Theory · Road signs

Road signs in Switzerland: every sign with its meaning — and the quiz that teaches them

184 Swiss road signs stand here with their meaning, in the six groups of the Signalisationsverordnung, the federal ordinance on road signals — the law says «Signal», driving schools say «Verkehrszeichen», everybody else says «Schild». 162 of them come up in the Swiss theory test, and those are the ones the quiz on the right asks: ten signs, four answers, the solution straight away. Looking for a single sign? The contents list jumps to its group.

184 signs, 6 groups 162 in the quiz SSV, as of 1 July 2026 By

The ToDrive sign quiz

Ten signs, four answers — how many do you know?

Every question shows a sign from the Swiss theory test. After each answer you see at once whether it was right, and what the sign means.

In brief

The four questions everybody asks

As of September 2026. Source: the Signalisationsverordnung (SSV, SR 741.21) in the version of 1 July 2026, read on fedlex. The figures are counted from the reference below. There is no official English version of the ordinance — the sign names here are the usual English terms, not a legal translation.

Annex 2 of the Signalisationsverordnung (SSV, SR 741.21) lists several hundred pictures across seven chapters, counting direction signs, symbols and guidance devices. This reference shows the 184 that ask something of you in traffic: warnings, prohibitions and orders, priority, information, supplementary plates and road markings. Direction signs and the symbols that go with them need no explanation and are left out on purpose.

The questions of the asa, the association of the cantonal road traffic offices, ask about the signs you actually meet as a driver. We classed 162 of 184 as relevant to the test and put only those into the quiz; special cases such as the sledging ban or the escape lane are in the reference but are never asked.

Regulatory signs is the ordinance term for both. A prohibition says what you may not do: round, red border, black symbol on white, for example no overtaking. An order says what you must do: white symbol on blue, for example turn right. Both apply from the sign to the end of the next junction; speed, overtaking, stopping and parking rules apply until the matching end sign, but at the latest to the end of the next junction (art. 16 para. 2 SSV).

It changes the reach of the sign above it: from where it applies (distance plate), for how long (length of stretch), for whom (a symbol or the word ausgenommen, meaning except), at which times (exceptions to a stopping ban). A supplementary plate is as binding as the sign itself — article 63 SSV says so in as many words. A well-known example is Zubringerdienst gestattet, access traffic permitted, under a driving ban.

GROUPTHE SHAPES IT USESWarning signs281 shape28Regulatory signs719 shapes33226421111Priority signs128 shapes · 4 borrowed22221111Information signs317 shapes11942221Supplementary plates154 shapes8331Road markings271 shape27borrowed from another group
Chart of the shapes: 184 Swiss signs in 6 groups use 25 different shapes. Warning signs (28) and Road markings (27) manage with a single shape each. Priority signs are the exception: 12 signs in 8 shapes, 4 of them wearing the shape of another group. Borrowed from: Warning signs (2), Regulatory signs (1), Information signs (1). Drawing: todrive.ch, counted from the reference below.

They warn you about something you would otherwise see too late. Outside built-up areas they stand 150 to 250 metres ahead of the hazard, inside them just before it.

Triangle with a red border, black symbol on white.

  • 1.01Right-hand bend
    Warns of a bend to the right that is tighter or differently laid out than the road so far suggests.
    What you do: Brake before the bend, stop braking inside it and keep to the right.
  • 1.02Left-hand bend
    Warns of a bend to the left where you have to reduce speed because it is sharp or unevenly curved.
    What you do: Adjust your speed before the bend and look far into it.
  • 1.03Double bend, first to the right
    Two bends immediately after one another, the first to the right, the second to the left.
    What you do: Choose a speed for both bends, not just the first, and do not accelerate between them.
  • 1.04Double bend, first to the left
    Two consecutive bends, the first to the left, the second to the right.
    What you do: Go in slowly, plan for the second bend and do not overtake until the stretch ends.
  • 1.05Slippery road
    The surface may be slippery: smooth tarmac, wheel ruts, or a spot that ices over often.
    What you do: Drive more slowly, steer and brake gently, keep a larger gap.
  • 1.06Uneven road
    Warns of ridges, bumps or dips where the car takes a hit or loses grip.
    What you do: Reduce speed until the car rolls over the unevenness quietly.
  • 1.07Road narrows on both sides
    The carriageway narrows from both sides, which makes passing oncoming traffic difficult.
    What you do: Slow down and work out whether you have to give way before you enter the narrow part.
  • 1.08Road narrows on the right
    The carriageway gets narrower on the right, or has a dangerous projection there.
    What you do: Move towards the left without obstructing oncoming traffic, and slow down.
  • 1.09Road narrows on the left
    The carriageway gets narrower on the left, which makes passing harder there.
    What you do: Keep right, take out speed and leave oncoming traffic enough room.
  • 10%
    1.10Steep descent
    The road falls by at least ten per cent; the figure on the sign is the steepest gradient on the stretch.
    What you do: Select a low gear and brake with the engine so the brakes do not overheat.
  • 10%
    1.11Steep ascent
    The road climbs by at least ten per cent, with the steepest gradient shown.
    What you do: Change down in good time, and remember when overtaking that slow vehicles get slower still here.
  • 1.12Loose chippings
    Loose grit lies on the carriageway, reducing grip and being thrown up by the wheels.
    What you do: Increase the gap to the car in front and drive slowly so no stones hit a windscreen.
  • 1.13Falling rocks
    Rocks may fall onto the road from above, or may already be lying on it.
    What you do: Drive attentively, watch for stones on the carriageway and do not stop here.
  • 1.14Road works
    Work is going on on or beside the carriageway: obstacles, material, open shafts, narrowings.
    What you do: Drive slowly, follow the instructions at the site and expect people on the carriageway.
  • 1.15Level crossing with barriers
    A level crossing with full or half barriers lies ahead.
    What you do: Slow down and stop before the crossing when the barriers are closed or closing.
  • 1.16Level crossing without barriers
    A level crossing without barriers follows, protected by flashing lights or only by a St Andrew cross.
    What you do: Approach slowly, look both ways and stop when the red light flashes.
  • 1.18Tramway everyday German: Tram-Signal
    A tram runs on this road and often crosses the carriageway here.
    What you do: Expect the tram, which cannot swerve, and leave it the way when in doubt.
  • 1.22Pedestrian crossing ahead
    Announces a pedestrian crossing outside built-up areas that you cannot see from two hundred metres away.
    What you do: Get ready to brake and give way to pedestrians who want to step onto the crossing.
  • 1.23Children
    Children are often on the carriageway here, for instance near schools and playgrounds.
    What you do: Reduce speed clearly and expect at any moment that a child runs into the road.
  • 1.24Wild animals
    Deer and other wild animals may cross this stretch, above all at dusk.
    What you do: Drive more slowly, watch the roadside and brake rather than swerve if an animal appears.
  • 1.25Farm animals
    Warns of unattended animals on the carriageway, usually cattle on grazing land or during the alpine drive.
    What you do: Be patient: drive slowly and do not startle the animals by sounding the horn or pushing past.
  • 1.26Two-way traffic
    From here on vehicles come towards you, for example after a one-way street or on a motorway with a contraflow lane.
    What you do: Keep right and stop assuming the whole carriageway is yours.
  • 1.27Traffic signals ahead everyday German: Ampel-Signal
    Announces traffic lights that you would otherwise see too late because of the road or your speed.
    What you do: Be ready to brake and expect the lights to change to red as you arrive.
  • 1.28Low-flying aircraft
    Near an airfield, aircraft take off, land or taxi close above or beside the road.
    What you do: Do not let it startle you and keep your eyes on the road despite the noise.
  • 1.29Helicopters
    Near a landing site, helicopters take off or land, with noise and gusts of wind; the sign has existed only since 1 July 2026.
    What you do: Stay attentive and expect draught or wind when the helicopter flies low.
  • 1.30Other dangers everyday German: Ausrufezeichen
    A hazard for which there is no sign of its own; the plate underneath says which one.
    What you do: Read the plate and set your driving to exactly that hazard.
  • 1.31Queues likely
    Warns of stationary or slow-moving queues, permanently where queues are frequent.
    What you do: Keep your distance and stay ready to brake, because the end of the queue can sit right behind a crest.
  • 1.32Cyclists everyday German: Velo-Signal
    Cyclists and mopeds frequently join or cross the road here.
    What you do: Look both ways and give people on bicycles the room they need when they pull out.

They apply from the sign until the end of the next junction. Speed, overtaking, stopping and parking rules run until the matching end sign, but at the latest to the end of the next junction (art. 16 para. 2 SSV). The simplest sign in the group is the general driving ban (2.01), the empty red circle.

Round. Prohibitions with a red border on white, orders white on blue.

  • 2.01No vehicles in either direction everyday German: Fahrverbot-Schild
    No vehicle may drive here in either direction; pushed bicycles and prams, among others, are exempt.
    What you do: Do not enter; only those expressly exempted on a plate, such as access traffic, may continue.
  • 2.02No entry everyday German: Roter Balken
    Entering this road is prohibited, and traffic comes towards you from the other direction.
    What you do: Do not turn in; at the far end of the road stands the one-way street sign.
  • 2.03No motor cars
    Applies to all multi-track motor vehicles, so cars, lorries and also motorcycles with a sidecar.
    What you do: Choose another road by car; motorcycles without a sidecar may continue.
  • 2.04No motorcycles
    No motorcycle may drive here, with or without a sidecar.
    What you do: Take another route on a motorcycle; unlike the general driving ban, the ordinance names no exception here for a motorcycle being pushed.
  • 2.05No bicycles or mopeds
    Bicycles and mopeds may not use this road.
    What you do: Get off and push: only riding is prohibited (art. 19 para. 1 let. c SSV).
  • 2.06No mopeds everyday German: Mofa-Verbot
    The prohibition covers heavy and fast mopeds only; ordinary bicycles may continue.
    What you do: Take another route on a moped; on a bicycle you may carry on.
  • 2.07No lorries
    The road is closed to all heavy goods vehicles.
    What you do: Take the signed diversion with a lorry; a van up to 3.5 tonnes is not a lorry and may pass.
  • 2.08No coaches everyday German: Car-Verbot
    Coaches and other passenger transport vehicles may not drive here.
    What you do: As a coach driver, use the signed diversion.
  • 2.09No trailers
    Motor vehicles with a trailer are excluded, except agricultural trailers and bicycle trailers.
    What you do: Take another route with a trailer; if a weight is shown on the plate, lighter trailers may pass.
  • 2.09.1No trailers except semi-trailers and centre-axle trailers
    Prohibits trailers but allows semi-trailers and centre-axle trailers.
    What you do: Do not enter with an ordinary trailer; with an articulated lorry or a centre-axle trailer you may continue.
  • 2.10.1No vehicles carrying dangerous goods everyday German: Gefahrgut-Verbot
    Vehicles that must be marked under dangerous-goods law may not drive here, above all before tunnels.
    What you do: With dangerous goods, take the prescribed route that sign 2.41.2 shows.
  • 2.11No vehicles carrying water-polluting goods
    Vehicles with a load that can pollute water are excluded, for instance in water protection zones.
    What you do: Take the diversion with a tanker, even when the load is small.
  • 2.12No animals
    No animals may be led, driven or ridden on this road.
    What you do: Choose another way with a horse or livestock.
  • 2.13No motor cars and motorcycles
    Two prohibitions on one sign: cars and motorcycles are excluded, bicycles and mopeds are not.
    What you do: Continue only by bicycle or moped; cars and motorcycles stay out.
  • 2.14No motor cars, motorcycles and mopeds
    All motor vehicles are excluded, mopeds included; bicycles and pedestrians remain allowed.
    What you do: Engine off: from here it is on foot or by bicycle only.
  • 2.15No pedestrians
    Pedestrians may not use this road or path.
    What you do: On foot, take the signed alternative, for example an underpass or a footbridge.
  • 2.15.1No skiing
    Skiing is not allowed on this area.
    What you do: Take your skis off and cross the spot on foot.
  • 2.15.2No sledging
    Sledging is prohibited on this road or path.
    What you do: Pull the sledge instead of riding it until the prohibition ends.
  • 2.15.3No vehicle-like devices
    Inline skates, scooters, skateboards and similar devices may not be used here.
    What you do: Step off and carry or push the device.
  • 5,5 t
    2.16Maximum weight
    Vehicles that weigh more than the figure shown, load and occupants included, may not continue.
    What you do: Compare the actual operating weight, not the empty weight in the registration document.
  • 2,4 t
    2.17Maximum axle load
    No vehicle may put more load on the road through one axle than shown, for instance on a weak bridge.
    What you do: With a heavily laden lorry, check the axle loads and go round if in doubt.
  • 2 m
    2.18Maximum width
    Vehicles wider than the figure shown, load included, may not pass this point.
    What you do: Know your width including load and mirrors before you drive into the narrow section.
  • 3,5 m
    2.19Maximum height
    Stands before underpasses and tunnels through which vehicles above the height shown do not fit.
    What you do: With a tall vehicle or a roof load, compare your total height with the figure and turn back otherwise.
  • 10 m
    2.20Maximum length
    Vehicles or combinations longer than shown, load included, are excluded.
    What you do: Take the diversion with a long combination; a bend that does not fit cannot be left in reverse.
  • 60
    2.30Maximum speed everyday German: Tempolimit
    You may not drive faster than the figure here, even in perfect visibility on an empty road, until an end sign or the next junction.
    What you do: Bring your speed down to the figure and remember that the limit is a maximum, not a target.
  • 50GENERELL
    2.30.1General maximum speed 50 everyday German: 50 generell
    Here the built-up area of a town begins: 50 km/h applies throughout it, without being repeated in every street.
    What you do: Slow to 50, and keep to it across the whole town, including residential streets without a sign of their own.
  • 30
    2.31Minimum speed
    Nobody may drive slower than the figure shown in good conditions; whoever cannot may not continue.
    What you do: Avoid the stretch with a slow vehicle; by car, drive at least as fast as the sign requires.
  • 2.32Turn right ahead
    You have to turn right before the sign; straight on or left is not possible.
    What you do: Move into the right lane, indicate and turn before the sign.
  • 2.33Turn left ahead
    You have to turn left before this sign.
    What you do: Move into the left lane, give way to oncoming traffic and turn.
  • 2.34Pass obstacle on the right
    You have to pass the obstacle the sign stands on to its right.
    What you do: Drive past the island or the works on the right, never on the left.
  • 2.35Pass obstacle on the left
    The obstacle at the sign is to be passed on the left, for example a barrier at road works.
    What you do: Move out to the left and keep an eye on oncoming traffic while you do.
  • 2.36Straight ahead only
    Turning is prohibited here, neither right nor left.
    What you do: Carry straight on, even when your destination lies to the side.
  • 2.37Turn right here
    At this point you have to turn right; on a motorway it means crossing to the other carriageway.
    What you do: Indicate right and turn at the marked point.
  • 2.38Turn left here
    At the marked point you have to turn left.
    What you do: Move into the left lane, respect the priority of oncoming traffic, then turn.
  • 2.39Turn right or left
    You may go right or left, but not straight on.
    What you do: Decide on one side and get into lane early.
  • 2.40Straight ahead or turn right
    Straight on and right are allowed, left is prohibited.
    What you do: Do not move into the left lane; straight on or right are your two options.
  • 2.41Straight ahead or turn left
    Straight on and left are allowed, turning right is prohibited.
    What you do: Rule out turning right and choose one of the two directions shown.
  • 2.41.1Roundabout everyday German: Kreisel-Schild
    Shows the direction of travel in the roundabout; together with give way it means that vehicles in the roundabout have priority.
    What you do: Give way to vehicles coming from the left before entering, and indicate right when you leave.
  • 2.41.2Prescribed direction for vehicles carrying dangerous goods
    Prescribes the direction that vehicles carrying dangerous goods must take because of a dangerous-goods prohibition.
    What you do: Relevant only with marked dangerous goods: then follow the arrow.
  • 2.42No right turn
    At this point you may not turn right.
    What you do: Carry on straight or left and take the next permitted turning.
  • 2.43No left turn
    Turning left is prohibited here, often because it would block oncoming traffic.
    What you do: Drive straight on or turn right; turn left at the next junction instead.
  • 2.44No overtaking everyday German: Überholverbot
    Motor vehicles may not overtake moving multi-track motor vehicles or trams.
    What you do: Stay behind the vehicle in front; you may only pass bicycles, mopeds and vehicles limited to 30 km/h.
  • 2.45No overtaking for lorries
    Lorries may not overtake other multi-track motor vehicles here; for cars the prohibition does not apply.
    What you do: As a car driver, expect lorries to stay in the right-hand lane and to be slower there.
  • 2.46No U-turns
    No vehicle may turn round at this point.
    What you do: Drive on and turn round at a safe, permitted place.
  • 50 m
    2.47Minimum distance
    Heavy motor vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must keep the stated distance between one another.
    What you do: With a lorry, hold the gap to the lorry in front at the stated length.
  • 2.48Snow chains compulsory everyday German: Kettenpflicht
    Multi-track motor vehicles may use the stretch only when at least two driven wheels on the same axle carry metal snow chains.
    What you do: Fit chains before you go on; winter tyres alone are not enough here.
  • 2.49No stopping everyday German: Halteverbot
    On this side of the road you may not even stop briefly of your own accord, not even to let someone in or out.
    What you do: Drive on; a plate underneath may name times or exceptions.
  • 2.50No parking everyday German: Parkverbot
    Leaving the vehicle is prohibited on this side of the road; stopping briefly to let people in or out, or to load, remains allowed.
    What you do: Stand only as long as boarding, alighting or loading takes, then drive on.
  • ZOLLDOUANE
    2.51Customs post
    You have to stop at the customs office; if no check is under way you may pass at no more than 20 km/h.
    What you do: Stop at customs and wait for the officers to wave you on.
  • POLIZEIPOLICE
    2.52Police stop
    The police put this sign up when they stop vehicles; it obliges you to stop.
    What you do: Stop and wait for the instructions of the police.
  • 60
    2.53End of maximum speed
    The speed limit signed before is lifted; the general limit applies again.
    What you do: Work out which general limit applies here instead of simply accelerating.
  • 50GENERELL
    2.53.1End of general maximum speed 50 everyday German: Ende 50 generell
    Here the built-up area ends: outside towns 80 km/h applies from now on, unless something else is signed.
    What you do: Accelerate to 80, as far as the road and visibility allow.
  • 30
    2.54End of minimum speed
    The duty to keep a minimum speed ends here.
    What you do: Drive at your own speed again, slower than the previous minimum as well.
  • 2.55End of no overtaking
    The overtaking ban is lifted; overtaking is allowed again when it is safe.
    What you do: Check oncoming traffic, visibility and the centre line before you overtake anyway.
  • 2.56End of no overtaking for lorries
    Lorries may overtake again from here.
    What you do: On the motorway, expect lorries to pull out again.
  • 2.56.1End of partial prohibition
    A driving ban signed earlier for one type of vehicle ends here.
    What you do: The type of vehicle shown on the sign may use this lane again.
  • 2.57End of snow chains compulsory
    Snow chains are no longer prescribed from here.
    What you do: Take the chains off at a safe place, because on a dry road they damage tyres and surface.
  • 2.58End of all restrictions
    Several restrictions signed before end at once, for example after motorway road works; the general rules apply again.
    What you do: Return to the general speed for this road, for example 120 on the motorway.
  • ZONE30
    2.59.1Zone sign, for example 30 km/h zone everyday German: Tempo-30-Zone
    Marks a whole neighbourhood in which the rule shown applies, so with 30 km/h everywhere at most 30 km/h.
    What you do: Keep the zone rule across the whole area until the end-of-zone sign, and expect priority from the right in the neighbourhood.
  • ZONE30
    2.59.2End of zone everyday German: Ende der Tempo-30-Zone
    The end of the zone: the panel shows the same zone sign in grey, struck through diagonally.
    What you do: From here the general traffic rules of the road you continue on apply again (art. 2a para. 3 SSV).
  • ZONE
    2.59.3Pedestrian zone
    This zone belongs to pedestrians; vehicles are admitted only by exception and at walking pace.
    What you do: Enter only with an express exemption, then at walking pace and with priority for everyone on foot.
  • ZONE
    2.59.4End of pedestrian zone
    The pedestrian zone ends here.
    What you do: You are a vehicle again from now on, but expect pedestrians as you leave.
  • ZONE20
    2.59.5Encounter zone
    In this zone pedestrians may use the whole street and have priority; the limit is 20 km/h.
    What you do: Drive at 20 km/h, give way to pedestrians and park only in marked bays.
  • ZONE20
    2.59.6End of encounter zone
    The encounter zone with pedestrian priority and 20 km/h ends.
    What you do: Drive at normal speed again; pedestrians have lost their priority on the carriageway.
  • 2.60Cycle track
    Bicycles and mopeds must use this track; for other vehicles it is off limits.
    What you do: Move onto the cycle track by bicycle; never drive or park on it by car.
  • 2.60.1End of cycle track
    The cycle track ends and people cycling return to the carriageway.
    What you do: As a driver, expect bicycles to join the road here.
  • 2.61Footpath
    This path is reserved for pedestrians; bicycles only with the plate that permits them.
    What you do: Get off the bicycle unless a plate allows riding.
  • 2.62Bridleway
    Only riders and people leading a horse may use this path.
    What you do: As a pedestrian or cyclist, keep off the bridleway.
  • 2.63Separate cycle and foot path
    Cyclists and pedestrians share the path, each group having its own marked half.
    What you do: Stay on the side your symbol shows.
  • 2.63.1Shared cycle and foot path
    Cyclists and pedestrians use the same surface without a division; people cycling take care and adjust their speed.
    What you do: Ride slowly by bicycle and do not crowd pedestrians.
  • 2.64Bus lane everyday German: Busspur
    This carriageway is reserved for public service buses; others may not use it.
    What you do: Do not drive on the bus lane unless a plate admits taxis or bicycles, for example.

No stopping and no parking get mixed up constantly — the difference, the yellow markings and the court-ordered parking ban have a page of their own: Parkverbot and Halteverbot, the difference (in German); where parking is allowed but timed, the disc decides — the blue zone and the parking disc (in German).

They say who has to wait at the junction. Without a sign, priority from the right applies; the yellow diamond suspends it, the triangle on its point takes it away from you.

Several shapes: octagon, triangle on its point, yellow diamond.

  • STOP
    3.01Stop everyday German: Stopp-Schild
    You must come to a halt and give way to vehicles on the crossing road; the sign stands only where visibility makes a stop indispensable.
    What you do: Stop completely before the stop line, even when nobody is coming, and only then drive on.
  • 3.02Give way everyday German: Dreieck auf der Spitze
    You must give way to vehicles on the road you are approaching; you only have to stop when somebody is coming.
    What you do: Reduce speed, be ready to brake at the give-way line and drive on only when you obstruct nobody.
  • 3.03Main road everyday German: Gelbe Raute
    You are on a road with priority; at the junctions that follow, priority from the right does not apply.
    What you do: Take your priority, but watch for vehicles that fail to give it to you.
  • 3.04End of main road
    The priority of the main road ends; at the next junction priority from the right applies again.
    What you do: Expect priority from the right at the next junction and give way to vehicles coming from there.
  • 3.05Junction with a road without priority
    On a minor road, you have priority at the next junction.
    What you do: Carry on, but check whether the vehicles joining have seen you.
  • 3.06Junction with priority from the right everyday German: Rechtsvortritt-Schild
    Announces a junction on a minor road at which the statutory priority from the right applies.
    What you do: Look to the right before the junction and give way to a vehicle coming from there.
  • 3.09Give way to oncoming traffic
    In the narrow section you must give way to oncoming traffic when driving in the direction of the red arrow.
    What you do: Wait before the narrow part until the oncoming traffic has passed.
  • 3.10Priority over oncoming traffic
    In the direction of the white arrow you have priority in the narrow section; whoever is already inside it may finish passing through.
    What you do: Carry on, but wait when a multi-track vehicle is already in the narrow section.
  • 3.20Alternating flashing light signal
    Stands at a level crossing: the two alternating red lights mean stop.
    What you do: Stop before the crossing while they flash and wait until the lights go out.
  • 3.21Single flashing light signal
    A single flashing red light at a level crossing means stop.
    What you do: Stop as long as the red light flashes, even when no train is in sight.
  • 3.22St Andrew cross
    Marks a level crossing; without a flashing light you have to check for yourself that the line is clear.
    What you do: Approach slowly, look both ways and cross only when no train is coming.
  • 3.24St Andrew cross, upright form
    The same meaning as the horizontal St Andrew cross (3.22); the ordinance lists both forms under the same name.
    What you do: Act exactly as with the horizontal cross: look both ways, and only then cross the tracks.

They describe the road you are on, and with it the rules that come along: motorway, one-way street, dead end, car park.

Rectangular or square, mostly white on blue; motorway and expressway green.

  • 4.01Motorway
    A motorway begins here: only motor vehicles capable of at least 80 km/h, a general limit of 120 km/h, and all earlier restrictions are lifted.
    What you do: Pick up speed on the acceleration lane and merge into a gap; vehicles on the motorway have priority.
  • 4.02End of motorway
    The motorway ends; from here the general traffic rules apply again, so 80 km/h outside built-up areas.
    What you do: Brake in good time on the exit ramp, because your sense of speed deceives you after the motorway.
  • 4.03Expressway
    A road for motor vehicles with motorway rules, but often with oncoming traffic; the general limit is 100 km/h.
    What you do: Drive as on the motorway, but expect oncoming traffic and do not overtake where a solid line runs.
  • 4.04End of expressway
    The expressway ends and the general rules apply again.
    What you do: Come down from expressway speed to 80 or 50, depending on what follows.
  • 4.05Mountain postal road everyday German: Posthorn
    On this mountain road you must follow the signals of postbus and scheduled bus drivers when passing and overtaking.
    What you do: Follow the postbus when it signals where you should wait or pull over.
  • 4.06End of mountain postal road
    The duty to follow the signals of postbus drivers ends.
    What you do: Pass and overtake by the general rules again.
  • 4.07Tunnel
    From here the tunnel rules apply: lights on, no turning, no reversing, stopping only in an emergency.
    What you do: Switch on the dipped headlights, take your sunglasses off and keep your distance.
  • 4.08One-way street
    This street may be used only in the direction of the arrow; at the far end stands the no-entry sign.
    What you do: Drive in the direction of the arrow; in a one-way street you may also stop at the left-hand edge.
  • 4.08.1One-way street with contraflow cycling
    A one-way street in which bicycles may ride in the opposite direction.
    What you do: Expect bicycles coming towards you, above all when turning and when opening a door.
  • 4.09Dead end
    The road does not lead through.
    What you do: Turn in only when your destination lies in this street.
  • 4.09.1Dead end with exceptions
    A dead end for cars, yet at the far end a path continues for pedestrians or cyclists.
    What you do: Turn back by car; on foot or by bicycle you may continue.
  • 2 km
    4.10Water protection zone
    In this area vehicles carrying water-polluting goods must drive with particular care.
    What you do: With a tanker or chemicals, drive slowly and with foresight along the stated length.
  • 4.11Pedestrian crossing
    Shows exactly where a pedestrian crossing lies: outside built-up areas always, inside them where the crossing is hard to see.
    What you do: Be ready to brake and give way to pedestrians approaching the crossing.
  • 4.12Pedestrian underpass
    Pedestrians must use the underpass here.
    What you do: On foot, go down rather than across the carriageway.
  • 4.13Pedestrian footbridge
    Pedestrians must use the footbridge at this point.
    What you do: On foot, take the bridge; as a driver you do not expect pedestrians on the carriageway here.
  • H
    4.14Hospital
    A hospital, a care home or a similar institution is nearby; you have to drive with particular consideration.
    What you do: Drive slowly, make no avoidable noise (art. 33 VRV) and expect ambulances.
  • 4.15Lay-by for slow vehicles
    Slow vehicles must pull into this bay so that faster ones can pass; stopping and parking are prohibited.
    What you do: With a slow vehicle, pull in here and let the queue behind you pass.
  • SOS
    4.16Emergency stopping place
    A place for emergency stops on motorways without a hard shoulder; stopping voluntarily is prohibited.
    What you do: Stop here only with a breakdown, then put out the warning triangle and go behind the barrier.
  • P
    4.17Parking permitted everyday German: P-Schild
    You may park here; restrictions are shown on a supplementary plate.
    What you do: Park inside the marked bays and read the plate.
  • P
    4.18Parking with a parking disc, blue zone everyday German: Blaue Zone
    Parking only with a parking disc; without a time shown, the limited parking time of the blue zone applies on working days from 8 am to 7 pm.
    What you do: Set the disc to the next mark after your arrival time and put it visibly behind the windscreen.
  • P
    4.20Paid parking
    Parking is allowed only against payment and by the rules at the meter.
    What you do: Pay before you leave and put the ticket visibly behind the windscreen.
  • P
    4.21Multi-storey car park
    Points to a covered parking area.
    What you do: With car parks, mind the maximum height at the entrance.
  • 4.24Escape lane
    A red and white marked lane with a gravel bed in which a vehicle comes to a halt when its brakes fail.
    What you do: Drive into it only when the brakes fail, never otherwise.
  • P+
    4.25Park and ride everyday German: Park and Ride
    A car park meant for changing to train or bus.
    What you do: Park here when you continue by public transport.
  • BielBienneBE
    4.27Start of built-up area on main roads everyday German: Ortstafel
    The town begins here on a main road; the sign itself is not a speed rule, the 50 sign stands separately.
    What you do: Watch for the general 50 sign, which usually stands right beside it, and adjust your speed.
  • LyssBern21 km
    4.28End of built-up area on main roads
    The town ends, with the next place and its distance; the end of the 50 limit is on a sign of its own.
    What you do: Accelerate only when the sign for the end of the general 50 limit comes as well.
  • Maur
    4.29Start of built-up area on minor roads
    Start of a town on a minor road, as a white panel with black lettering; on minor roads of little importance the general 50 sign may be missing.
    What you do: Slow to 50 as soon as the dense building begins; there the 50 applies even without a sign (art. 4a para. 2 VRV).
  • MaurEgg3 km
    4.30End of built-up area on minor roads
    The town ends on a minor road.
    What you do: Check which limit applies outside built-up areas before you drive faster.
  • 5080100120
    4.93General speed limits everyday German: Tempo-Tafel an der Grenze
    The panel at the national border shows the four general speed limits of Switzerland: 50, 80, 100 and 120.
    What you do: Know the four figures: 50 in towns, 80 outside them, 100 on expressways, 120 on motorways.
  • 50 m
    4.94Direction and distance to the nearest emergency exit
    In a tunnel it shows the direction and the distance to the nearest emergency exit.
    What you do: In an emergency, walk in the direction of the arrow to the exit.
  • 4.95Emergency exit
    Marks the emergency exit in a tunnel.
    What you do: In a fire or an accident, leave the vehicle and go through this exit.

They change the reach of a sign: from where, for how long, for whom, at which times. A supplementary plate is as binding as the sign above it.

White plate with black lettering, under the sign.

  • 80 m
    5.01Distance plate
    States at what distance the hazard begins or the rule applies.
    What you do: Count the distance in your head; the rule applies only from the stated point.
  • 50 m
    5.02Distance and direction
    Says in which direction and how far away the signed thing lies, a car park for instance.
    What you do: Follow the arrow; the metres are to the destination.
  • 2,5 km
    5.03Length of stretch
    States how long the stretch is on which the hazard or the rule applies.
    What you do: Keep to the rule for the whole stated length, not only at the sign.
  • 5.04Repetition plate
    The sign above repeats a rule or a hazard that already applied.
    What you do: Nothing new: the existing rule continues to apply.
  • 5.05Start plate
    Under a no-stopping or no-parking sign: the prohibition begins here.
    What you do: From this point on, in the direction of the arrow, do not stop or park any more.
  • 5.06End plate
    The no-stopping or no-parking rule ends at this plate.
    What you do: From here you may stand again, as far as the general rules allow.
  • 5.07Direction plate
    Shows in which direction the rule or the information applies, for instance how far the parking ban extends.
    What you do: Only the side in the direction of the arrow is meant; the other stays free.
  • 5.09Course of the main road
    The thick line shows how the main road turns at the junction; the thin lines are the minor roads.
    What you do: Follow the thick line to stay on the main road, and give way to its vehicles when you join.
  • 08.00–11.3014.15–17.30
    5.10Exceptions to the no-stopping rule
    Names the times at which the no-stopping rule does not apply.
    What you do: Outside the stated times the ban does not apply; inside them it does.
  • P20.00–06.00
    5.11Exceptions to the no-parking rule
    Names the times during which you may park despite the parking ban.
    What you do: Compare the time before you leave the car.
  • 5.12Flashing light
    Under the level-crossing sign: the crossing is protected by flashing light signals.
    What you do: Watch for the red flashing light at the crossing and stop when it flashes.
  • 5.13Icy road everyday German: Schneeflocke
    Warns, usually under the slippery-road sign, of ice or packed snow on the carriageway.
    What you do: Brake and steer gently, keep more distance, and go clearly slower when in doubt.
  • 3,20 m
    5.15Width of carriageway
    States how wide the carriageway still is at its narrowest point.
    What you do: Know your own width and wait before the narrow section if in doubt.
  • 5.18Cyclists may turn right on red
    At these lights, bicycles may turn right when the light is red, provided they obstruct nobody.
    What you do: Turn right on red by bicycle, but give way to pedestrians and crossing traffic.
  • Zubringerdienstgestattet
    Art. 17Access traffic permitted
    A plate under a driving ban: journeys to residents and properties on this road remain allowed, driving through does not.
    What you do: Enter only when you deliver, collect or visit somebody there.

White organises the traffic that moves, yellow protects others or forbids standing. The colour is the first piece of information, the shape the second.

On the carriageway: white for moving traffic, yellow for pedestrians, cyclists, buses and prohibitions.

  • 6.01Solid line everyday German: Durchgezogene Linie
    The continuous white line may neither be driven along nor crossed.
    What you do: Stay to the right of it, not even crossing to overtake or to turn left.
  • 6.02Double solid line
    Two continuous lines separate the directions of travel; neither may be crossed.
    What you do: As with the single solid line: never cross, in either direction.
  • 6.03Broken line everyday German: Unterbrochene Linie
    The broken white line shows the centre of the carriageway or the lanes and may be crossed with care.
    What you do: Cross it to overtake or to turn when it is safe, otherwise keep right.
  • 6.04Double line, solid and broken
    Solid line beside broken line: whoever drives on the side of the solid line may not cross it, the other side may.
    What you do: Look which of the two lines is on your side.
  • 6.05Warning line
    Short dashes with short gaps announce a solid or a double line.
    What you do: Finish an overtaking manoeuvre you have started, because overtaking will not be allowed in a moment.
  • 6.06Lane arrows
    The arrows on the lane say in which direction you may cross the junction from this lane.
    What you do: Choose the right lane early; from a turning lane you may not go straight on.
  • 6.07Deflection arrows
    The slanted arrows announce that your lane is ending and that you must change in the direction of the arrow.
    What you do: Indicate in good time and change lane before it stops.
  • BUS
    6.08Bus lane marking
    The yellow marked lane with the word BUS is reserved for scheduled buses.
    What you do: Do not drive on it and do not stop on it, unless an exception is signed.
  • 6.09Cycle lane
    The yellow line at the edge marks the cycle lane; where it is continuous you may not drive on it.
    What you do: Cross it only where the line is broken, and watch for bicycles while you do; a continuous line may be neither driven along nor crossed (art. 74a para. 1 SSV).
  • 6.10Stop line
    The white transverse line shows where you must stop at a stop sign or a red light; the front of the car may not project over it.
    What you do: Stop with the bumper before the line, not on it.
  • STOP
    6.11The word Stop on the carriageway
    The word Stop on the carriageway belongs to the stop sign and marks the duty to halt.
    What you do: Stop before the stop line, as the sign at the roadside requires.
  • 6.12Continuous longitudinal line
    The continuous line in the direction of travel before a junction supplements the stop or give-way line.
    What you do: Stay in your lane before the junction and do not cross the line.
  • 6.13Give-way line, sharks teeth everyday German: Haifischzähne
    The row of white triangles belongs to the give-way sign: here you stop when you have to give priority.
    What you do: Approach the triangles ready to brake and stop as soon as somebody comes.
  • 6.14Advance warning of the give-way line
    The large white triangle on the carriageway announces that the give-way line follows in a moment.
    What you do: Take out speed and prepare to give way.
  • 6.15Edge line
    The continuous white line at the edge shows where the carriageway ends.
    What you do: Drive inside the edge line; on the motorway the hard shoulder lies to the right of it.
  • 6.16Guide line
    The broken line guides traffic visually, for instance through a wide junction or round a main road that changes direction.
    What you do: Follow the line; a guide line is not a priority marking.
  • 6.16.4Deflection line
    The continuous line leads past traffic islands and structures.
    What you do: Follow the line and do not drive onto the island.
  • 6.17Pedestrian crossing, zebra everyday German: Zebrastreifen
    Yellow bars parallel to the edge of the carriageway: here pedestrians have priority as soon as they want to step onto the crossing.
    What you do: Approach ready to brake and stop when somebody wants to cross; never stop on the crossing itself.
  • 6.18No-stopping line before a pedestrian crossing
    The yellow line before the crossing is at least ten metres long and forbids voluntary stopping on the carriageway and on the adjacent pavement.
    What you do: Never stop before the crossing, not even to let somebody out.
  • 6.19Longitudinal strip for pedestrians
    A strip of the carriageway bounded by yellow lines and marked with diagonal bars, intended for pedestrians.
    What you do: Use it with a vehicle only when you do not obstruct pedestrians (art. 41 para. 3 VRV).
  • 6.20Hatched area everyday German: Sperrfläche
    White hatched and bordered areas may not be driven on.
    What you do: Drive round the area, even when it is empty.
  • 6.21Zigzag line
    The yellow zigzag line marks a bus or tram stop.
    What you do: Stop here only to let people in or out, without obstructing the bus; never park.
  • 6.22No-parking line
    The yellow line with crosses at the edge of the carriageway forbids parking.
    What you do: Stopping briefly to let people in or out is allowed, leaving the car is not.
  • TAXI
    6.23No-parking box
    A yellow box with a diagonal cross forbids parking, often with lettering such as Taxi.
    What you do: Do not park; where there is lettering, stop only when you do not obstruct those entitled.
  • 6.24Double transverse line
    The white and blue double line marks the beginning or the end of a blue zone.
    What you do: Inside the blue side, park only with a parking disc.
  • 6.25No-stopping line
    The continuous yellow line at the edge of the carriageway forbids every voluntary stop.
    What you do: Drive on; letting people in or out is forbidden here too.
  • 6.26Advanced stop box for cyclists
    Before the lights, the yellow marked area in front of the stop line belongs to bicycles.
    What you do: Stop the car before the white stop line and leave the yellow area free.

Rules that belong to the signs

On the motorway: minimum speed, the rescue lane, passing on the right

The green motorway sign (4.01) switches on a set of rules of its own, and the theory test likes asking about them. The figures behind them are in the Verkehrsregelnverordnung (VRV, SR 741.11), the federal traffic rules ordinance, not on any sign — which is why they are here.

Who may use the motorway? Only motor vehicles that can and may reach at least 80 km/h (art. 35 VRV). There is no minimum-speed sign for that; the 80 comes from the ordinance. Tractors, tracked vehicles, vehicles with studded tyres and motorcycles up to 50 cm³ or 4 kW stay off. The general limit is 120 km/h, on an expressway 100 (art. 4a VRV).

Joining: pick up speed on the acceleration lane and merge into a gap — whoever is already on the motorway has priority (art. 36 para. 4 VRV). That is why the give-way sign stands at every entry, without a give-way line (art. 88 para. 1 SSV). The hard shoulder is for emergency stops only; stopping there voluntarily breaches art. 36 para. 3 VRV. Turning and reversing are prohibited, including through the gaps in the central reservation.

Passing on the right has been allowed in four cases since 2021 (art. 36 para. 5 VRV): in queuing traffic on the left or middle lane, on lane-selection stretches with different destinations signed, on the acceleration lane alongside a solid line, and on the deceleration lane of an exit. What stays forbidden is overtaking on the right by pulling out and back in. The difference is the exam question: passing within your own lane yes, changing lane in order to overtake no.

The rescue lane (art. 36 para. 7 VRV): as soon as traffic on a motorway or expressway with two or more lanes per direction moves at walking pace or stands still, vehicles form a free lane for police, ambulance, fire, customs and rescue vehicles between the outermost left lane and the lane immediately to its right. The left lane moves left, everybody else moves right — with three lanes too, the gap stays between the first and the second. It is formed before a blue light is in sight, not once it is.

Direction of travel →
The rescue lane on three lanes: the left lane moves left, the middle and right lanes move right. The free lane is always between the first and the second lane from the left. Sketch: todrive.ch

What breaking these rules costs is not here, but in the fines calculator (in German).

The symbols on the dashboard

The lights on your car: what each symbol means, and when each light is compulsory

Lights are not signs, but they belong to the same test, and the symbols on the dashboard get looked up as often as any sign. Six lamps, each with its rule from the federal traffic rules ordinance (VRV). What this page does not do: explain or sell bulbs.

  • Dipped headlights

    Compulsory from dusk until daylight, in poor visibility and in tunnels (art. 30 para. 1 VRV). The symbol: a lamp with beams slanting downwards, green on the dashboard.

  • Main beam

    Allowed when needed, avoided where possible in built-up areas; to be switched off before meeting another vehicle and when following one (art. 30 para. 3 VRV). The lamp with horizontal beams, blue on the dashboard.

  • Daytime running lights

    They are enough by day: motor vehicles must be lit at all times while driving (art. 41 SVG, since 2014), with daytime running lights or dipped headlights. The symbol: a lamp with broken beams.

  • Front fog lights

    Only in fog, falling snow or heavy rain, when visibility is seriously reduced (art. 30 para. 4 VRV). The lamp with beams slanting down and a wavy line across them.

  • Rear fog light

    The same rule as at the front, and off again the moment visibility improves — it dazzles the driver behind. The symbol is mirrored and orange on the dashboard.

  • Parking lights

    During a longer halt you may switch to parking lights; vehicles parked outside built-up areas need them on the traffic side, inside them reflectors are enough (art. 30 para. 5, art. 31 VRV). Two half lamps pointing outwards.

The rule of thumb for the test: always lit (daytime running lights are enough by day), dipped headlights as soon as it gets dark, rains or a tunnel comes, main beam only when nobody is dazzled, fog lights only in fog. Fog lights and the rear fog light may be used only when fog, falling snow or heavy rain seriously reduces visibility (art. 30 para. 4 VRV); the lighting must in any case be handled so that nobody is needlessly dazzled (art. 41 para. 4 SVG).

ToDrive sign index

Which signs are misread most often? This quiz measures it

This list grows out of the quiz above. Every answer is counted anonymously — which sign was asked and which answer was chosen, with no address, no cookie, no time of day. First figures appear here once a sign has been asked 20 times; the list becomes solid once 500 people have played. Then it will say which signs Switzerland misreads most often, and what they are confused with.

So far: 12 answers, 1 round. As of September 2026.

Method

Where the signs come from, and what this page counted itself

The signs, their numbers and their meanings come from the Signalisationsverordnung (SSV, SR 741.21), annex 2, in the version of 1 July 2026, read on fedlex on 17 September 2026; the rules of conduct from the Verkehrsregelnverordnung (VRV, SR 741.11) and the Strassenverkehrsgesetz (SVG, SR 741.01). The meanings are written in our own words and were checked card by card against the article that describes the sign; where a card says what a sign looks like — colour, shape, the direction of an arrow — that sentence was compared with the illustration in annex 2, which is part of the ordinance (art. 2 para. 1bis SSV). Last re-checked on 21 September 2026. There is no official English version of the ordinance — it is published in German, French and Italian, and the English names here are the usual terms, not a legal translation. What binds is the German, French or Italian wording.

The pictures are our own redrawings of the illustrations in annex 2, drawn as SVG so they stay sharp at any size. Federal enactments and their annexes are not protected by copyright under art. 5 para. 1 let. a of the Copyright Act (URG, SR 231.1); what counts is always the original in the ordinance, not our drawing.

What was counted here, as of September 2026
Warning signs28 signs27 in the quiz1 shape
Regulatory signs: prohibitions and orders71 signs62 in the quiz9 shapes
Priority signs12 signs12 in the quiz8 shapes
Information signs31 signs24 in the quiz7 shapes
Supplementary plates15 signs14 in the quiz4 shapes
Road markings27 signs23 in the quiz1 shape
Together18416225 distinct

The list to reuse. All 184 signs with number, group, meaning and whether they come up in the test are available as a file as well — free to use as long as the source is named: CSV and JSON. The fields in them are German, because that is what the ordinance and the test use.

Why this page exists: five spellings of "road signs switzerland" together carry around 2,400 searches a month, and in German "Verkehrsschilder Schweiz" alone 1,600 (DataForSEO, September 2026). The first page of results held a PDF, three sign shops and three German sites — and nothing to practise with.

Further reading: road signals at the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA), vehicles and traffic on ch.ch.

Next step

Ready for the theory test? This is how it works

The signs are the part that is easiest to practise. The rest is procedure: the basic theory test has 50 questions, lasts at most 45 minutes and allows at most 15 error points out of 150 (asa, the association of the cantonal road traffic offices); you register at the road traffic office of your canton, which also sets the languages on offer — Zurich, for example, offers German, French, Italian and English, English only for the basic test. If the lessons should not be in German either: driving schools that teach in English, listed by canton. Our pages on the theory test and the learning apps have the details (in German).

How the theory test works Which app to learn with

Dazu passt: Parkverbot und Halteverbot, der Unterschied, wie du für die Theorieprüfung lernst, die häufigsten Fehler in der Prüfung, die Töffliprüfung mit 14, für die dieselben Signale gelten.

Guides

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The whole road to your driving licence

The full overview
Step 01

First-aid course (Nothelferkurs)
Step 02

Apply for the learner's permit
Step 03

Eyesight test
Step 04

Learning the theory & where to learn it
Step 05

Theory test
Step 06

The learner's permit (Lernfahrausweis)
Step 07

Driving lessons
Step 08

Private practice drives
Step 09

VKU course
Step 10

Practical driving test
Step 11

Probationary licence
Step 12

WAB course (further training)
Step 13

Unrestricted licence