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Driving in Switzerland vs. United Kingdom: Key Differences

Exploring the driving landscapes of Switzerland and the United Kingdom reveals intriguing contrasts that every traveler should know. From lane usage and speed regulations to signaling practices at roundabouts, these variances play a crucial role in ensuring safe journeys. Familiarizing yourself with these distinctions will enhance your road experience abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
switzerland:
Right
united kingdom:
Left
Markings: Solid White Line
switzerland:
No crossing or lane changes allowed.
united kingdom:
Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle).
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
switzerland:
Used for temporary road changes or construction zones.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
switzerland:
No crossing in either direction.
united kingdom:
Do not cross or straddle in either direction.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
switzerland:
Used in temporary traffic management.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK.
Overtaking: On Right
switzerland:
Not typically allowed, except in certain slow-moving traffic situations.
united kingdom:
Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
switzerland:
Railroad crossings
united kingdom:
Near schools
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
switzerland:
Use rightmost lane.
united kingdom:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
switzerland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
united kingdom:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
switzerland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
united kingdom:
Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
switzerland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
united kingdom:
Mostly exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
switzerland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
united kingdom:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
switzerland:
No
united kingdom:
No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
switzerland:
30-50 km/h
united kingdom:
30 mph
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
switzerland:
30 km/h
united kingdom:
20 mph in some areas
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
switzerland:
80 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
switzerland:
80 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
switzerland:
80 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
switzerland:
120 km/h
united kingdom:
70 mph
Highways: Buses And Vans
switzerland:
100 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
switzerland:
80 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Speed Units
switzerland:
km/h
united kingdom:
mph
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
switzerland:
Yes, drivers can be fined on the spot.
united kingdom:
Not typically used; fines are usually mailed

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
switzerland:
Prepare to go
united kingdom:
Prepare to go, not used in the USA
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
switzerland:
Signal when exiting
united kingdom:
Signal when entering and exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
switzerland:
Symbols are standard, French, German, Italian and Rumantsch languages are used
united kingdom:
English; symbols are standard

Turns

Right Turn On Red
switzerland:
Prohibited unless a specific sign allows it
united kingdom:
Not permitted in the UK
Left Turn: General
switzerland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
united kingdom:
Left turns permitted; use caution
Left Turn: At Intersections
switzerland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
united kingdom:
Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
U- Turns Allowed
switzerland:
Allowed unless prohibited by sign
united kingdom:
Allowed except where prohibited by signage

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
switzerland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended for non-French/German/Italian speaking licenses
united kingdom:
Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
switzerland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
united kingdom:
International Driving Permit often required alongside national license
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
switzerland:
Vehicle inspection is required regularly; proof must be available
united kingdom:
MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
switzerland:
Proof of inspection is kept in the vehicle
united kingdom:
Not displayed; records are electronic
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
switzerland:
Mandatory
united kingdom:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
switzerland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
united kingdom:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
switzerland:
0.05%
united kingdom:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
switzerland:
0.05%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
switzerland:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Enforcement: Random Checks
switzerland:
Common; police conduct random breath tests
united kingdom:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
switzerland:
Substantial; fines can be based on income
united kingdom:
Substantial fines apply
Test Refusal
switzerland:
Can result in license suspension and fines
united kingdom:
Can result in license suspension

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
switzerland:
No signaling normally required when entering
united kingdom:
Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight
Lane Usage: Right
switzerland:
Use for the first exit or straight
united kingdom:
Use for first exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
switzerland:
112
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
switzerland:
117
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
switzerland:
140
united kingdom:
Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
switzerland:
Mandatory
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
switzerland:
Varies; CHF 40 to CHF 400+, can lead to license suspension
united kingdom:
Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points
Common Fines: Seat Belts
switzerland:
CHF 60
united kingdom:
£100 fine
Common Fines: Phone Use
switzerland:
CHF 100
united kingdom:
£200 and 6 penalty points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines
united kingdom:
£100 fine and 3 penalty points
Payment: On The Spot
switzerland:
Common; fines can be issued on the spot
united kingdom:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
switzerland:
Varies; typically a few weeks to pay
united kingdom:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay