel. Prepare for customs checks, bring all documents, and obey winter signage to avoid fines.