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DRIVING

EXPLAINED: The rules for when to switch on car lights in Switzerland

If you are going to drive in Switzerland (or are already driving here), you should know the road rules that apply to all vehicles. Yet, many drivers do not know when to switch on which car light. Here's the low-down on the different types of lights and their correct use.

Published: 7 July 2023 17:05 CEST
Driving on motorway
When do you have to switch on which car light on Swiss roads? Image by tookapic from Pixabay

Unlike in many European countries, you must leave your headlights on when driving in Switzerland during the day. This law, which came into force on January 1st 2014, applies to all motor vehicles, including two-wheelers. Failure to do so will result in a fine of 40 Swiss francs.

Moreover, Switzerland differentiates between daytime running, low beam, high beam, parking, and fog lights, and it is crucial to ensure you have the appropriate light switched on for the time of day and/or weather.

So, which light do you need to switch on when?

Low beam lights

Drivers in Switzerland must switch on their low beam lights during heavy rain, snow, fog, night-time, poor visibility, in a tunnel, or whenever there is insufficient lighting. This is because daytime running lights are considered too weak and work without the rear lights being switched on.

If you’re looking to avoid a fine at all costs, then always double check your low beam lights are switch on – even if you happen to have a car that turns them on automatically as the detectors may not respond accurately.

READ MORE: The dos and don’ts of driving in Switzerland

Parking lights

As the name suggests, drivers must turn on their parking light whenever they are parked in the dark or wherever there is a lack of visibility, especially in quieter regions.

Coincidentally, if you come to a stop for a longer time 9closed railway barriers, traffic light at construction sites and similar), but are not parked, you are also encouraged to switch from low beam to the parking lights. This is particularly the case if you stop next to a road.

You will not need to switch on your parking lights if you are parked in a marked parking space (blue or white zone), or in a well-lit area.

READ MORE: What are Switzerland’s complicated parking rules?

High beam lights

The high beam lights, or headlights, should only be used as in conjunction with the low beam lights if visibility is not sufficient, for instance, when driving on dark forest roads at night.

However, headlights must be switched off whenever a vehicle approaches you from the opposite way or whenever you are crossing paths with a train on a railway line that runs directly alongside a road.

Likewise, you must switch your headlights off when driving in a queue or reversing.

If you’re driving near pedestrians or in cities, towns, and villages, avoid turning your headlights on altogether.

Fog lights

If you’re hitting the road in particularly foggy weather, then you should switch on your fog lights. The same goes for when visibility is poor as a result of driving snow or heavy rain.

However, according to the Swiss Traffic Rules Ordinance visibility must be significantly reduced in order for you to be allowed to switch on your fog lights and it is crucial you do not misuse them as this can be very dangerous for other drivers.

So, if the fog is not severe and visibility is good, you must not switch on your fog lights under any circumstances, whether you are in a queue, on the motorway, or driving any other road.

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DRIVING

The roads and tunnels in Switzerland where drivers need to pay a toll

While you’re likely to encounter some of the most spectacular scenery as you drive through Switzerland, you may also experience an eye-watering fine if you’re unaware of the tolls that may apply. 

Published: 14 May 2024 09:50 CEST
The roads and tunnels in Switzerland where drivers need to pay a toll

Here is where you’ll need to be fully paid-up while driving through the alpine nation – and where further charges can apply. 

Mandatory motorway vignettes

Suppose you’re planning on driving on any of the country’s motorways or expressways (those designated on maps and signs with an A followed by a number). In that case, you’ll need to pay 40 CHF for a vignette each year – either displayed as a sticker on your car or tied electronically to your car’s licence plate. 

If you get caught without one—cameras are everywhere—you may be fined 200 CHF for each infraction. 

Thankfully, the Swiss make it very easy to obtain a vignette. 

They can be purchased at border crossings, post offices and petrol stations. You can also buy the e-vignette online here – Swiss authorities have warned motorists to avoid purchasing it from other sources, which add a markup. 

READ MORE: What you need to know about Switzerland’s motorway vignette

Tolls for tunnels 

While a motorway vignette will be enough to drive around most of Switzerland, there are exceptions where you’ll need to pay extra. 

The first is the Munt la Schera Tunnel which connects the Engadin valley in the canton of Graubünden with the Lago di Livigno reservoir that borders Italy. 

Initially constructed to move building materials, the three-and-a-half-kilometre tunnel is still privately owned by a local power company, so it is permitted to charge an extra toll. 

Fees vary depending on your kind of vehicle, whether you’re making a return journey, and the time of year—the current price schedule is available here. The toll is paid at either side of the tunnel. 

As a single-lane tunnel, the direction of travel alternates every fifteen minutes, so drivers can expect a short wait. 

Cyclists are not permitted to use the tunnel, although there are shuttle buses that can transport bikes. 

READ MORE: The new laws drivers in Switzerland need to know.

Two rail tunnels offer a car transport service for an additional fee. 

The first is the twenty-kilometre Simplon tunnel between Brig in the canton of Valais and Domodossola in Italy. 

The second is the fourteen-kilometre Lötschberg tunnel between Kandersteg in the canton of Bern and Goppenstein in the canton of Valais. 

Each journey takes about twenty minutes, and tickets can be purchased for the Simplon tunnel here and the Lötschberg tunnel here. 

The final toll tunnel—and arguably the most famous one—is the Grand-Saint-Bernard tunnel, which charges a toll and connects Martigny in the canton of Valais with the Aosta valley in Italy. 

Consisting of two lanes, the tunnel stretches six kilometres through the Alps. 

Much like the Munt la Schera tunnel, there is a schedule of fees, and the kind of vehicle determines prices, as well as whether you intend to return via the tunnel. Again, the toll can be paid at either entrance. 

Despite some recent media speculation, the Swiss Federal Council has opposed the idea of introducing further tolls on the Gotthard and San Bernardino tunnels. Instead, other strategies are currently being explored to combat the ongoing problem of traffic congestion.

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