Height limitSwitzerland
41. Height limit
A height limit prohibits vehicles whose total height exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel, gateway or other structure. The vehicle’s height includes its load and any equipment attached above it.
Drivers of high vehicles must know their exact height, observe advance warnings and use an alternative route when necessary. They should never rely only on visual judgement or attempt to pass beneath a structure when safe clearance is uncertain.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
How should you read a low-bridge height restriction in Switzerland?
The maximum-height sign prohibits passage by vehicles whose height, including their load, exceeds the stated figure. It is used at low obstructions such as tunnels, covered bridges and overhanging structures. Check the actual signed limit before entering.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 21(2); LCR articles 27,31
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026
Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.
English • Traffic sign 2.19 • Maximum height.
Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 2.19 • Höchsthöhe.
Français • Signal 2.19 • Hauteur maximale.
Italiano • Segnale 2.19 • Altezza massima.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • SSV, Anhang 2 (DE)
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSR, annexe 2 (FR)
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSStr, allegato 2 (IT)
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Bundesamt für Strassen (ASTRA) • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork reviewed against the Swiss signalling ordinance, version 1 October 2026, annex 2: Fedlex.admin.ch • Signal 2.19, PDF page 105. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. This is an educational illustration, not a manufacturing specification.
Does a roof load count when checking vehicle height in Switzerland?
Yes. The signed maximum height applies to the vehicle including its load. Check the highest point of the complete travelling vehicle, including a roof box, roof rack, bicycle or other fitted equipment. Do not rely on the registered height of the unloaded vehicle.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 21(2); LCR articles 27,31
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026
What should you do if your vehicle is too high for a bridge or tunnel in Switzerland?
Do not try to squeeze under the structure. Use the signed alternative route and, if you are already close to the obstruction, stop where safe and seek traffic-control assistance rather than reversing unpredictably into moving traffic.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 21(2); LCR articles 27,31
🔗 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