Learn the most important Swiss traffic rules: right of way, speed limits, roundabouts, mountain roads, vehicle lighting, Via Sicura and more. Perfect preparation for the theory exam.
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Priority rules are among the most important topics of the Swiss theory exam. Knowing who has the right of way and when you must yield determines safety at intersections and junctions.
The right-before-left rule is the fundamental principle in Switzerland: at intersections without signs or signals, the vehicle approaching from the right has priority. This principle applies on roads of equal status—anywhere no traffic signs, traffic lights or markings determine the priority.
A junction with a road without priority is marked by the 'give way' sign (inverted triangle). Anyone passing this sign must yield to crossing traffic. On main roads, through traffic has priority—indicated by the yellow diamond sign.
At signposted intersections the respective signs apply: the priority sign (yellow diamond) signals right of way, the 'give way' sign (inverted triangle) and the stop sign require you to wait or stop completely. Understanding these signs is essential for the exam.
Compliance with the permitted maximum speed is one of the most common exam questions. Different speed limits apply in Switzerland depending on road type and zone.
Within built-up areas the general speed limit is 50 km/h unless other signs indicate otherwise. In a 30 km/h zone (also called a tempo 30 zone), the reduced maximum speed is 30 km/h. These zones are commonly found in residential neighbourhoods and near schools.
Outside built-up areas the limit is generally 80 km/h on main roads and 100 km/h on semi-motorways. The motorway speed limit is 120 km/h. In rain, snow or poor visibility, speed must be reduced—even if the posted limit is higher.
Tempo 30 zones have increased significantly in recent years. In these areas the right-before-left rule often applies, there are frequently no pedestrian crossings and traffic should be deliberately calmed. Unlike encounter zones (20 km/h), pedestrians do not have general priority in a 30 km/h zone.
Behaviour on mountain roads is a popular topic in the theory exam. Special priority rules apply here.
On narrow mountain roads the vehicle driving uphill generally has priority—unless a passing place is closer to the uphill vehicle. Who has priority on a mountain road, uphill or downhill? The basic rule: the vehicle going downhill must reverse and give way.
Exceptions apply for postal buses and heavy vehicles such as lorries or coaches. They must always be given priority on mountain roads. Vehicles that are difficult to reverse (e.g. vehicle-trailer combinations) are also treated preferentially in practice.
At intersections on mountain roads the general priority rules apply—right-before-left or the posted signs. The mountain road priority rule does not override other signage.
The roundabout is a frequent exam topic and is encountered everywhere in daily traffic.
In a roundabout, traffic already inside the circle has priority. Vehicles entering must wait until there is a sufficient gap. Indicating when entering is not required, but indicating when leaving the roundabout is mandatory.
Pay special attention to cyclists and pedestrians: cyclists ride on the right side of the roundabout and can be easily overlooked when exiting. Pedestrian crossings at roundabout approaches require particular care.
Tunnels and residential streets have their own rules of conduct that are regularly tested in the theory exam.
In tunnels dipped headlights must be switched on—even in lit tunnels. U-turns, reversing and stopping without reason are prohibited. In a traffic jam inside a tunnel, switch off the engine and leave the key in the ignition. In case of fire, leave the tunnel if possible—do not stay in the vehicle.
On residential streets the speed limit is usually 30 km/h or even 20 km/h (encounter zone). Special consideration for playing children and pedestrians is required. The right-before-left rule applies unless otherwise indicated.
Correct vehicle lighting is fundamental to the theory exam. Switzerland has clear rules about when to use which lights.
Dipped headlights (also called low beam) must be switched on day and night. Since 2014 Switzerland requires lights during the day: either dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be on for every journey. Daytime running lights only illuminate to the front and are not sufficient in darkness.
Sidelights (parking lights) are used only to mark a parked vehicle at night—they are not driving lights. Full beam (high beam) may only be used outside built-up areas and when there is no oncoming traffic. When meeting oncoming vehicles, switch to dipped headlights in good time.
Fog lights (fog lamps) may only be used in heavy fog, snowfall or rain—i.e. when visibility is significantly reduced. The rear fog light may only be used in fog with visibility below 50 metres.
Symbols: the dipped headlight symbol shows a downward-angled light beam to the left. The daytime running light symbol shows two horizontal lines with vertical dashes. Full beam: a straight, horizontal light beam. You should know these symbols for the theory exam.
Traffic signs relating to priority are among the most frequently tested signals in the Swiss theory exam.
The priority sign (yellow diamond on white background) signals: you are on a main road and have priority. As long as this sign applies, vehicles joining from side roads must wait.
The 'give way' sign (inverted red-and-white triangle) means: you do not have priority and must yield to crossing traffic. The stop sign additionally requires you to come to a complete halt—even if no one is approaching.
There is no separate right-before-left sign; the right-before-left rule applies automatically when no other signs are present. The exam frequently asks about the meaning of different priority signs.
Via Sicura is a federal package of measures to increase road safety in Switzerland. Several of its regulations are exam-relevant.
Key Via Sicura measures include: mandatory daytime lights (dipped headlights or daytime running lights), stricter drink-driving penalties (0.5 ‰ general, 0.1 ‰ for new drivers), ban on radar warning devices, and tougher sanctions for speeding violations.
Via Sicura has also affected rules for cyclists: cyclists must use lights at night—a white front light and a red rear light. Children up to age 12 may ride on the pavement if no cycle path is available.
Cyclists are equal road users. The rules for cycling are an integral part of the theory exam.
Cyclists must use cycle paths where available. They ride on the right side of the road and may only turn left when allowed by signage or required at the end of a cycle lane. Hand signals when turning are mandatory.
At intersections the same priority rules apply to cyclists as to motorised traffic—including the right-before-left rule. In roundabouts, bikes ride on the right and must not be overtaken. Drivers must keep at least 1.5 m lateral distance when overtaking a cyclist.
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23/03/2026
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