Laws and Regulations
- 1/29If riding a motorcycle or moped
All riders and passengers must wear an ECE-approved helmet at all times to protect against head injuries police can issue fines for non-compliance.
At operating without lights
Motorcycles must have working dipped headlights switched on at all times, day or night, to improve visibility and safety.
To meet mirror requirements
Swiss law requires both left and right mirrors for rear visibility, helping to detect vehicles in blind spots.
If carrying passenger
Passengers may only be carried if the motorcycle is designed for two, with a secure seat and functional footrests.
At using a mobile phone
Handheld phone use while riding is illegal only approved hands-free devices may be used without taking hands off controls.
To park legally
Motorcycles must be parked only in marked spaces blocking pavements, bike lanes, or crossings is prohibited.
If overtaking
Riders must only overtake when safe, avoiding solid line crossings or forcing oncoming traffic to brake.
At approaching pedestrian crossings
Riders must reduce speed and stop if necessary to let pedestrians cross, even if the light is green for vehicles.
If lane splitting
Filtering between lanes is permitted only when traffic is slow and sufficient space exists to avoid collisions.
To comply with noise rules
Motorcycles must meet legal noise limits tampering with or replacing exhausts for extra noise is prohibited.
At using indicators
Turn signals must be used well in advance to warn other road users of intended direction changes.
If braking
Both hands must be used for stable and controlled braking sudden one-handed braking can cause skids or loss of control.
To cross railway tracks
Riders should reduce speed, approach tracks at a safe angle, and avoid abrupt steering to prevent tyre slip.
At riding in bus lanes
Motorcycles may use bus lanes only if local signage authorises it, to avoid disrupting public transport flow.
If towing another vehicle
Motorcycles are generally prohibited from towing, except for short distances in emergencies and with safe equipment.
At entering motorways
Only motorcycles meeting minimum speed and safety requirements may enter motorways mopeds are not allowed.
If in bicycle lanes
Motorcycle use of cycle lanes is illegal unless explicitly authorised, to protect cyclist safety.
To ride in tunnels
Headlights must remain on in tunnels to ensure visibility to oncoming and following traffic.
If stopped by police
Riders must carry a valid licence and registration documents and present them when requested by enforcement officers.
At customs control
Riders must provide proper documentation and declare their motorcycle if entering or leaving Switzerland.
To comply with alcohol limit
Blood alcohol content must not exceed 0.5‰ exceeding can result in fines, suspension, or licence loss.
If carrying oversized load
Oversized or unusual loads must be securely fastened and not impair stability, handling, or visibility.
At group riding
Group riders must ride in staggered formation, keeping safe space between bikes to allow reaction time.
To ride in winter
Winter or all-season tyres must be used when snow, ice, or low temperatures make roads slippery.
If engine idling unnecessarily
Riders must turn off engines when stationary for extended periods in restricted zones to reduce pollution.
At traffic lights
Riders must come to a full stop at red or amber lights unless too close to stop safely when amber appears.
To avoid fines
All regulatory, warning, and informational signs must be obeyed signs take precedence over general rules.
If participating in events
Organised road events such as charity rides require police or local authority approval before proceeding.
At leaving the scene of accident
Riders must stop after any collision, exchange details, and assist if needed fleeing is a criminal offence.