Appropriate Speed

Adjust Your Speed to the Situation

Under the Swiss Road Traffic Act (Art. 32 RTA), drivers must always adapt their speed to the circumstances, especially to the condition of the vehicle, road and load, as well as traffic and visibility.

Driving at the posted maximum speed is not always allowed – it is the upper limit, not the recommended speed.

Factors That Reduce the Appropriate Speed

• Poor visibility – fog, rain, snow, darkness, sun glare

• Slippery roads – ice, snow, wet leaves, loose gravel

• Built-up areas – children, pedestrians, cyclists

• Narrow or winding roads, blind crests, obstructions

Speed and Stopping Distance

Speed must always allow you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear. On unfamiliar or winding roads, this often means driving well below the posted limit.

Driving too fast for conditions is one of the most common causes of accidents in Switzerland – even when the speed is technically legal.