Speed limitSwitzerland
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.
6. Speed limit
A speed limit is the maximum legal speed permitted on a road, lane or within a designated area. It may be established by general traffic law or indicated by fixed, variable or temporary traffic signs.
A speed limit is a maximum, not a target speed. Drivers must travel more slowly whenever traffic, visibility, weather, road conditions, vulnerable road users or the condition of the vehicle make the maximum permitted speed unsafe.
Wikimedia.org • JoachimKohler-HB • CC BY-SA
Which general speed limits should car drivers know in Switzerland?
For an ordinary car without a trailer, the general maxima are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on ordinary roads outside them, 100 km/h on expressways and 120 km/h on motorways. Follow lower signed restrictions and special-area rules. These general figures do not replace vehicle-specific requirements.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Signalling Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026
Is a Swiss expressway subject to the same general maximum as a motorway?
No. The general maximum on an expressway is 100 km/h, compared with 120 km/h on a motorway. German official wording distinguishes Autostrasse and Autobahn; French uses semi-autoroute and autoroute. Lower signed limits still apply.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Signalling Ordinance, state 1 October 2026
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026
Does the end of a Swiss local restriction mean unlimited speed?
No. The appropriate general limit for the road category resumes unless another restriction applies. Ending a local 60 km/h restriction, for example, does not abolish the ordinary outside-area or motorway ceiling.
🔗 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