Vehicles imported into Switzerland are subject to a 4% tax, with the exception of electric vehicles that attract none. This week, the government decided to end the exception from the beginning of next year. The import tax, along with fuel and other taxes, is used to build and maintain roads. Given current federal budget pressures, […]
New Swiss driving licence from mid-April
From 15 April 2023, Switzerland will begin issuing a new higher security driving licence. The new licence will contain a number of improvements. Like current Swiss identity cards it will be made of polycarbonate. In addition, it will include security features embossed on the surface and different colours and information displays depending on the viewing […]
New low cost passes for under 25s on Swiss trains
On 28 March 2023, SwissPass launched three new train passes for those under 25. The first is the “AG Night Pass”. This costs CHF 99 a year and allows the holder to make unlimited journeys on the Swiss Rail network after 7 pm. It is also valid on trains before 7 am at the weekends. […]
New pollution rules could force 20% of diesel cars off Swiss roads
From 1 January 2023, diesel vehicles must be tested to see if their particulate filters are working. As a result an estimated 20% of the diesel vehicles on Switzerland’s roads may not pass roadworthiness tests, reported RTS. Vehicles that fail these tests can no longer legally by driven. According to Patrick Schnelli, an expert in […]
Sharp rise is serious road accidents in Switzerland
Last year, 241 people lost their lives in a traffic accident and 4,002 people were seriously injured in Switzerland, according to the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). The number of deaths was 20.5% higher than the year before and the number seriously injured was 55% higher than the previous 5-year average. The marked increase in the […]
Sanctions reduced for overtaking in right lane in Switzerland
Passing in the right on multiple-lane roads is illegal in Switzerland and the penalties for those caught are severe. However, confusion abounds when it comes to the application of the rule. As more cases are challenged in court the definition of what is acceptable and the penalties evolve. This week, another case concluded setting a […]
Switzerland set to introduce stiffer penalties for noisy drivers
In 2019, noise was estimated to cost Switzerland CHF 2.8 billion, most of which (67%) was attributed to health. Around 80% of this was related to road noise. The government would like to reduce the problem and the Federal Council requested a commission look into it this week, reported RTS. The number of complaints related […]
Switzerland’s 2023 motorway vignette unveiled
Every year Switzerland’s motorway vignette is a different colour. Next year it’s yellow. Valid from 1 December 2022 until 31 January 2024, the new stickers must be displayed by anyone using Switzerland’s motorway network. The price remains the same. The motorway stickers have cost CHF 40 for 28 years. Introduced after a referendum in 1985, […]
Swiss Rail to add more space for bikes
There are plenty of disincentives to avoid cycling. Swiss Rail announced this week that it would aim to reduce one of these by adding more space on trains to accommodate bicycles, reported RTS. In Switzerland, travelling on a train with a bicycle is expensive. Bringing a bike along for the ride means an extra ticket […]
What are Swiss rules on winter tyres?
Laws in France require drivers to fit winter tyres or carry chains from 1 November until 31 March in certain mountainous regions of the country. However, Switzerland has different laws on the subject. In Switzerland, there is no legal requirement to fit winter tyres. However, the Swiss Road Traffic Act (Art. 29) requires all vehicles […]
