ChevronSwitzerland
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.
37. Chevron
A chevron is a V-shaped or arrow-shaped road marker used to show a sharp change in the direction of a road. Chevron boards are normally placed along the outside of a curve so that their points indicate the direction in which the road continues.
Chevrons improve the visibility and alignment of a curve, especially in darkness or poor weather. They do not normally impose a speed limit or determine priority, so drivers must reduce speed before the curve and follow all other signs and road markings.
Wikimedia.org • Thisisbossi • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of chevron boards on a road in Switzerland?
Chevron alignment boards help drivers see which way a sharp bend continues, especially in darkness or poor visibility. Their precise shape and colour depend on the local sign system; pay attention to the alignment shown rather than assuming one universal design.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 82(5); LCR articles 27,32
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026
Do chevron boards give priority or order a turn at junctions in Switzerland?
Not ordinary curve-alignment chevrons. They guide you around a bend. Give-way, no-entry, keep-direction and other mandatory traffic signs must be read separately; similar-looking arrows can have different legal meanings.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 82(5); LCR articles 27,32
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026
Is the speed shown by a chevron in Switzerland a compulsory maximum?
A curve-alignment board alone does not set a numerical maximum speed. Obey any separate regulatory speed sign and reduce speed further for the bend, visibility and surface. Do not treat the alignment board as evidence that the posted road maximum is safe.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 82(5); LCR articles 27,32
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

Traffic rules
Switzerland