Motorcycle fines for overtaking in traffic jams and more
If you don’t follow the rules in Switzerland, expect to get a fine or face legal consequences. Comparis lists 12 common offences.
19.06.2024
iStock/Andrew_Mayovskyy
1. Overtaking in traffic jams on a motorbike
One of the most common offences committed by motorcyclists is weaving through congested traffic and queues at traffic lights.
This is not allowed: motorcyclists are not allowed to move through to the front of a queue, whether on the left or right. All road users must remain in their place in the queue.
Fines for filtering through stationary traffic
Fine for failing to maintain your position in a queue of stationary traffic: 60 francs
Are the rules the same for motorcycles and cars?
Whether weaving through stationary traffic, riding without a helmet or transporting a child without a child seat: for motorcycles and scooters, there are some special rules that apply to riders and passengers. This goes for both light vehicles and heavy motorcycles with a power output of more than 35 kW.
The laws for cars, on the other hand, always apply to motorcycles.
That’s why most of the rules are identical – for example, the rules on solid white safety lines, overtaking on the right, driving without lights, driving under the influence of alcohol and speed limits.
2. Crossing a solid white line
You should not cross a solid white safety line under any circumstances. Depending on the specific situation, this may be deemed anything from a minor infringement to a gross violation of traffic rules.
The result is a fine of over 140 francs. This is the case if no one is hindered or endangered. Otherwise, you may be charged with an offence and your driving licence revoked.
3. Letting go of the handlebars
Motorcyclists must have their hands on the handlebars while riding. If you let go of the handlebars while riding your motorcycle, you endanger both yourself and other road users. Violating this rule may result in a police report and official proceedings.
4. Riding without a helmet
If you ride a motorbike in Switzerland without a helmet, you will have to pay a fine. This also applies to passengers. You can find out more about this subject in our article on protective gear for motorcycles.
Failure to wear a helmet
Offence: motorcyclist not wearing a helmet
Fine: 60 francs
5. Children travelling without a child seat
Children under the age of seven must be seated in a child seat approved by the road traffic authority. They must also be able to use the footboards or footrests without difficulty. This also applies to children over the age of seven. Make sure that the child is wearing suitable protective clothing.
6. Driving without lights
Just like car drivers, motorcycle riders must have their lights on while on the road. Anyone failing to do so will be fined. This fine is higher at night on lit roads than during the day.
Riding with no lights on
Fine for riding without lights on during the day: 40 francs
Fine for riding without a light on lit roads at night: 60 francs
Fine for riding without lights in a lit tunnel: 60 francs
7. Warming up the engine
You may enjoy listening to the sound of your motorcycle’s engine, but beware: warming up the engine or letting the engine run unnecessarily is not permitted. Only switch your engine on when you’re ready to leave.
Fine for warming up the engine
Offence: unnecessary warming-up of the engine of a stationary vehicle
Fine: 60 francs
8. Overtaking on the right
Just like the rules for car drivers, overtaking on the right side is not permitted. If you’re on a road with multiple lanes and overtake on the right, expect to receive a fine.
Fine for overtaking on the right
Fine in built-up areas: 140 francs
On the motorway and highway: 250 francs
Depending on the hazardous situation, you may be charged with an offence and your driving licence revoked instead of a fine.
Good to know: you are now allowed to pass vehicles in the right lane. This rule came into force on 1 January 2021. What exactly does that mean?
You are allowed to overtake in the right lane in the following circumstances:
You must not accelerate.
You may not change lanes after overtaking.
You are not allowed to move into the right lane to overtake.
Drivers in the left-hand lane should be aware that vehicles may pass on the right.
Example: the vehicle in front of you is in the left lane, but the right lane is completely clear. As long as you do not exceed the speed limit, you may drive past the vehicle on the right.
9. Missing reflector
Motorcycle owners must attach a reflector to their motorcycle. This is a legal requirement in Switzerland. This applies whether you are placing the vehicle on the market or driving it. Failure to attach a reflector may result in a fine.
Fine for missing reflector
Placement on the market: 60 francs
Riding the motorcycle: 60 francs
10. Riding on the pavement
Riding a motorcycle on the pavement is prohibited and is punishable by a fine. If you want to move your motorcycle along a pavement, you first have to get off and switch off the engine.
Fines for riding on the pavement
Fine for riding a motorcycle on the pavement: 100 francs
11. Illegal parking
By law, you may only park your motorcycle in parking spaces designated for motorcycles. Parking in bicycle and car parking spaces or on the pavement is not permitted.
In some cities, such as Zurich, the police are forgiving and tolerate parked motorcycles on pavements, provided they don’t cause an obstruction for pedestrians.
Parking fees for motorcycles
With the revised Road Signs Ordinance, communes have since 1 January 2021 been able to introduce paid parking spaces specifically for motorcycles, mopeds and fast e-bikes. Various political initiatives and pilot projects are currently under way.
12. Riding side by side
No matter how wide the road is, motorcyclists are not allowed to ride next to each other.
There is an exception to this rule – you may ride side by side in a vehicle convoy if it seems sensible or necessary to do so.
The right motorcycle insurance
In addition to the rules and regulations, it also pays to look closely at insurance. Premiums vary greatly from insurer to insurer. Take note: the most expensive insurer doesn’t always pay the most in the event of a claim.
This article was first published on 07.04.2016
