RoundaboutSwitzerland

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.


21. Roundabout

A roundabout is a circular road arrangement in which traffic travels around a central island in one designated direction. Vehicles enter and leave through connecting roads, and traffic signs or local rules determine who has priority.

Drivers should reduce speed, choose a suitable lane, observe all road users and signal as required when leaving. The direction of travel, entry priority, lane use and rules for cyclists and pedestrians depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Give-way and roundabout signs. (Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Who has priority at a roundabout in Switzerland?

At a Swiss roundabout marked with the roundabout and give-way controls, yield to vehicles in the circle approaching from the left. Keep speed low and read any separate arrangements for crossings and lanes.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 6,8,28,41b; Road Signs Ordinance article 24(4)

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Supporting official source

How should you choose a roundabout lane in Switzerland?

Choose your intended exit before entering and follow the lane arrows and destination signs. Keep to the marked route and make any permitted lane change only when safe; having priority over entering traffic does not give you priority to change lanes.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 6,8,28,41b; Road Signs Ordinance article 24(4)

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Supporting official source

Mandatory roundabout direction. Mandatory roundabout direction.

English • Traffic sign 2.41.1 • Roundabout.

Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 2.41.1 • Kreisverkehrsplatz.

Français • Signal 2.41.1 • Carrefour à sens giratoire.

Italiano • Segnale 2.41.1 • Area con percorso rotatorio obbligato.

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 2017-07-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Swiss signalling ordinance, version 1 October 2026, annex 2: Fedlex.admin.ch • Signal 2.41.1, PDF page 107. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. This is an educational illustration, not a manufacturing specification.

What should you check when leaving a roundabout in Switzerland?

Signal your intention to leave the roundabout. Check any lane you will enter or cross and look for cyclists and pedestrians at the exit. Give way at an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing to pedestrians already crossing or waiting with a clear intention to cross. Obey any separate crossing signals.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 6,8,28,41b; Road Signs Ordinance article 24(4)

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Supporting official source

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 ...