Traffic signsSwitzerland

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Traffic signs

A traffic sign is a standardised visual symbol placed along roads to guide, warn, or regulate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These signs provide essential information about road conditions, rules, directions, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. They come in various shapes and colours—such as triangular warning signs, circular prohibitory or mandatory signs, and rectangular information signs—each designed for quick recognition and clear understanding.

101. End of the residential area

This traffic sign indicates the end of the residential area. The special traffic rules associated with the residential area end at this point. Follow the traffic signs and rules that apply beyond the area.

102. Start of a zone for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the start of a pedestrian zone. Pedestrians are the principal road users within the zone, while access by vehicles and other road users is subject to the applicable traffic signs and local rules.

103. End of the zone for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the end of the pedestrian zone. The special traffic rules associated with the pedestrian zone end at this point. Follow the traffic signs and rules that apply beyond the zone.

104. National speed limits

This traffic sign indicates the national speed limits. The applicable default maximum speeds depend on the road type, vehicle category and local traffic rules when no different speed limit is indicated.

105. Start of a tunnel

This traffic sign indicates the start of a tunnel. Special traffic rules may apply within the tunnel, including requirements concerning vehicle lighting, speed or following distance. Follow the applicable signs and local rules.

106. Start of a tunnel with indicated length

This traffic sign indicates the start of a tunnel and shows its length. The displayed value indicates the length of the tunnel. Follow the traffic rules and any special requirements that apply within it.

107. Crossing for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates a crossing for pedestrians. It marks a designated place where pedestrians cross the road. Priority and crossing rules depend on the applicable traffic signs, signals and local regulations.

108. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where oncoming drivers have to give way.

109. Dead end street

This traffic sign indicates a dead end street. The road has no through route for vehicles, although access to properties or other destinations along the road may still be possible.

110. Road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Vehicular traffic may travel only in the permitted direction, subject to any exceptions indicated by traffic signs or local rules.

111. Information about the next exit

This traffic sign gives information about the next exit. It may show the exit number, destination, direction or distance to the exit.

112. Maximum speed of a lane

This traffic sign indicates the maximum speed for the indicated lane. Vehicles using that lane must not exceed the displayed speed limit while the restriction applies.

113. Route to be followed in order to turn left

This traffic sign indicates the route to use for a left turn. Follow the indicated route instead of turning left directly at this point.

114. Information about the directions of the roundabout

This traffic sign gives information about directions at a roundabout. The diagram shows the available exits and the destinations reached from them.

115. Detour for vehicles that are not allowed to pass

This traffic sign indicates a detour for vehicles that cannot continue on the normal route. Vehicles affected by the relevant restriction should follow the indicated alternative route.

116. Parking allowed

This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed. Vehicles may be parked in the area covered by the sign subject to any indicated conditions, restrictions or local parking rules.

117. Parking only allowed if you pay

This traffic sign indicates that parking requires payment. Pay the applicable parking charge according to the indicated conditions and local payment rules.

118. Parking only allowed for a limited time

This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed only for a limited time. Observe the permitted parking duration and use a parking disc or other time-recording method where required.

119. Start of a parking zone

This traffic sign indicates the start of a parking zone. The parking rules indicated for the zone apply throughout it according to the applicable signs and local regulations.

120. End of the parking zone

This traffic sign indicates the end of the parking zone. The parking rules associated with that zone end at this point. Other parking restrictions or conditions may still apply.

121. Place where you can let other vehicles pass

This traffic sign indicates a place where vehicles can let other traffic pass. A passing place provides additional space where vehicles can temporarily move aside when the road is too narrow for traffic to pass normally.

122. Crossroad shape

This traffic sign shows the shape or layout of an upcoming junction. The diagram indicates how the approaching road and connecting roads are arranged.

123. For pedestrians

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to pedestrians.

124. For people with disabilities

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to people with disabilities. Any permit or eligibility requirements depend on the applicable sign and local rules.

125. For skiers

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to skiers.

126. For cyclists

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to cyclists.

127. For mopeds

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to mopeds.

128. For motorcycles

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to motorcycles.

129. For cars

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to cars. The vehicle category covered by the symbol is determined by the applicable local definitions.

130. For trailers

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to vehicles towing trailers.

131. For carpooling

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to vehicles used for carpooling. Any required number of occupants depends on the applicable local rules.

132. For tractors

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to tractors.

133. For caravans

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to caravans. The caravan categories covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

134. For recreational vehicles

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to recreational vehicles. The vehicle categories covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

135. For trucks

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to trucks. The truck categories covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

136. For trucks towing a trailer

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to trucks towing a trailer.

137. For articulated trucks

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to articulated trucks. The vehicle combinations covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

138. For buses

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to buses. The vehicle categories covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

139. For trams

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to trams.

140. For aircraft

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign specifically concerns aircraft. Its precise meaning depends on the main sign with which it is used.

141. For military vehicles

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to military vehicles. The vehicle categories covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

142. Ferry users allowed

This supplementary sign indicates that ferry users are allowed where the main traffic sign would otherwise restrict access. The exception applies to road users accessing or leaving the relevant ferry service.

143. To the right

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies in the direction shown by the arrow, to the right.

144. Start of regulation

This supplementary sign indicates the start of the regulation shown by the main traffic sign. The regulation begins at this point.

145. Continuation of regulation

This supplementary sign indicates the continuation or reminder of the regulation shown by the main traffic sign.

146. End of regulation

This supplementary sign indicates the end of the regulation shown by the main traffic sign. The regulation ends at this point.

147. Applies after the upcoming right turn

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies after the upcoming right turn.

148. metres ahead

This supplementary sign indicates the distance from the main traffic sign to the point where the indicated danger, regulation or information begins. The distance is shown in metres.

149. Next petrol station kilometres ahead

This supplementary sign indicates the distance to the next petrol station. The displayed value shows the distance in kilometres.

150. For kilometres

This supplementary sign indicates the length of the section to which the main traffic sign applies. The length is shown in kilometres.

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