The maximum blood alcohol level while driving in Switzerland is 0.05%. Getting caught driving with an excessive blood alcohol level will result in fines or the withdrawal of your driver’s license.

Since Swiss roads are often covered in snow during the winter months, it is advisable to change to winter tires or have snow chains. While not all snow equipment is compulsory (except for chains), Swiss police can stop drivers if they think it is unsafe to drive without it. Road signs will inform you about snow chain obligations on certain roads.

Using cell phone are only allowed with a hands-free device. Texting is not allowed. Fines can be steep.

Road signs can be quite different from country to country. However, most of them are either quite similar to those in most countries or at least sufficient self-explanatory. The roads are well signed throughout Switzerland. When driving into a city, signs lead you easily to the town center, train stations, hotels and main points of interest.

There are four languages in Switzerland so signs, place names and information changes as you travel across the country, for example, sortie, Ausfarht and uscita all mean `exit`. Motorways signs in Switzerland have a green background (unlike France, Austria and Germany).

In Switzerland, all moving motor vehicles must keep their headlights switched on at all times - including during the day. Violating this regulation can incur about a CHF 40 fine. It is also mandatory for all passengers keep their seat belts fastened while the car is moving.

Travelers who are at least 18 years old and in possession of a valid national driver license are allowed to drive a car or motorbike in Switzerland.

Be aware that many rental car companies only allow you to rent a car if you are over 23 or even 25 years of age. There are a few that are renting out to younger drivers, but most likely, the insurance rate will be quite high.

The following are indications for the maximum speed on different road types and for different vehicles. The speed limit can, however, be regulated differently by means of traffic signs.

Freeway (Autobahn): 120 km/h (approx. 75 mph)

Urban Area: 50 km/h (approx. 30 mph)

Rural areas: 80 km/h (approx. 50 mph)

Expressway: 100 km/h (approx. 60 mph)

Always heed the traffic signs and speed limits because the fines for violating them are very high. There are speed cameras in police cars and fixed cameras. Fines are graded according to how much over the limit you are in a certain area. For example, 1-5 km/h over the limit in a built-up area is about a CHF 40 fine while on a motorway it would be about CHF 20.