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AmbulanceSwitzerland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Switzerland. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Switzerland

98. Ambulance

An ambulance is a vehicle equipped and used to provide emergency medical assistance or transport patients to or between healthcare facilities. Ambulances may carry medical equipment and trained personnel who can provide treatment during transport.

During an emergency response, an ambulance may use warning lights and a siren and may receive special priority or exemptions from certain traffic rules. Other road users must follow the local rules for emergency vehicles, make sufficient space and avoid obstructing their passage.

Ambulance
Ambulance in Zürich, Switzerland.
Wikimedia.org • Schutz & Rettung Zürich • CC BY-SA
What is an ambulance?

An ambulance is a specially equipped vehicle used to provide emergency medical assistance and transport sick or injured people.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 34, priority vehicles and national exemptions; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 219, emergency vehicles; national guidance example

What should you do when an ambulance approaches?

Make space safely for an ambulance on an emergency response, following the local rules and any lawful directions. Slow down or stop where necessary without sudden or dangerous movements. Do not assume that its emergency status allows you to pass a red light or disregard another traffic control.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 34, priority vehicles and national exemptions; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 219, emergency vehicles; national guidance example

Can an ambulance exceed the speed limit?

Many countries permit emergency vehicles to depart from certain normal speed rules during an urgent mission, subject to safety requirements and national legislation.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 34, priority vehicles and national exemptions; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 219, emergency vehicles; national guidance example

1 Switzerland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Tunnel 12 Pedestrian zone 13 Customs 14 One-way traffic 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Road narrowing 24 Priority over oncoming traffic 25 Give way to oncoming traffic 26 Pedestrian crossing 27 Railway crossing 28 Mandatory direction 29 Turn prohibition 30 School area 31 Overtaking 32 Crossing animals 33 Slippery road 34 Rockfall 35 Aircraft 36 Curve 37 Chevron 38 Wrong-way driving 39 Roadworks 40 Crosswind 41 Height limit 42 Width limit 43 Length limit 44 Weight limit 45 Intersection direction sign 46 Priority at the next junction 47 Traffic lights 48 Traffic lights warning 49 Pedestrian lights 50 Road markings 51 Junction layout 52 Driving licence 53 Location marker 54 Road number 55 Countdown markers 56 Traffic mirror 57 Emergency telephone 58 International border 59 Pedestrian underpass 60 Cycling route 61 End of restriction 62 Parking 63 No parking 64 No stopping 65 Parking disc 66 Reversing 67 U-turn 68 Traffic jam 69 Detour 70 Uncontrolled crossroad 71 Road surface 72 Exit 73 Information point 74 Horse riding 75 Emergency exit 76 Runaway truck ramp 77 Radio service 78 Oversize load 79 City limit 80 Hospital 81 Parking garage 82 Passing place 83 Pedestrian overpass 84 Axle weight limit 85 Licence plate 86 Charging station 87 Dangers 88 Weather 89 Turn on red 90 Pedestrian 91 Cyclist 92 Moped 93 Motorcycle 94 Car 95 Truck 96 Bus 97 Police 98 Ambulance 99 Tailgating 100 European emission standard ...