Practical Information

Cars

The extensive road network makes driving popular, but it is rather costly to own a car in Switzerland. Still, that does not deter the Swiss from driving.

Driving license | The minimum age for obtaining a driving license is age 18 for an automobile or motorcycle over 50cc and age 14 for a moped up to 50cc. Most holders of a foreign driver’s license may drive in Switzerland for one year using their foreign license. If you intend to remain in Switzerland longer than one year, you must apply for a Swiss driving license during your first year. If this is not done, you are not allowed to drive after this period until you have passed the driving test. You can apply for a Swiss license at any time after your arrival, provided that you are living in a permanent accommodation or have obtained permanent residency in Switzerland.

To apply for a Swiss driving license you need to request an application form at your local Motor Vehicle Office (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle), then arrange an eye test with your doctor or with an approved optician. Complete and sign the application, include your Swiss residence permit, foreign driving license and two recent passport photographs and send everything by registered post to the Motor Vehicle Office. Your Swiss license will be sent to you approximately one week later, along with a bill, and is valid for life.

More information can be found on the Swiss Portal website.

Buying a car | Though not cheap, cars are cheaper in Switzerland than in many other European countries. You can obtain a discount of around 10 percent off the list price on most new cars if you ask for it, even when leasing. Swiss used cars are usually a good value for the money and are generally in very good condition if bought from a reputable garage. Nevertheless, if you intend to buy a used car, from either a garage or a private individual, be sure that:

• the car has passed the official control and exhaust tests,
• it has not been involved in a major accident and suffered structural damage,
• the chassis number corresponds with the car registration papers,
• the service coupons have been completed and stamped and that servicing has been carried out by an authorized dealer,
• import tax and duty have been paid (if applicable),
• a written guarantee is provided.

Liability insurance is mandatory, and necessary in order to get your licence plates. Take your proof of insurance and the car’s certificate of registration to the local motor vehicle office (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle) where they will issue your licence plates. It costs 150 CHF to obtain license plates for your car. These same plates are used for each successive car, as long as you continue to live in the same canton. There is also an annual cantonal road tax, payable on 1 January each year, and calculated on a pro rata basis according to your vehicle's engine capacity. The VAT on a new car is 7.6%, used car purchases being exempt.

Fuel | Most Swiss cars use either diesel or unleaded fuel. Prices have been rising in 2008, as they have in the rest of Europe, but fuel is still among the cheapest in the EU. As of May 2008, a litre of regular unleaded petrol cost was averaging 1.94 CHF, and a litre of diesel 2.25 CHF.

Car registration, insurance and road tax | License plates belong to individuals rather than specific cars, and when the car is sold they are either returned to the issuing canton's motor registration office or transferred to your new car. When applying for Swiss registration plates for the first time, which is most often done by your dealer or garage, you will require certain paperwork, such as your driver’s license, residence permit, etc. Your dealer or garage can tell you what is necessary for your canton.

Arrange as quickly as possible for car insurance, which is necessary in order to obtain your license plates. You must at least have third party liability insurance, which is compulsory in all Swiss cantons. You can add full comprehensive and passenger insurance also, but they are optional. You can find information on the costs and comparisons of different insurance policies on the web site Comparis.

The road tax rate varies considerably, and is calculated on the engine size (CC), power (DIN-PS), or the weight of your car, depending on your canton of residence. The road tax bill is sent along with your car’s registration paper. A refund is possible if you leave Switzerland, change cantons or take your car off the road for more than 30 days.

No tolls are charged on Swiss highways, however, the motorway tax costs 40 CHF a year, mandatory for every vehicle using the highways, and has to be purchased annually before 31st January. The sticker (Vignette) should be displayed on the front windshield. It is available at motor registration offices, post offices, gas stations and border crossings.

Parking | Parking in Swiss towns can be challenging, as on-street parking is difficult to find and is often for only a limited time. It is advisable to use the multi-level car parks, which are usually less expensive than the parking ticket you might incur. Most major cities have underground parking at 1.50 CHF/hr. as opposed to the 40 CHF fine for parking over the time limit or the 120 CHF fine for unauthorised parking.

Car rental and leasing | International car rental companies exist in most Swiss cities and have a few standard rules. You must be at least 20 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. Seatbelts are mandatory and child seats are mandatory for children up to age seven.

Many Swiss are using the car-sharing service, Mobility, which can be considerably cheaper than owning a vehicle if you don’t drive long distances on a regular basis. For an annual subscription fee of 290 CHF, Mobility provides access to 2000 vehicles at 1050 stations throughout Switzerland, round-the-clock, seven days a week. The cost of owning a small car and driving it 5.000 km, for example, is 8,220 CHF, in comparison to the Mobility cost of 4.200 CHF. There is a range of subscription options, or you can become a member of the cooperative by paying a one-time fee of 1.250 CHF which also entitles you to various discounts. Check the web site for details.

Speed Limits and Fines | The speed limits in Switzerland are as follows:

• Motorways 120 km/h 75 mph
• Country roads 80 km/h 50 mph
• Towns 50 km/h 31 mph
• Residential areas 30 km/h 18 mph

If you are stopped for speeding or for any other traffic offence, fines are normally payable on the spot, or you may be given a payment slip to pay at the post office within ten days. Fines vary, depending on the offence, ranging from 40 to 1000 CHF, appearance in court, and possibly loss of your license.