Speeding

Speed is a key factor in road safety.
In Switzerland, as in many other countries, speed limits have been set to ensure the safety of all road users.

Speeding remains one of the main causes of accidents.

The first road traffic regulations in Switzerland date back to the end of the 19th century, the era of the first motorized vehicles.
As the number of vehicles increased and new road infrastructures were built, the need to regulate speed quickly became apparent.

Over the years, these limits have evolved in line with technological advances, road safety studies and society’s changing needs.

The dangers of speeding

Excessive speed reduces the driver’s reaction time, increases braking distance and increases the severity of accidents.
An impact at high speed is often fatal, endangering not only the driver, but also other road users.

Speed limits in Switzerland

Standard speed limits

• Urban areas: in densely populated areas, the standard limit is 50 km/h.
  This limit is designed to protect pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

• Main roads outside built-up areas: on main roads outside built-up areas, the limit is generally set at 80 km/h.
  These roads may pass through villages or residential areas, so a moderate limit is essential.

• Freeways : Swiss freeways, designed for high-speed traffic, have a 120 km/h limit.
  However, some sections, particularly those with high traffic density or near urban areas, may have reduced limits.

Specific speed limits

Switzerland recognizes that not all roads are the same.
Consequently, specific limits are sometimes established:

• 30 km/h zones: in certain residential areas, 30 km/h limits have been introduced to guarantee the safety of residents, especially children.

• Encounter zones: these zones, where pedestrians have priority, have a 20 km/h limit.

• Tunnels and construction zones: reduced limits are often imposed in tunnels and construction zones for safety reasons.

Reasons for speed limits

• Safety: reducing speed reduces the risk of serious accidents.
  At lower speeds, drivers have more time to react, and the impact of a collision is less violent.

• Environmental protection: driving at moderate speeds reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Quality of life: in residential areas, lower speeds reduce noise and pollution, improving residents’ quality of life.

In a nutshell:

• 30 km/h in 30 km/h zones.
• 50 km/h in localities.
• 80 km/h on main and secondary roads outside towns.
• 100 km/h on semi-motorways.
• 120 km/h on freeways.

Legal consequences

Speeding is one of the most common traffic offences in Switzerland, but also one of the most dangerous.

The consequences of driving too fast can be tragic, ranging from property damage to fatal accidents.

In response, the Swiss legal system has introduced a range of penalties designed to deter drivers from exceeding speed limits.

Fines for speeding

Fines for speeding in Switzerland depend on the seriousness of the offence and the type of road.
Here’s an overview of speeding fines:

• Between 1 and 5 km/h:
  • CHF 40.00 in one location
  • CHF 40.00 on main and secondary roads outside localities
  • CHF 20.00 on the freeway

• Between 6 and 10 km/h:
  • CHF 120.00 in one location
  • 100.00 CHF outside locality
  • CHF 60.00 on freeway

• Between 11 and 15 km/h:
  • CHF 250.00 in one location
  • 160.00 CHF outside locality
  • CHF 120.00 on freeway

• Between 16 and 20 km/h:
  • Local court
  • 240.00 CHF outside locality
  • 180.00 CHF on the freeway.

• Between 21 and 25 km/h: Tribunal in all cases.

• Over 25 km/h: Tribunal in all cases.

Warning

Depending on whether you exceed the speed limit, you will receive a speeding warning:

• between 16 and 20 km/m: local

• between 21 and 25 km/h: on main and secondary roads outside towns

• between 26 and 30 km/h: on freeways

Withdrawal of license

If you go well over the speed limit, you could lose your licence.

• Between 21 and 24 km/h: in locality, minimum 1-month suspension

• Over 25 km/h: in locality, suspension of driver’s license for at least 3 months and entry in criminal record

• Between 26 and 29 km/h: on main and secondary roads outside localities, minimum 1-month suspension of licence.

• Over 30 km/h: on main and secondary roads outside localities, suspension of licence for at least 3 months and entry in criminal record

• Between 31 and 34 km/h: on freeways, driver’s license withdrawn for at least 1 month

• Over 35 km/h: on freeways, suspension of licence for at least 3 months and entry in criminal record

In the case of particularly serious speeding offences in Switzerland, your licence may be suspended as a precautionary measure for an indefinite period.
A psychological assessment may also be required to determine your fitness to resume driving.
For more information on license suspension, see our detailed guide.

Tolerance for speeding

Speed measurement equipment in Switzerland is extremely accurate.
However, a certain safety margin is applied:

• For measurements using radar, light barriers, threshold detectors or section controls:
  • 5 km/h tolerance for a measured speed of 100 km/h or less
  • 6 km/h for speeds between 101 and 150 km/h
  • 7 km/h for speeds over 150 km/h

• For laser measurements
  • 3 km/h tolerance for speeds of 100 km/h or less
  • 4 km/h between 101 and 150 km/h
  • 5 km/h above 150 km/h.