New traffic rules and signalling requirements from 2021

Road safety: practical examples

In cooperation with the Verkehrsschule Zug, we present various traffic situations under the heading “From the field”. Using practical examples, we explain 1:1 the correct traffic rules.

Sven Meier, President of the Verkehrsschule Zug, provides information on traffic rules and situations. Do you have any questions or uncertainties? Do not hesitate to contact him and you will receive competent information.

The Federal Council adopted the revised traffic rules and signalling ordinances in May. These changes affect various areas: for example, on motorways in the event of traffic jams, the obligation to form an escape route will in future apply in the case of traffic jams, and the zipper principle will apply in the case of lane reductions. In addition, children up to 12 years of age will now be allowed to cycle on the pavement, provided that there is no cycle path or lane. The amendments to the ordinance will come into force on 1 January 2021 and serve to improve road safety and traffic flow. We would be pleased to provide you with an overview of the most important changes:

Measures in rolling traffic
If a lane has to be removed, the zipper principle now applies. Motorists must allow the vehicles to swing in from the removed lane. This is to prevent vehicles from changing to the remaining lane too early when a lane is removed and to restrict the flow of traffic. Failure to observe the zipper principle is punishable by an orderly bus.

Furthermore, the obligation to form an emergency lane will apply in future: In the event of a traffic jam, motorists must leave enough space for rescue vehicles between the left and right lanes – in three-lane roads between the left and the two right lanes – without occupying the breakdown lane. Here, too, there will be an orderly bus if this is disregarded.

Whereas driving past vehicles on motorways on the right-hand side has so far only been permitted in parallel convoy traffic, this will also be permitted in future if a convoy has formed only on the left-hand lane or, in the case of three-lane motorways, the middle lane. This will allow traffic to flow longer in both lanes. Overtaking on the right (swinging out onto the right lane and then immediately swinging back in) remains prohibited.

Measures in favour of slow-moving traffic
Cyclists and moped drivers will now be allowed to turn right at red lights, provided this is indicated. In addition, they will be able to mark an area in front of traffic lights, even if there is no cycle lane. In addition, diversionary signs will be introduced for slow-moving traffic.

Another change concerns the use of the pavement for children with bicycles. Today, only kindergarten teachers are allowed to do this. In future, children under 12 years of age will be allowed to use the pavement by bicycle – but only if there is no cycle path or lane. The Federal Council is aware that this can disturb pedestrians on the pavements. However, the new regulation helps to prevent accidents involving children with cars and thus serves road safety.

Measures for stationary traffic
The symbol “charging station” is created to indicate parking areas that have a charging station for electric vehicles. Such parking areas will be re-coloured green to make them more visible.

Furthermore, from next year onwards, newly marked parking areas with a bicycle pictogram can be reserved for bicycles without the need for additional signalling, as has been the case up to now. 

And the scope of the “Parking for a fee” signal will be extended to all vehicles so that fee-paying parking areas can also be introduced for motorbikes, mopeds and fast e-bikes.

Further changes as of 1 January 2021

• In the National Roads Ordinance, the Federal Council has lifted the ban on serving and selling alcohol at motorway service stations.
• Relief is introduced for certain heavy motor vehicles (over 3500 kilograms gross weight): Blood donation services are exempted from the ban on Sunday and night driving and veteran vehicles from the ban on Sunday driving.
• The maximum speed limit for light motor vehicles with trailers of up to 3.5 tonnes is increased from 80 km/h to 100 km/h, provided that the trailer and towing vehicle are approved for this speed.
• A further possibility of derogating exceptionally from the principle of priority in 30 km/h zones is introduced; it will be possible in future to provide priority cycle lanes in these zones by means of markings.
• DETEC’s instructions on special markings on the carriageway will be supplemented to the effect that, in pedestrian lanes, a marker may point to the tram.
• These directives also provide for the possibility of marking suitable pedestrian crossing points with “Füessli”. This marking on the pavement is to be used in 30 km/h zones, for example, as pedestrian crossings are only tolerated in exceptional cases.