Stopping and parking in Switzerland – rules simply explained

Stopping vs. parking – what is the difference?

Swiss traffic law distinguishes between stopping and parking. Stopping is a brief halt—e.g. for picking up or dropping off passengers or loading/unloading. Parking means leaving the vehicle unattended for a longer period. Different rules apply to each.

Where is stopping prohibited?

• On pedestrian crossings and less than 5 m before them
• At bus stops within the marked area
• On cycle paths and cycle lanes
• In tunnels
• On motorways (except the hard shoulder in emergencies)
• Where a yellow line is painted along the roadside

Where is parking prohibited?

Parking is prohibited wherever stopping is banned, plus:

• Less than 5 m from intersections
• Less than 3 m from tram tracks or railway lines
• Near fire hydrants only if it obstructs their access or use
• In front of driveways and garage exits

Parking on slopes

• Always apply the handbrake
• Leave a gear engaged (uphill: 1st gear, downhill: reverse)
• Turn the wheels so the car would roll towards the kerb or away from the road if the brakes failed

Parking disc and parking meters

In blue zones the parking disc is mandatory. The arrival time is rounded up to the next half hour. At parking meters, pay the displayed fee. The exam frequently tests these rules with scenario-based questions.