Driving rules in Switzerland
Switzerland drives on the right-hand side of the road, the same as continental Europe and North America. If you are arriving from the UK, Australia, or Japan, take extra care at roundabouts and intersections until you adjust. Swiss traffic laws are strictly enforced with both fixed and mobile speed cameras throughout the country. Fines start at CHF 40 for minor speeding and can exceed CHF 600 for serious violations.
Here are the key traffic regulations to keep in mind when driving a campervan in Switzerland:
- Speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h outside towns, 50 km/h in towns, and 30 km/h in residential zones. Campervans and motorhomes over 3,500 kg are limited to 100 km/h on motorways and 80 km/h on other roads.
- Headlights always on: Swiss law recommends dipped headlights at all times. Daytime running lights are mandatory on newer vehicles and strongly recommended for all.
- Seatbelts mandatory: All passengers, front and rear, must wear seatbelts. Children under 12 or shorter than 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat or booster.
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.05% for standard drivers, 0.01% for new drivers (first 3 years). Penalties are severe including heavy fines, licence suspension, and criminal prosecution.
- Motorway vignette: All vehicles using Swiss motorways must display a valid vignette (CHF 40/year), available at border crossings, petrol stations, and post offices. Most rental campervans include one.
- Mountain road priority: On narrow mountain roads, ascending vehicles have priority over descending ones. Postal buses (yellow PostBus vehicles) always have right of way.
- No right turn on red: Unlike the USA, you cannot turn right at a red traffic light in Switzerland. Wait for the green signal.
- Mobile phone use: Strictly prohibited while driving. Use a hands-free system or pull over safely. Fines start at CHF 100.
Mountain passes and Alpine driving
Switzerland has over 20 major mountain passes that provide some of Europe's most spectacular driving experiences. Famous passes include the Furka Pass (2,429 m, featured in the James Bond film Goldfinger), the Grimsel Pass (2,165 m) connecting the Bernese Oberland with the Valais, and the Susten Pass (2,224 m) with its dramatic hairpin bends and glacier views.
Most high passes are only open from late May/June through October, depending on snow conditions. Always check current pass status on the TCS website or the ASTRA traffic information app before planning your route. Year-round alternatives include the Gotthard road tunnel, the Simplon Pass (usually open), and the San Bernardino tunnel.
Pro tip: If you are driving a larger motorhome (over 7.5 m), check height and width restrictions on mountain passes before setting out. Some narrow passes with tight hairpin turns are challenging for vehicles over 7 m. The Grand Tour of Switzerland route is designed to be accessible for standard campervans.
Road conditions and weather
Swiss roads are among the best-maintained in Europe. The motorway network is excellent and well-signposted. However, mountain roads require extra attention, especially in changing weather conditions. Even in summer, mountain weather can shift rapidly, bringing fog, rain, or even snow above 2,000 m.
- Winter driving (November-March): Winter tyres (M+S marking) are not legally mandatory but strongly recommended. If your vehicle causes an obstruction because of inadequate tyres, you can be fined and held liable. Snow chains may be required on certain mountain roads (indicated by signage).
- Road condition information: Check the TCS website or call 163 for current road conditions and pass closures. The ASTRA (Federal Roads Office) app provides real-time traffic updates.
- Tunnels: Switzerland has some of the world's longest road tunnels, including the Gotthard (16.9 km) and Lötschberg car-carrying tunnels. Keep headlights on and maintain safe following distance.
- Livestock on roads: In Alpine regions during summer, cattle and sheep may graze near or cross roads. Slow down and give them time to move.
Fuel and charging stations
Petrol and diesel stations are well-distributed across Switzerland, with coverage even in smaller Alpine villages. You will rarely be more than 30-50 km from a fuel station on main routes, though gaps can be longer on remote mountain passes. Major chains include Migrol, Agrola, Coop Pronto, and Shell.
Fuel prices in Switzerland average CHF 1.70-2.00 per litre. Most stations accept credit cards at self-service pumps 24/7. For electric or hybrid campervans, Switzerland has an expanding network of charging stations, check the MOVE, Swisscharge, or PlugShare apps for locations.
Parking and tolls
Switzerland has no additional road tolls beyond the motorway vignette. All motorways, tunnels (including Gotthard), and roads are covered by the annual vignette. The only exceptions are some Alpine car-carrying train tunnels (Vereina, Lötschberg, Furka) which charge per crossing (CHF 27-35 for a campervan).
Parking in Swiss cities is well-organised but can be expensive. Use the colour-coded parking zones (White = paid, Blue = limited-time with disc, Yellow = private). Many mountain villages and hiking trailheads charge CHF 5-15 per day for parking. Overnight parking is generally only permitted at designated Stellplatz areas or campsites, not in car parks, rest stops, or residential streets.
