BERN, SWITZERLAND – The second part of the national road safety programme called via sicura comes into effect 1 January. Two of the key changes for motorists are that car lights must be kept on at all times, even during the day, and new drivers cannot drink at all. The alcohol tolerance level for certain groups of drivers will be zero.
Also worth noting: car owners, rather than drivers, will be responsible for any fines.
Zero alcohol
The groups affected by the zero alcohol tolerance measures are:
- professional drivers (trucks, buses, dangerous goods drivers)
- new drivers (holders of learner’s permits)
- student drivers
- drivers education teachers
- anyone accompanying a driver with a learner’s permit
Fines for leaving your lights off
The penalty for not having your lights on during the day will be CHF40. Electric bikes, bicycles and small scooters are not required to, nor are cars built before 1970.
If driver not known in case of a fine, owner pays
The new road rules also call for the owner of a car to pay if a fine is issued and it’s not clear who was driving at the time.