What you carry changes how your vehicle responds – under braking as in bends. Swiss rules set clear limits, and marking makes any overhang visible.
Dimensions and overhangs
To the rear: the load must not extend more than 5 m measured from the centre of the rear axle.
To the front: at most 3 m from the centre of the front axle.
Width: at most 2.55 m.
Height: at most 4 m, including the load.
An overhang of more than 1 m to the rear must be marked – with a clearly visible flag or board, and at night with a light and a reflector.
Remember: height is always measured including the load. A bike carrier or roof box quickly adds 40 cm – which matters at the entrance to an underground car park.
Securing and centre of gravity
The load must be secured so that it cannot slide, tip or fall – not even under emergency braking or in a tight bend. Straps and nets are a better bet than hope.
The roof load deserves particular attention: it raises the centre of gravity and makes the vehicle noticeably more sensitive in bends and to crosswinds. Observe the manufacturer's maximum roof load and adjust your speed.
A heavy load also changes braking distance and the attitude of the vehicle – which can dazzle others if the headlights point too high.
Snow chains
They are fitted to at least two driven wheels.
On stretches signed «snow chains compulsory» they are mandatory – four-wheel drive is no substitute.
Speed: stay slow, in the order of 50 km/h at most, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Remove them as soon as the road is clear – on bare asphalt they damage themselves and the road surface.
Remember: fit the chains before the climb, not halfway up – stopping on a snowy gradient is far harder than setting off from a cleared parking area.
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