Driving in Switzerland can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s also one of the most scenic places to drive. Whether you’re planning to drive your own car or rent one from an agency, there are some things to keep in mind before hitting the road. If you’re not careful about these details, your vacation could turn into an expensive nightmare. Here are 10 things that might help keep your Swiss driving adventure safe and enjoyable.
You may need a permit to drive in Switzerland
When you rent a car in Switzerland, you may need to get a permit. This is because the roads are narrow and full of traffic.
You can get a permit at the border or online before arriving in Switzerland. If you have an EU license, then no permit is needed since European Union countries have agreements allowing each other’s citizens to drive on their roads without having any additional paperwork processed or payment required.
The Swiss have their own rules about insurance and taxes
The Swiss have their own rules about insurance and taxes. This can be confusing if you’re visiting from another country, so make sure to understand how things work before renting a car in Switzerland.
The Swiss Government requires that all vehicles be insured with a minimum amount of liability coverage. If you don’t purchase this insurance when you rent your vehicle, the rental company may charge you up to 100% more than they would normally charge for their coverage (and they will almost certainly not allow any flexibility on this) wrinky.
You’ll also need to pay a tax based on your car’s size when picking up your vehicle at the airport or train station – the amount varies depending on what kind of car you’re renting and how long it will be in use (from 4 days up).
In some places, you might need to have a local driver’s license
In Switzerland and Liechtenstein, for example, you must have a valid driver’s license from your home country in order to rent a car. If you don’t have one or if it has expired while traveling abroad (it happens!) then you will need to apply for an international driver’s license before arriving in either of these countries. In other countries like Germany and Italy, however – and depending on the rental company – you may be able to rent without any type of ID at all networthexposed!
You’ll want to know about the traffic laws
Swiss traffic laws are different from what you may be used to in the United States and other countries. In fact, there are many different rules for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and motorcyclists. For example:
Pedestrians must always yield to vehicles when crossing the street. If there is no pedestrian crosswalk available at an intersection (which is common), they should walk on the shoulder of roadways that have one lane per direction of travel – not alongside moving cars! sdasrinagar
Cyclists must use bike lanes if they exist; otherwise, cyclists must ride with traffic flow and obey all signs/signals just as if motorists do (even though this isn’t necessarily intuitive). Cyclists also have right-of-way over cars when passing them on narrow roads or trails where visibility is limited due to curves or blind spots created by parked vehicles or trees lining either side of streets during rush hour commute hours from 7 am – 9 am & 4 pm – 6 pm Monday through Friday when most people get off work early so everyone gets home before dark which means lots more traffic jams especially during these times so make sure not only yourself but everyone else knows these rules too!
Traffic in Zurich
Traffic in Zurich is a bit like traffic in any big city: it can be heavy, and you won’t be able to drive fast on the outskirts of the city center. Don’t expect to be able to speed down the highway if you’re going from one part of Zurich to another. However, if you want to drive around town, don’t worry! The streets are wide enough for two cars to pass each other comfortably – and parking isn’t too difficult either (though it’s best not to park illegally).
It’s a good idea to check the rental car company’s policy on snow tires
If you’re renting a car in Switzerland, it’s a good idea to check the rental company’s policy on snow tires. Some companies allow you to choose whether you want snow tires, while others make them mandatory. If there is an additional fee for renting with snow tires, some companies will waive that cost if you ask – but others won’t budge and will force you (or make it difficult) to rent without them.
If you do need snow tires, be sure that they’ll fit your vehicle! Make sure there are enough lug nuts in the tool kit so that each wheel can be properly secured with two nuts at all times during travel; Swiss regulations require this level of security because roads are often narrow and icy due to heavy traffic from trucks carrying goods across Europe from one country into another via Switzerland (which has excellent connections between countries).
Some mountain roads won’t be accessible if there’s heavy snowfall or ice on them
Check the weather before you go, and make sure that the area where you’re going is clear of any storm warnings. Have a full tank of gas before renting, as some stations may be closed due to road closures.
Bring extra food and water in case your trip takes longer than expected (or if your car breaks down). Also, bring blankets in case it gets cold at night, especially during winter months! Also don’t forget about first aid kits – they might come in handy if something goes wrong with your rental car while driving around Switzerland!
If you get into an accident, don’t leave without reporting it to the police
If you don’t, and they find out later, you could be fined. In fact, if your car is damaged and the other party refuses to pay for repairs (or if they leave the scene), then it’s likely that YOU will be responsible for paying for those repairs yourself. In addition, if anyone involved is injured – including yourself – you’ll have to foot his or her medical bills as well!
Make sure you know where the closest gas station is before you run out of fuel on a mountain road
Don’t be caught unprepared. Before you rent a car in Switzerland, make sure you know where the closest gas station is. If you don’t have a GPS and don’t know where your destination is, then it could take hours for someone to help you out.
It’s also important that when driving on mountain roads at high altitudes (which will happen often), keep an eye on how much fuel is left in your tank so that when it gets low enough, there will still be enough time for another car rental company or hotel employee who has access to a phone line and internet connection so they can find out where another gas station may be located at around those parts of town or countryside nearby where they currently are located.”
If you’re driving through small towns, keep your ears open for bells or horns – they mean people are going by on bikes or scooters!
While you may be used to driving in America, Switzerland is a different beast. For example, if you’re driving through small towns, keep your ears open for bells or horns – they mean people are going by on bikes or scooters!
Also, remember that the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) in most areas of Switzerland and if there is no sign posted with a different limit, and then this applies. It’s also important to note that Swiss police will fine tourists who exceed this speed limit without reason; so please be careful!
Going off-road might be an option in some countries, but not in Switzerland!
So you’re thinking about renting an off-road vehicle and exploring the Alps, right? Well, think again. In Switzerland, off-roading is strictly forbidden by law. The roads themselves may be narrow and winding but they are not built for anything other than cars. If you try your luck on one of these roads in an off-road vehicle, don’t be surprised if a police officer stops you!
Hopefully, we’ve given you some good tips for how to prepare for your rental car adventure in Switzerland. The country is beautiful and exciting, but it can also be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. We wish you a safe journey!The perfect Switzerland road trip
