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Switzerland

The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.

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Cannabis

RESTRICTED

Cannabis with more than 1% THC is an illegal drug in Switzerland; carrying up to 10g for personal use is not fined, but using it brings a 100-franc fine, and only CBD products under 1% THC are sold legally.

Up to 10g not fined; use = CHF 100 fine; dealing can bring up to 3 years imprisonment.

§ ch.ch — Swiss Confederation

Customs & Cash

RESTRICTED

You can carry unlimited cash into or out of Switzerland with no declaration, but if customs question you while you carry CHF 10,000 or more you must truthfully disclose your identity and the cash's source, intended use and beneficial owner.

Refusing or giving false information is a customs offence that can be penalized; cash may be temporarily seized if money laundering is suspected.

§ Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS/BAZG)

Driving

RESTRICTED

To drive on Swiss motorways or expressways your vehicle must display a valid annual vignette (windscreen sticker or e-vignette) that costs CHF 40; there are no daily or weekly versions, and rental cars usually already have one.

Driving without a valid vignette brings a CHF 200 fine, and you must still buy the CHF 40 vignette.

§ Swiss Confederation (ch.ch)
RESTRICTED

Switzerland's blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, but it drops to 0.01% (effectively zero) for new/probationary, learner and professional drivers and driving instructors.

0.05-0.079% brings a formal reprimand and roughly CHF 600-800 fine; 0.08% or more means licence disqualification for at least three months plus a heavy fine, and repeat offences can bring one to three years in prison.

§ Swiss Confederation (ch.ch)
CONDITIONAL

You may drive in Switzerland on your valid US license for up to one year after arrival; headlights must stay on at all times and turning right on a red light is not allowed.

After one year you must obtain a Swiss licence; failing to follow traffic rules can bring large fines.

§ U.S. Department of State — Switzerland
RESTRICTED

Switzerland has zero tolerance for THC behind the wheel - even legal low-THC or CBD products can leave a measurable level in your blood, so do not drive after using any cannabis product.

Any THC in your blood while driving is an offense.

§ ch.ch - Swiss Confederation
LawLert is an independent app and is not affiliated with any government. It summarizes laws from official government and U.S. State Department sources for general information only. This is not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm with official sources and local authorities before you travel.