Driving — Switzerland

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.

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.

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.

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.