Though they account for just 3% of Switzerland’s road network, motorways carried over 40% of the country’s traffic in 2024. Congestion, too, has grown markedly. In response, the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) is planning targeted network improvements. Vehicles travelling on Swiss motorways covered a combined 29.8 billion kilometres last year, a modest rise of 0.7% […]
Over 600,000 vehicles on Swiss roads beyond testing deadline
Switzerland’s cantonal vehicle inspection authorities are struggling to keep up with the country’s growing vehicle fleet. As a result, more than 600,000 vehicles currently on Swiss roads have missed their mandatory roadworthiness tests by over a year, according to data from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), reported RTS. Under Swiss regulations, new vehicles must undergo […]
Rockfall risk keeps the Grand-Saint-Bernard route closed
The Grand-Saint-Bernard route (A21) will remain closed until further notice, Swiss authorities have confirmed, citing an elevated risk of rockfall following an avalanche on 17 April 2025. The avalanche damaged the Toules gallery, a key protective structure on the A21. Although repairs to the gallery are due to be completed today, the Federal Roads Office […]
Swiss car insurance premiums going up in 2025
Many Swiss car insurance providers plan to substantially raise premiums this year, according to research by RTS. Some customers are already reporting hikes of around 20%. According to RTS, most insurers, including AXA, Generali, Helvetia, Postfinance, Zurich and Smile Insurance, are planning to increase their premiums. Some insurance companies justify the premium increases as necessary […]
Self-driving cars legal in Switzerland but no cars approved
On 1 March 2025, new laws allowing the use of self-driving cars came into force in Switzerland. The only catch is that no self-driving vehicle has been approved for use on Swiss roads, reported RTS. The new law makes it legal to use self-driving technology on specified stretches of roads specified by Switzerland’s cantons. At […]
New electric car registrations fell in 2024 in Switzerland
All-electric vehicle registrations as a percentage of the total fell in Switzerland in 2024, according to recent data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). So did the total number. After years of strong growth, all-electric vehicles as a percentage of new vehicle registrations fell in 2024. For passenger cars the percentage fell from 20.7% in […]
Swiss government shifts investment plan to road and rail after failed vote on roads
In November 2024, 52.7% of voters rejected a federal government plan to expand key sections of Switzerland’s motorway network. Environmental issues associated with road traffic and the cost (CHF 5.3 billion) were common reasons given by those rejecting the proposal. This has left the government with no path to solve the country’s infrastructure bottlenecks. This […]
Switzerland’s varied and changing electric cars taxes
How much road tax must be paid to drive an electric car in Switzerland varies significantly depending on the canton. It can also change with little warning, reported SRF this week. Annual vehicle tax on the fully electric Tesla Model Y Long Range costs CHF 1,353 in Geneva. In Zurich, Solothurn, Nidwalden, Glarus and St. […]
Switzerland’s strict new road noise rules now in force
Over the years, there has been much political debate on how to limit the noise from vehicles. At the beginning of 2025 new noise rules passed by parliament in 2021 came into force. According to the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) any avoidable vehicle noise is now banned. This includes additional noise from vehicle modifications and […]
Avoid buying new electronic road tax vignette from unofficial sources
Every year, motorists in Switzerland must pay CHF 40 francs if they want to drive on the nations federal motorways – this map shows the routes. There is a physical sticker and an electronic version. The electronic version has led to a number of unofficial online sellers, which add a fee. Those wishing to purchase […]
