One-way trafficSwitzerland
14. One-way traffic
One-way traffic means that vehicles on a road or carriageway may travel only in one designated direction. The permitted direction is normally indicated by traffic signs, lane arrows or road markings.
Some road users, such as cyclists or public-transport vehicles, may be allowed to travel in the opposite direction when signs expressly permit it. A one-way road does not by itself determine the speed limit, priority or parking rules.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
How should I read a one-way restriction in Switzerland?
Follow the direction designated by the street’s one-way signs and any entrance restrictions or lane arrows. A compulsory turn at one junction is different from a restriction applying along the street.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR46(1)-(2); OCR37; LCR27
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state1October2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state1July2026
Road with one-way traffic.
English • Traffic sign 4.08 • One-way traffic.
Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 4.08 • Einbahnstrasse.
Français • Signal 4.08 • Sens unique.
Italiano • Segnale 4.08 • Senso unico.
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 4.08, PDF page 113. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. This is an educational illustration, not a manufacturing specification.
No entry.
English • Traffic sign 2.02 • No entry.
Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 2.02 • Einfahrt verboten.
Français • Signal 2.02 • Accès interdit.
Italiano • Segnale 2.02 • Divieto di accesso.
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 2022-01-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork reviewed against the Swiss signalling ordinance, version 1 October 2026, annex 2: Fedlex.admin.ch • Signal 2.02, PDF page 103. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. This is an educational illustration, not a manufacturing specification.
May cyclists travel against the general traffic direction in Switzerland?
The one-way-with-restricted-counterflow sign identifies a street where the vehicle categories shown may travel in the opposite direction. Cyclists must check that their category is actually authorised. Drivers must look for permitted counterflow traffic when turning or crossing.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR46(1)-(2); OCR37; LCR27
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state1October2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state1July2026
Does one-way traffic give me priority or a different speed limit in Switzerland?
A one-way restriction concerns direction. Continue to follow the applicable speed limit, signals, give-way or stop controls and junction-priority rules. Where authorised counterflow traffic exists, check for it before turning or crossing; your permitted direction is not automatic junction priority.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR46(1)-(2); OCR37; LCR27
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state1October2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state1July2026

Traffic rules
Switzerland