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

Traffic rules
Switzerland