Who says new year says new prescriptions and new laws. And motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists will also be entitled to their share of new features. Overview of what awaits them in 2025.
The big part is avoidable noise. From January 1, it will in fact be explicitly prohibited to make unnecessary noise with your exhaust, such as making your vehicle “backfire” when changing gear or suddenly decelerating. And this no longer applies only at night or in residential areas, but everywhere and at all times. Followers of “vroom-vroom” will be liable to a fine of up to 10,000 francs, according to the Federal Roads Office (OFROU). In addition, existing fines linked to noise pollution (such as “running the engine unnecessarily”) will increase from 60 to 80 francs.
Bern has decided to reorganize the energy efficiency categories of the energy label for cars from 2025. Only the most efficient models will be classified in category A.
As in the EU, motorcycles built or imported into Switzerland must from January 1 comply with the most recent exhaust gas regulations (“Euro 5+” standard) in order to be put into circulation for the first time. Stricter requirements in terms of noise level will also be applied for this first release into circulation.
From March 1, we will be able to drive hands-free on the highway, without having to constantly monitor traffic. Bern has in fact allowed approved autonomous cars to circulate. However, drivers must remain ready to resume driving the vehicle at any time. As for completely driverless vehicles, they will be able to circulate on authorized sections, under the supervision of an operator in a central location. Their automated parking will be possible in car parks and in spaces defined and marked for this purpose.
In order to increase the potential of the electric bicycle as a family vehicle or used for transporting goods, Bern has created a category for heavy electric mopeds (total weight up to 450 kg). Until now, vehicles of this type were registered as light motorcycles. FEDRO has also broadened the meaning of the “Cycle” and “Moped” signs in order to be able to provide specific spaces for cargo bikes in two-wheeler parking lots.
Candidates for a car or motorcycle driving license must be clear about cruise control, involuntary lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, emergency braking assistance, fatigue detector or automatic high beams. Knowledge relating to driver assistance systems (SAC) and automation systems will in fact be assessed as part of the theoretical and practical exams, from July 1.
