rules of the road
Toll Roads
French Highways (autoroutes) have toll booths. There are different lanes - most where you can use a credit card, some with people you can pay, and a few where you can toss coins in a basket (but these are disappearing). Some tolls booths may not be manned at any time, so it's best to carry change and a credit card with you at all times.
Traffic rules and tips
French Highways (autoroutes) have toll booths. There are different lanes - most where you can use a credit card, some with people you can pay, and a few where you can toss coins in a basket (but these are disappearing). Some tolls booths may not be manned at any time, so it's best to carry change and a credit card with you at all times.
Traffic rules and tips
- Border Crossings
At Swiss/French border crossings, the lane on the right marked with a green symbol is for locals who display this sign on their car and can pass through without fear of being stopped. You can get this sign by stopping at Customs (Douane) and asking for one. If you don't have one stay on the left.
- Passport
Border guards can/will ask for your ID card, so always carry your passport with you. - License Plates
If you are resident in France, French law says you may not use a Swiss-plated car for more than 7 days. There is no exception for CERN cars. - Right of Way
In France, Switzerland, and much of Europe, cars on the right have right of way, unless they have a stop or yield sign. This means that if you are on big road, and a tiny one without a stop sign is coming up on your right, that a car there has right of way, and will likely assert it! Occasionally there are signs on the big road letting you know that there is something coming up where you do or don't have right of way.
- Road Signs - with explanations in French
- Seatbelts are mandatory. Fine is 135 euro.
- Traffic Circles
Cars in a traffic circle have right of way, so watch for their signaling: Signal left when entering a traffic circle, and right when you are going to leave it at the next exit.
Beware of drivers following too closely (tailgating), speeding or driving over the center line on your side of the road, especially on narrow streets.
Traffic rules and tips
Winter rules
In cantons Vaud and Valais
- Border Crossings
At Swiss/French border crossings, the lane on the right marked with a green symbol is for locals who display this sign on their car and can pass through without fear of being stopped. You can get this sign by stopping at Customs (Douane) and asking for one. If you don't have one stay on the left.
- Headlights
As of 1 January when driving in Switzerland you must have your headlights turned on or risk getting a ticket. - Motorways = Autoroute
It is mandatory to have an autoroute vignette posted on the windshield of each car you own if you travel on any portion of the Swiss autoroute (highway/motorway). You can buy them at gas stations, stores and at the Douane. They cost 40 CHF and are valid until 31 January. - Passport
Border guards can/will ask for your ID card, so always carry your passport with you. - Priority rule
In much of Europe, cars entering the road to your right have right of way, unless they have a stop or yield sign, except at traffic circles. - Right of Way
In France, Switzerland, and much of Europe, cars on the right have right of way, unless they have a stop or yield sign. This means that if you are on big road, and a tiny one without a stop sign is coming up on your right, that a car there has right of way, and will likely assert it! Occasionally there are signs on the big road letting you know that there is something coming up where you do or don't have right of way. - Road signs
- Traffic Circles
Cars in a traffic circle have right of way, so watch for their signaling: Signal left when entering a traffic circle, and right when you are going to leave it at the next exit.
Winter rules
In cantons Vaud and Valais
- Frost
For your own safety as well as others’, you must clear your head & taillights, all windows and your rearview mirrors of all snow and frost. - Snow on your car
Your car must be completely clear of snow to avoid it getting in the way of other drivers as it comes off while you move. - Winter tires
You are not legally obliged to have winter tires except on mountain passes where it is marked, but if you cause an accident or traffic jam that results in an accident, you could be held liable. Do use winter tires and do carry chains in your trunk as a precaution.
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