Swiss road signs – all important signs explained

Road signs in Switzerland – basics

Road signs regulate traffic and are a central topic of the Swiss theory exam. They fall into three main categories: regulatory signs, warning signs and information signs. Knowing the meaning, shape and colour of each sign gives you a clear advantage in the exam.

Regulatory signs – obligations and prohibitions

Regulatory signs are usually circular. They are divided into prohibition signs (red border) and mandatory signs (blue background). Common examples:

• No vehicles – white circle with red border
• Speed limit – number inside a red circle (e.g. 50, 80, 120)
• No entry – red circle with white horizontal bar
• Mandatory direction – white arrow on blue background

The exam often asks about the precise meaning of individual regulatory signs—for example, the difference between "no vehicles" and "no entry."

Warning signs – alerting to hazards

Warning signs are triangular with a red border and white background. They alert drivers to hazards such as curves, railway crossings, construction zones or wildlife crossings. Important: warning signs do not prescribe specific behaviour—they simply draw attention.

Frequently tested warning signs include:

• Curve / double curve
• Steep ascent / descent
• Railway crossing with / without barriers
• Pedestrian crossing
• Children

Information signs – guidance and orientation

Information signs are usually rectangular and blue or green. They indicate motorways, parking areas, one-way streets, pedestrian zones or hospitals. Directional signs and place-name signs also belong to this category.

Supplementary plates and special signals

Many road signs are complemented by supplementary plates—e.g. distance indications, time restrictions or vehicle categories. The theory exam also covers special signals such as traffic lights, lane signals and temporary construction-zone signage.

Tips for the theory exam

When studying, focus on shape (circular, triangular, rectangular), colour (red, blue, green) and the context of the sign. Practise with realistic exam questions that show signs in traffic situations—this teaches you to interpret signs in context rather than in isolation.