Road signs in Switzerland

 

On this page you find a summary of road signs in Switzerland. Although Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, signs largely follow the general European conventions concerning the use of shape and color to indicate their function. The categories of road signs are:

  • Warning signs
  • Regulatory signs
  • Priority signs and 
  • Indication signs



Information

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Warning signs:

In Switzerland warning signs take the shape of an equilateral triangle with a white background and a thick red border. Warning signs are used 50 meters before a hazard in urban areas and 150-250 meters before a hazard in non-urban areas. If the distance to a danger spot does not conform to the normal distance the distance is indicated with complementary panels. (See also "Complemantary panels")
Here you find a list of warning signs

 

Example: Road works

 

Regulatory signs:

Regulatory signs take the a circular shape with a red border, a white or blue background and a black content. They are  intended to instruct road users on what they must or should do (or not do). In Switzerland regulatory signs are valid from the place where they are used until the end of the next branch. Otherwise the distance is indicated below the sign. A repetition is shown by an repetition panel.
Here you find a list of regulatory signs.

 


Example: Prohibition of motor vehicles

 

Priority signs:

Priority traffic signs indicate the order in which vehicles should pass intersection points. Priority signs look similar to regulatory-, warning- or indication signs. 
Here you find a list of priority signs.

 

 

 Example: Give way to oncoming traffic

 

Indication signs:

Indication signs have a rectangular or square shape. Normally they have a white symbol on a blue background or a symbol on a white field. If necessary the validity distance is indicated. An indication sign shows informations or how to behave in certain situations.
Here you find a list of indication signs.

 

 
Example:Dead end

 

Road markings:

MarkierungRoad markings are used on paved roadways to provide guidance and information to drivers and pedestrians. Road markings are used to convey a range of information to the driver spanning navigational, safety and enforcement issues leading to their use in road environment.A yellow marking is used to mark forbidden parking, such as on bus stops. This color is also used to indicate when lanes are being shifted temporarily to make room for construction projects.
Here you find a list of markings.

Example:Double strip

Warning signs:

Bend to right
Bend to right
Bend to left
Bend to left
Double bend, first to right
Double bend, first to right
Double bend, first to left
Double bend, first to left
Slippery road
Slippery road
Uneven road
Uneven road
Road narrows on both sides
Road narrows on both sides
Road narrows on right
Road narrows on right
Road narrows on left
Road narrows on left
Steep gradient downwards
Steep gradient downwards
Steep gradient upwards
Steep gradient upwards
Loose chippings
Loose chippings
Danger of falling rocks from the right
Danger of falling rocks from the right
Danger of falling rocks from the left
Danger of falling rocks from the left
Road works
Road works
Level crossing with barrier or gate
Level crossing with barrier or gate
Railway level crossing without gate or barrier
Railway level crossing without gate or barrier
Trams or streetways in street or crossing
Trams or streetways in street or crossing
Pedestrian crossing ahead
Pedestrian crossing ahead
Presence of children
Presence of children
Wild animals crossing
Wild animals crossing
Animals on road (e.g. cattle)
Animals on road (e.g. cattle)
Animals on road (e.g. horses)
Animals on road (e.g. horses)
Oncoming traffic
Oncoming traffic
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Other danger (additional information will be added below the sign)
Other danger (additional information will be added below the sign)
Congestion
Congestion
Bicycle traffic/crossing
Bicycle traffic/crossing

 

Regulatory signs:

Generall prohibition of vehicular traffic in both directions
Generall prohibition of vehicular traffic in both directions
No entry for vehicular traffic (one-way street; possible exceptions for bicycles and mopeds must be indicated)
No entry for vehicular traffic (one-way street; possible exceptions for bicycles and mopeds must be indicated)
Prohibition of motor vehicles (on three or more wheels except for solo motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles)
Prohibition of motor vehicles (on three or more wheels except for solo motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles)
Prohibition of motorcycles
Prohibition of motorcycles
Prohibition of bicycles and mopeds
Prohibition of bicycles and mopeds
Prohibition of mopeds
Prohibition of mopeds
Prohibition of large goods vehicles (total weight is larger than 3.5 t)
Prohibition of large goods vehicles (total weight is larger than 3.5 t)
Prohibition of buses
Prohibition of buses
Prohibition of trailers (of any kind, except for agricultural trailers)
Prohibition of trailers (of any kind, except for agricultural trailers)
Prohibition of trailers with exception for saddle and center axle trailers
Prohibition of trailers with exception for saddle and center axle trailers
Prohibition of vehicles carrying dangerous goods (always valid in tunnels)
Prohibition of vehicles carrying dangerous goods (always valid in tunnels)
Prohibition of vehicles carrying water pollutants
Prohibition of vehicles carrying water pollutants
Prohibition of animals (horse and mare animals as well as the cattle drive)
Prohibition of animals (horse and mare animals as well as the cattle drive)
Prohibition of motor vehicles
Prohibition of motor vehicles
Prohibition of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds
Prohibition of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds
Prohibition of pedestrians (includes any kind of vehicle-like transport means, e.g. rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, etc)
Prohibition of pedestrians (includes any kind of vehicle-like transport means, e.g. rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, etc)
Prohibition of skiing
Prohibition of skiing
Prohibition of sledging
Prohibition of sledging
Prohibition of any kind of vehicle-like transport means (such as rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, etc)
Prohibition of any kind of vehicle-like transport means (such as rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, etc)
Maximum weight (upper gross weight limit)
Maximum weight (upper gross weight limit)
Axle weight (upper limit, axles closer than 1 meter apart count as one axle)
Axle weight (upper limit, axles closer than 1 meter apart count as one axle)
Maximum width (only produced if smaller than 2.55/2.60 m)
Maximum width (only produced if smaller than 2.55/2.60 m)
Maximum height (including payload; only produced, if lower than 4 m)
Maximum height (including payload; only produced, if lower than 4 m)
Maximum length (total length, including trailers)
Maximum length (total length, including trailers)
Maximum speed limit (only valid during good condition, otherwise the driver must adjust speed to worse condition)
Maximum speed limit (only valid during good condition, otherwise the driver must adjust speed to worse condition)
Generally mandatory maximum speed limit (within settlements, usually minimally applicable within the boundaries of a village or a town)
Generally mandatory maximum speed limit (within settlements, usually minimally applicable within the boundaries of a village or a town)
Minimum speed limit (during good conditions (road, traffic, sight), the speed is not allowed to fall below the minimum speed limit; vehicles not capable of speeds exceeding 30 km/h are not allowed to continue)
Minimum speed limit (during good conditions (road, traffic, sight), the speed is not allowed to fall below the minimum speed limit; vehicles not capable of speeds exceeding 30 km/h are not allowed to continue)
Must turn right
Must turn right
Must turn left
Must turn left
Circumvent the obstacle on the right side
Circumvent the obstacle on the right side
Circumvent the obstacle on the left side
Circumvent the obstacle on the left side
Must continue straight ahead
Must continue straight ahead
Must turn right ahead (on motorways: must change to the right road)
Must turn right ahead (on motorways: must change to the right road)
Must turn left ahead (on motorways: must change to the left road)
Must turn left ahead (on motorways: must change to the left road)
Must turn right or left
Must turn right or left
Must continue straight ahead or turn right
Must continue straight ahead or turn right
Must continue straight ahead or turn left
Must continue straight ahead or turn left
Roundabout (must give yield to traffic in circle coming from left)
Roundabout (must give yield to traffic in circle coming from left)
Mandatory direction for vehicles with dangerous goods
Mandatory direction for vehicles with dangerous goods
No right turn
No right turn
No left turn
No left turn
No overtaking
No overtaking
No overtaking by lorries (with a total weight larger than 3.5 t)
No overtaking by lorries (with a total weight larger than 3.5 t)
No U-turns
No U-turns
Minimum distance between large goods vehicles (total weight is larger than 3.5 t)
Minimum distance between large goods vehicles (total weight is larger than 3.5 t)
Snow chains required (metal snow chains must be applied to at least two wheels of the same axle; also valid for three-wheelers)
Snow chains required (metal snow chains must be applied to at least two wheels of the same axle; also valid for three-wheelers)
No stopping (voluntarily; also implies the part on the sidewalk; additional restrictions may be applied)
No stopping (voluntarily; also implies the part on the sidewalk; additional restrictions may be applied)
No parking (more than stopping for entry and exit of people or goods handling)
No parking (more than stopping for entry and exit of people or goods handling)
Customs (stop requested, except if no control is carried out, then speed limit is 20 km/h)
Customs (stop requested, except if no control is carried out, then speed limit is 20 km/h)
Police - must stop
Police - must stop
End of maximum speed limit
End of maximum speed limit
End of generally mandatory maximum speed limit
End of generally mandatory maximum speed limit
End of minimum speed
End of minimum speed
End of no overtaking restriction
End of no overtaking restriction
End of no overtaking by lorries restriction
End of no overtaking by lorries restriction
End of partly driving ban e.g. for lorries or buses
End of partly driving ban e.g. for lorries or buses
End of snow chain requirements
End of snow chain requirements
Free drive (end of previous restriction(s)
Free drive (end of previous restriction(s)
Start of area with a 30 km/h speed limit (especially careful driving is requested)
Start of area with a 30 km/h speed limit (especially careful driving is requested)
Start of area with generally applicable parking restrictions (here with applicable time constraints;)
Start of area with generally applicable parking restrictions (here with applicable time constraints;)
Start of parking area
Start of parking area
End of area with particular speed limit
End of area with particular speed limit
End of area with generally applicable parking restrictions
End of area with generally applicable parking restrictions
End of parking area
End of parking area
Start of pedestrian area only
Start of pedestrian area only
Mandatory electric indicators above lanes
Mandatory electric indicators above lanes

 

Priority signs:

  Stop (mandatory stop and give way required)   Stop (mandatory stop and give way required)
Stop (mandatory stop and give way required) Stop (mandatory stop and give way required)
Crossing with a road without priority ahead
Crossing with a road without priority ahead
Principal road with priority (Priority to the right rule does not apply)
Principal road with priority (Priority to the right rule does not apply)
End of principal road
End of principal road
Crossing with a road without priority ahead
Crossing with a road without priority ahead
Crossroad with Priority to the right rule
Crossroad with Priority to the right rule
Give way to oncoming traffic
Give way to oncoming traffic
Priority over oncoming traffic
Priority over oncoming traffic
Level crossing with double flashing lights
Level crossing with double flashing lights
Level crossing with double flashing lights
Level crossing with double flashing lights
Level crossing location (indicating priority of trains!)
Level crossing location (indicating priority of trains!)
Level crossing location (indicating priority of trains!)
Level crossing location (indicating priority of trains!)

 

Indication signs:

Motorway (max speed limit 120 km/h)
Motorway (max speed limit 120 km/h)
End of motorway
End of motorway
Expressway (often with oncoming traffic, max speed limit 100 km/h)
Expressway (often with oncoming traffic, max speed limit 100 km/h)
End of expressway
End of expressway
Mountain postal road
Mountain postal road
End of mountain postal road
End of mountain postal road
Tunnel
Tunnel
Tunnel with distance information
Tunnel with distance information
One-way street
One-way street
One-way street with oncoming traffic, here, of bicycles
One-way street with oncoming traffic, here, of bicycles
Dead end
Dead end
Dead end with exceptions
Dead end with exceptions
Water protection area
Water protection area
Pedestrian crossing location
Pedestrian crossing location
Pedestrian underpass
Pedestrian underpass
Pedestrian overpass
Pedestrian overpass
Hospital
Hospital
Passing Place
Passing Place
Breakdown place for accidental vehicles
Breakdown place for accidental vehicles
Parking allowed
Parking allowed
Parking with parking disc
Parking with parking disc
Charged parking
Charged parking
Parking house
Parking house
Distance and direction of a parking possibilit
Distance and direction of a parking possibilit
Distance and direction for particular kinds of vehicles
Distance and direction for particular kinds of vehicles
Emergency lane
Emergency lane
Park and ride (parking with access to public transport)
Park and ride (parking with access to public transport)
Entry of town/village on main road
Entry of town/village on main road
End of town/village on main road
End of town/village on main road
Entry of town/village on minor
Entry of town/village on minor
End of town/village on minor road
End of town/village on minor road
Signpost to destination via motor-/expressway route
Signpost to destination via motor-/expressway route
(Ongoing) detour (for all destinations)
(Ongoing) detour (for all destinations)
Signpost to destination via main route
Signpost to destination via main route
Signpost to destination via minor route
Signpost to destination via minor route
Detour to destination to be followed
Detour to destination to be followed
Signpost in table format
Signpost in table format
Announcement of junction on main road, or on minor road connecting main roads
Announcement of junction on main road, or on minor road connecting main roads
Announcement of junction on minor road
Announcement of junction on minor road
Announcement of junction on main road with two lanes
Announcement of junction on main road with two lanes
Announcement of junction on minor road with two separated lanes
Announcement of junction on minor road with two separated lanes
Announcement of junction on main road with restriction for the left route
Announcement of junction on main road with restriction for the left route
Lane routing on main road with route to Bern and Lausanne via motor-/expressway
Lane routing on main road with route to Bern and Lausanne via motor-/expressway
Lane routing on minor road with route to Bern on main route
Lane routing on minor road with route to Bern on main route
Signpost for particular vehicle types
Signpost for particular vehicle types
Signpost to parking place
Signpost to parking place
Signpost to park and ride
Signpost to park and ride
Signpost to campsite
Signpost to campsite
Signpost to caravan site
Signpost to caravan site
Signpost to a company, exhibitions and comparable
Signpost to a company, exhibitions and comparable
Recommended path for bicycles
Recommended path for bicycles
Recommended track for mountain bikes
Recommended track for mountain bikes
Recommended path for vehicle-like transport means, such as rollerblades, scooters, skateboards etc
Recommended path for vehicle-like transport means, such as rollerblades, scooters, skateboards etc
Signpost indicating directions for a particular type
Signpost indicating directions for a particular type
Signpost indicating directions for different types
Signpost indicating directions for different types
Signpost indicating direction for particularly named/numbered route
Signpost indicating direction for particularly named/numbered route
Routing information for bicycle path
Routing information for bicycle path
Confirmation to be on a particularly named/numbered route
Confirmation to be on a particularly named/numbered route
End route of a particular type (here for mountain bike route)
End route of a particular type (here for mountain bike route)
Routing information
Routing information
Announcement of a detour
Announcement of a detour
Announcement of roundabout on main road
Announcement of roundabout on main road
Announcement of a branching road with a dangerous situation or restrictions
Announcement of a branching road with a dangerous situation or restrictions
European route number
European route number
Main road number
Main road number
Motor-/expressway number
Motor-/expressway number
Number for exits
Number for exits
Number for junctions
Number for junctions
First announcement of next exit
First announcement of next exit
Second announcement of next exit
Second announcement of next exit
Start of exit
Start of exit
Exit sign (in German)
Exit sign (in German)
Junction board
Junction board
Distance board
Distance board
Announcement of junction
Announcement of junction
First information about junction ahead
First information about junction ahead
Second information about junction ahead
Second information about junction ahead
Routing information above lane
Routing information above lane
Direction to the next emergency call pillar
Direction to the next emergency call pillar
Distance to police station (in German)
Distance to police station (in German)
Kilometer sign
Kilometer sign
Hectometer sign
Hectometer sign
Information about road condition of passes and ski resorts
Information about road condition of passes and ski resorts
Pre-Information about road condition and requirements of certain destination
Pre-Information about road condition and requirements of certain destination
Release of the mud strip
Release of the mud strip
Lane with restriction (here: maximal speed limit)
Lane with restriction (here: maximal speed limit)
Campsite
Campsite
Caravan site
Caravan site
Telephone
Telephone
First aid
First aid
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance
Petrol/gas station
Petrol/gas station
Hotel-Motel
Hotel-Motel
Restaurant
Restaurant
Refreshments
Refreshments
Information Center
Information Center
Youth hostel
Youth hostel
Local radio information with MHz frequency for road condition and traffic information channel
Local radio information with MHz frequency for road condition and traffic information channel
Church services
Church services
Fire extinguisher
Fire extinguisher
Generally valid speed limits for different categories of roads in Switzerland
Generally valid speed limits for different categories of roads in Switzerland
Emergency exit distances
Emergency exit distances
Emergency exit (right next to exit)
Emergency exit (right next to exit)

 

Complementary panels:

Distance (to which the meaning of a sign applies)
Distance (to which the meaning of a sign applies)
Validity distance
Validity distance
Direction indicator
Direction indicator
Direction indicator
Direction indicator
Indication of the routing of a principal road
Indication of the routing of a principal road
Indicates exceptions of prohibition of stopping
Indicates exceptions of prohibition of stopping
Lorries with trailer
Lorries with trailer
Indicates exceptions of prohibition of parking
Indicates exceptions of prohibition of parking

 

Road markings:

Security strip
Security strip
Double security strip (white, solid) & 6.03 Directing strip (white, broken)
Double security strip (white, solid) & 6.03 Directing strip (white, broken)
Double strip
Double strip
Advance warning strip
Advance warning strip
Pre-selecting arrows
Pre-selecting arrows
Pull arrows
Pull arrows
Bus lane (yellow, solid or broken strips; yellow word BUS)
Bus lane (yellow, solid or broken strips; yellow word BUS)
Bicycle lane
Bicycle lane
Stop line (white, wide, solid) & 6.11 STOP (white word, optional) & 6.12 Longitudinal strip (white, solid, optional)
Stop line (white, wide, solid) & 6.11 STOP (white word, optional) & 6.12 Longitudinal strip (white, solid, optional)
Waiting line (white, small triangles in a row with spikes towards the arriving vehicle)
Waiting line (white, small triangles in a row with spikes towards the arriving vehicle)
Security strip
Security strip
Border strip
Border strip
Guidestrips (example 1) continue stop or waiting lines
Guidestrips (example 1) continue stop or waiting lines
Guidestrips (example 2) indicate the course of the principal road
Guidestrips (example 2) indicate the course of the principal road
Guidestrips (example 3) can be replaced by stop or waiting lines
Guidestrips (example 3) can be replaced by stop or waiting lines
Pedestrian crossing (longitudinal, wide, yellow; on cobble stones if need be white)
Pedestrian crossing (longitudinal, wide, yellow; on cobble stones if need be white)
Pedestrian area (yellow, two longitudinal strips on each side connected by bias bindings)
Pedestrian area (yellow, two longitudinal strips on each side connected by bias bindings)
Restricted area
Restricted area
Zick-zack bands
Zick-zack bands
Prohibition of parking strip
Prohibition of parking strip
Prohibition of parking area (yellow, framed, diagonally crossed, optional labeled with word TAXI or carlicense plate number)
Prohibition of parking area (yellow, framed, diagonally crossed, optional labeled with word TAXI or carlicense plate number)
Prohibition of stopping strip
Prohibition of stopping strip
Extended bicycle lane
Extended bicycle lane