Driver Condition

Alcohol Limits in Switzerland

• General limit: 0.5‰ blood alcohol (BAC)

• Zero tolerance (0.1‰) for: new drivers (3 years), learners, driving instructors, professional drivers (taxi, bus, lorry)

• 0.8‰ and above = serious offence – licence withdrawal, fine, possible imprisonment

Drugs and Medication

Zero tolerance for illegal drugs (cannabis, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, etc.). Even trace amounts in saliva or blood lead to licence withdrawal.

Check the package insert of any prescription medication – some sleeping pills, sedatives and antihistamines impair driving fitness even days later.

Fatigue and Concentration

• Driving when tired is comparable to driving with alcohol – reaction time drops sharply

• Take a break every 2 hours on long trips

• Coffee, music or open windows are no substitute for sleep

• Strong emotion, stress and illness also impair the ability to drive safely

Fundamental rule and principle of trust

The fundamental rule (Art. 26 RTA) comes before all detailed provisions: everyone must behave so as not to obstruct or endanger others.

It goes hand in hand with the principle of trust: you may assume that others will observe the rules – as long as nothing indicates otherwise.

That principle ceases to apply around children, older people and people with disabilities, and as soon as someone's behaviour suggests a mistake is coming. There, particular care outweighs trust.