Parking in Switzerland: How to Avoid Unnecessary Fines

Parking can quickly become costly in Switzerland if you're unfamiliar with the rules – but they're not that complicated. As your parking fines are unfortunately not included in the Carvolution car subscription, we’ve compiled the most important information here. This way, you can stay relaxed and safe in any zone.

Where is Parking Forbidden?

Sure, no-parking signs are obvious, but there are also places where parking is not allowed even if there’s no sign in sight. A classic example: the sidewalk. You just want to quickly drop something in the mailbox and leave your car on the sidewalk – and boom, there’s a ticket under your windshield wiper. Besides sidewalks, bike lanes and driveways with white or yellow markings are also off-limits. Even briefly stopping to let someone in or out of the car is technically not allowed in these areas.

Be Careful, White Zones Are Not Free!

In white-marked parking spaces, you’ll always find a parking meter nearby because these spots are paid. The good news, though, is that many parking spaces now offer apps to pay the fees if you don’t have cash on hand. Here’s an important tip: make sure your car is fully within the markings. If even one wheel touches the line, you could face a fine. So, don’t try to squeeze into a tight spot—find a larger one to avoid the penalty.

The Coveted Blue Zone

Especially in cities, blue zones are in high demand. You can park for free here, but only under certain conditions. During the week, between 08:00 and 18:00, you’ll need a parking disc, and you must adhere to the time limits. If you try to extend your parking time by resetting the disc, you risk getting fined. The disc must also be clearly visible on the dashboard. Between 19:00 in the evening and 08:00 in the morning, as well as on weekends and public holidays, you can park without a time limit.

Yellow Zones: Private Property

Yellow markings usually indicate private parking spaces. Unless there’s a sign saying "Visitors," these spots belong to residents, shop customers, or employees. There is, however, a legal gray area. If you're just picking someone up and stay in the car, it’s generally okay. But as soon as you leave the vehicle, it’s considered parked, and that could lead to a fine.

As you can see, parking in Switzerland is not difficult – as long as you follow the key rules. This way, you can cruise around in your Carvolution car without worrying about parking tickets.