From next year, Swiss roads will no longer be the same. Between tougher sanctions against unnecessary noise and the arrival of automated vehicles, here is everything you need to know.
sda
From January 1, avoidable noise pollution, such as detonating exhaust pipes, will be severely punished. Fines for these offenses could rise up to… 10,000 francs, calculated on a case-by-case basis by the courts. This measure is part of an effort to combat excessive noise which annoys local residents and road users alike.
From January 1, 2025
Noisy behavior while driving will be punished more firmly. Deliberately producing detonation noises with your exhaust pipe will be strictly prohibited and punishable by heavy fines, up to 10,000 francs. Technical manipulation of vehicles obviously remains illegal.
On the motorcycle sidethe new models will have to comply with the Euro 5+ standard, guaranteeing reduced emissions. And for fans of large, noisy cars, the first registrations will be subject to increased noise requirements.
Transport professionals are not to be outdone: the rules concerning dangerous goods are adjusted with lists updated every two years, to integrate technical advances and strengthen safety.
From March 1, 2025
Switzerland is entering a new era with automated driving. From March 1, three use cases will be officially authorized:
Highway driver: Drivers will be able to release the steering wheel on the motorway thanks to approved systems. However, they must remain available to regain control at any time if the automation system requires it.
Driverless vehicles: They will be able to travel on authorized routes, under the supervision of an operator from a control center.
Automated parking: Cars will be able to park alone in specific, signposted areas, without a driver on board.
Manufacturers will have to prove the security and fluidity of the systems to obtain the necessary authorizations.
From July 1, 2025
From July 1, driving license candidates will have to master the driver assistance systems and the basics of automation. This knowledge will be assessed during theoretical and practical exams, thus adapting the training to technological developments.
Electric bikes are not forgotten: a new category, that of heavy electric mopeds, is introduced. With a total weight of up to 450 kg, these vehicles were previously classified as light motorcycles. Electric rickshaws, meanwhile, retain their own category.
Finally, road signs evolve to better reflect this diversification. The “bicycle” symbol will now include electric scooters and speed bikes, while the “moped” symbol will integrate the new subcategories. From now on, with the engine stopped or not, mopeds prohibited in certain areas will have to respect local instructions.
