MotorwaySwitzerland

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.


2. Motorway

A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.

Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Motorway
B33n approaching the German–Swiss border, with signs for the Swiss motorway toll. (Konstanz, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Raimond Spekking • CC BY-SA
How do people refer to a motorway in Switzerland?

The terms are Autobahn in German, autoroute in French and autostrada in Italian. Roads for motor vehicles are a separate category and have a different general speed limit.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 4a,7-8,35-36(7); Signalling Ordinance article 45

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Signalling Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

Start of a motorway. Start of a motorway.

English • Traffic sign 4.01 • Motorway.

Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 4.01 • Autobahn.

Français • Signal 4.01 • Autoroute.

Italiano • Segnale 4.01 • Autostrada.

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 2017-06-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Swiss signalling ordinance, version 1 October 2026, annex 2: Fedlex.admin.ch • Signal 4.01, PDF page 113. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. This is an educational illustration, not a manufacturing specification.

End of the motorway. End of the motorway.

English • Traffic sign 4.02 • End of motorway.

Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 4.02 • Ende der Autobahn.

Français • Signal 4.02 • Fin de l’autoroute.

Italiano • Segnale 4.02 • Fine dell’autostrada.

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 2017-06-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Swiss signalling ordinance, version 1 October 2026, annex 2: Fedlex.admin.ch • Signal 4.02, PDF page 113. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. This is an educational illustration, not a manufacturing specification.

What speed limit applies to cars on a motorway in Switzerland?

For an ordinary passenger car without a trailer, the general maximum is 120 km/h. Obey lower posted limits and reduce speed when traffic, weather or visibility requires it. Different limits can apply to other vehicle classes.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 4a,7-8,35-36(7); Signalling Ordinance article 45

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Signalling Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

Which lane should I normally use on a Swiss motorway?

Keep to the right-hand lane when it is available. Use the middle or left lane for overtaking and return right when safe. Signal lane changes and check mirrors and blind spots.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 4a,7-8,35-36(7); Signalling Ordinance article 45

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Signalling Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

Where should I leave an emergency corridor on a Swiss motorway?

On a motorway with at least two lanes per direction, leave an emergency corridor between the leftmost lane and the lane immediately to its right when traffic is moving at walking pace or has stopped. Prepare early as a queue forms, keep the corridor clear and follow any traffic controls.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 4a,7-8,35-36(7); Signalling Ordinance article 45

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Signalling Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

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 ...