Parking Zones in Switzerland: An Overview

Parking space is scarce in Swiss cities, and even in rural areas, you will increasingly encounter parking regulations. Once you have finally found a spot for your BMW or VW, you may not always park there indefinitely or for as long as you want. Additionally, substantial fees may apply. How long are you allowed to park in a white zone? What restrictions apply to parking in a blue zone? And then there are also yellow zones, lines, and markings whose meaning is not immediately clear. This article will reveal the significance of the colors and when and where you are allowed to park in each zone.

Parking in White Zones in Switzerland

When you come across white markings on the roadside during your search for a parking space, you can rejoice: Parking is allowed in a white zone – albeit subject to fees and time restrictions. The cost and duration of parking in a specific white parking zone are indicated on a sign. The hourly fees range from 1 to 3 Swiss francs, depending on the location of the parking zone, with higher fees in the city compared to the outskirts.

Look around. Is there another parking space nearby with a functioning machine?

• If yes, park your vehicle in that parking area.

• If no, proceed to the next step. Document the defect by taking a photo with your smartphone. Place your parking disc with the arrival time clearly visible behind the windshield of your car.

Parking in Blue Zones: Doing it Right

Blue parking zones are particularly popular in Switzerland because you only need to display your parking disc with the arrival time and you don't have to purchase an expensive ticket. However, there are also rules to follow when parking in a blue zone. Here is a summary of those rules and what you need to pay attention to:

Blue Zone: How long can you park?

Between 8:00 AM and 6:59 PM on weekdays, you can park for up to 60 minutes in a blue zone. This rule also applies on Saturdays between 8:00 AM and 6:59 PM. Simply set your arrival time on the blue parking disc – and you can even round up by up to 29 minutes, depending on your arrival time. Whether you arrive at 8:01 AM or 8:30 AM, you would set 8:30 AM on the disc. Fines starting from 40 Swiss francs may be imposed if you:

• Exceed the allowed parking time.

• Set an incorrect parking time.

• Adjust the parking disc after setting it.

• Move your car within the blue zone without leaving it.

• Do not park your car exactly within the designated parking space.

• Fail to comply with the requirements for displaying the parking disc.

• Improperly or inadequately place the parking disc behind the windshield.

And what about after 7:00 PM and on Sundays and public holidays? During these times, unrestricted parking is allowed in the blue zone, as well as between 7:00 PM and 7:59 AM. However, make sure there are no special regulations in place that override this "free parking" period.

Blue Zone: The Lunch Break Rule

The lunch break rule is an exception to the maximum parking time of 89 minutes in the blue zone, which is not widely known. If you park your vehicle between 11:30 AM and 1:29 PM in the blue zone, you are not required to leave until 2:30 PM. It doesn't matter if you take your well-deserved lunch break during this time or quickly run errands.

Blue Zone: What does a compliant parking disc look like?

Only parking discs that meet the following criteria of the EU standard entitle you to park in a blue zone:

• Size: Minimum width of 11 cm, minimum height of 15 cm.

• Front side color and design: Blue background, white text, arrow, and "P" border also in white.

• Color and design of the time display: White background with black numbers, markings for full and half hours.

• Advertising and other inscriptions are prohibited on the front side but allowed on the back side.

Valid parking discs can be obtained at any gas station, well-stocked stores, and online. Garages and car dealerships often distribute parking discs as promotional items.

Where are parking prohibitions in Switzerland?

Parking your car incorrectly in Switzerland can quickly become expensive, as it can be towed away after a certain period of illegal parking. In addition to all the hassle and effort to retrieve your vehicle, you will have to dig deep into your pocket: In addition to the required flat fee of 200 Swiss francs, there is an additional 90 Swiss francs for the vehicle's return. If the police were involved, another 120 Swiss francs will be added. Even if you only receive a parking ticket, you can expect fines ranging from 40 to 120 Swiss francs, depending on the obstruction or endangerment of traffic. Parking for more than an hour on a no-parking line will also cost you 120 Swiss francs. Even if you are parked in a white or blue parking zone with a valid ticket or parking disc, a nasty surprise awaits if your tires are not positioned precisely within a designated parking space – hefty fines of up to 1,250 Swiss francs can be accumulated for prolonged parking. Even if only one tire is on the line, it is considered "outside." These are good reasons to use designated parking spaces and comply with the legal regulations when parking.

Prohibitions on stopping and parking in Switzerland are clearly indicated by signs (red cross or red line on a blue background) or colored markings. A solid yellow line on the roadside signifies a no-stopping zone. If the yellow line is interrupted by yellow crosses, it indicates a no-parking zone in that area. Here's how the two zones differ:

• Allowed in no-parking zones:

Briefly stopping to allow passengers to embark or disembark.

Briefly stopping to load or unload items without leaving the vehicle.

• Prohibited in no-parking zones:

Parking.

Stopping and remaining in the car, such as waiting for someone.

Stopping and leaving the car to quickly buy or do something.

• Prohibited in no-stopping zones:

Stopping.

Parking.

Outside of towns, there is a general prohibition on parking along main roads. Private properties, both inside and outside of towns, are also off-limits unless you have the owner's permission. Furthermore, parking is prohibited at railway crossings or intersections, and you must not block access to property with your parked Renault. When loading and unloading, try to minimize obstruction to other road users and keep it brief. When opening your vehicle door, ensure that you do not endanger any approaching road users, especially cyclists.

There are also yellow parking zones, which can only be used by companies and their customers, private tenants of the parking area, and their guests.

How to Avoid Parking Surprises – Our Tips

Did you know that even at Swiss highway rest areas, you need to use a parking disc? Therefore, it's advisable to always have a parking disc in your vehicle in Switzerland. Even a weekend visit to friends can become expensive without a nighttime parking permit. It's best to inform yourself in advance about local regulations. Sometimes there is only a sign at the entrance of the town, and other times you can find the rules on the town's website, along with applications for nighttime parking permits.

If you're unsure about the rules for long-term parking, take a look around: Do neighboring vehicles have permits displayed? If so, it's better to find another parking space for the night. If you want to play it safe, simply always display the provided parking disc visibly. By following these hints and tips, parking with your CARIFY subscription car won't be a problem. Explore the cheapest car subscription in Switzerland