Switzerland is an unusual country, dominated by the Alps and Jura mountain ranges. Switzerland is famous for chocolates, banking and a system of direct democracy that allows all citizens to vote on important legislation. It also hosts the CERN large hadron collider - but it's underground so there is not much to see!
Remember that if you are driving to Switzerland from the UK, you will probably be driving through France or Belgium and Germany. Ensure that your vehicle and licence complies with the requirements for the countries you are passing through.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (rather than Euros) so if you are passing through you may want to change a small amount of cash for service stations, tolls and other requirements - however, the Euro is accepted in many places. Switzerland is NOT a part of the EU, so expect to pass through border control and customs. There ARE restrictions on the numbers of items like cigarettes and alcohol you can bring into the country.
Basic Legal Requirements
Driving Licence
When driving inSwitzerland, you will need to ensure you bring both parts of your drivinglicence - the Photocard plus the Paper Counterpart (D740). Ifyou do not have a Photocard yet, only the paper copy is required, butyou will need Photo ID, such as a Passport
You must be the holderof a full driving licence (not a provisional), and have passed yourtest. Even if you have already passed your full test, you must be atleast 18 years old.
The InternationalDriving Permit is not required, but if you would like one you canapply through the Post Office. The international driving permit is inaddition to your driving licence, so you will need to carry bothcopies.
While a photocopy maybe useful if your licence is lost, you should carry the original withyou.
Car Documents
You should carry yourvehicles Registration Certificate (V5C) with you, which should beupdated to show your correct details. For security reasons, it's bestNOT to leave the Registration Certificate in the vehicle while it isparked - it makes it harder to a thief to resell the vehicle ifthey do not have the documentation.
While a photocopy maybe useful if your Registration Certificate is lost, you should carrythe original with you.
Motorway Pass
Before using a motorway in Switzerland, you must purchase an annual motorway tax sticker. You can purchase these online here, and they are available at customs offices, as well as service stations and petrol stations near the borders. Note that if you are towing a trailer or caravan ir may need its own separate pass.
Insurance
It is compulsory to have at least third-party insurance for Switzerland, as for the UK. MostUK insurance policies will allow an element of European driving,often for a limited period.
Before leaving the UK,it is a good idea to contact your insurer, and check what yourexisting cover allows. You should request a 'Green Card' which is aninternationally recognised form of proof of insurance. You shouldcarry proof of insurance with you while driving. You may also needto arrange insurance for any trailers.
If your existinginsurance does not provide European cover for the period required,most insurance brokers will have a suitable policy covering Austria,and will provide Green Card.
Your Vehicle
Your headlights willneed to be adjusted to ensure that they do not dazzle oncoming users.
Standard halogenheadlights and Autobulbs XenonHID Conversion kits can be modified by the use of a stick onHeadlightBeam Adaptors. Vehicles with factory fitted Xenon HID headlightsmay find there is an adjuster either on the headlights themselves oron the dashboard - check your manual for details. If there isno adjuster, you may need to visit a dealer for them to make theadjustments, and again to change them back after your visit.
Reflective Jackets or vests are required in Switzerland, so you should carry one for each passenger.
A WarningTriangle is also required. In the event of an accident or breakdown,the triangle should be set up by the side of the road, at least 50meters in the direction of of the traffic. If you have broken downin the outer lane of a dual carriageway or motorway, or attempting toplace the warning triangle would place you in danger, do not use it. Remember to collect your warning triangle before leaving!
Children under the height of 1.5m (4 feet 10 inches) and under 12 years must use an appropriatebooster seat or modification - this includes two seatervehicles. All passengers must use seat belts if fitted
You may have a numberplate that already has a valid 'GB' mark. If you do not, you willneed to apply a GB sticker to the back of your vehicle.
There is no requirement to carry a firstaid kit in or a fireextinguisher, but they are recommended, and are a useful safety item tocarry in your vehicle if you have the space.
It is recommended (butnot required) that you carry a sparebulb kit suitable for your vehicle. While HID bulbs last longerthan their halogen counterparts, it makes sense to carry at least onespare XenonHID bulb suitable for your headlights.
Is reccomended that you use use winter tyres or snowchains, and the Police can prevent you continuiing if they feel your vehicle is not equipped for the conditions. Switzerland very mountainous and conditions can be verydifficult in winter, so ensure your vehicle iscapable of coping with ther sub-zero temperatures and difficult roadconditions.
