They are a familiar sight on Switzerland’s roads – number plates ending in U.  
Their official designation is commercial number plate. But who is entitled to use these plates and for which journeys? This article will tell you all you need to know about these number plates, including who is allowed to drive with them and for which type of journey. 

The Vehicles Insurance Ordinance (VIO)² specifies who is allowed to drive with these plates and when. And the provisions of the ordinance are conclusive.  

The following persons are allowed to drive with commercial number plates:  

• Owners or employees of a garage business 
• Members of the garage business owner’s or garage business manager’s family, provided they live in the same household as the owner or manager  
• Other persons authorised by the garage business owner or manager (the driver must have the written authorisation with them when in the vehicle), provided the transportation of the vehicle is for a business-related purpose 
• Potential buyers 

These persons are also authorised to use the number plates for the following reasons.  

• If the vehicle needs to be towed away or is in need of repair 
• A test drive following repairs or alteration work 
• A test drive of a new vehicle (by the manufacturer or importer) 
• The motor expert may take the vehicle for inspection with the U-plates 
• The plates may also be used for the official vehicle inspection (and the drive to the centre) 
• Other non-remunerated trips 

The prospective buyer may also use the plates when test driving their new dream car. If their car has to be towed away, the breakdown service may also display U-plates when taking the vehicle for repairs. On completion of the repairs, the garage can use its own U-plates when taking the vehicle for a test drive. An employee is also authorised to use the plates when driving the repaired vehicle from the workshop to the owner’s home. All those things are fine.  

However, the plates may not be used for a weekend outing or a trip to the shops. Even if the garage were to allow such a trip, it would still have no business interest in such a journey, which also would not count as transfer of the vehicle.  

What about taking a vehicle outside Switzerland?  

The provisions of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 8 November 1968 apply to international traffic¹. Switzerland and its neighbouring countries are all signatories to the convention, which regulates cross-border traffic within the region. The same rules apply to all the other signatory states which do not share a border with Switzerland. You can see which countries have signed up to the convention via the following link (in French, German and Italian): https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1993/402_402_402/fr#scope_u1

The Vienna Convention states that vehicles in international circulation must among other things be licenced. This licence document (vehicle registration certificate) must contain certain mandatory details, including the chassis number and initial date of registration. This information is not contained in a collective licence used for a commercial number plate. Customs therefore prevents vehicles with U-plates from crossing the border. Any drivers who nonetheless cross the border with U-plates run the risk of being stopped and fined. In the worst case they may even have the vehicle and/or their driving licence taken away as they have no official authorisation to drive with this registration.  

Specialities 

Switzerland has, however, concluded a bilateral agreement with Germany and Italy whereby border crossings with U-plates are allowed.  

Germany

There is an implementation agreement between Germany and Switzerland stating that both countries mutually accept the temporary use of commercial number plates in their respective territories. A vehicle with Swiss commercial plates is therefore allowed to enter Germany, despite the collective vehicle licence failing to comply with the conditions of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. The implementation agreement covers the entire territory of both countries, so there is no restriction in that regard. At the same time, the agreement only applies to test drives and vehicle transfers. Trips for private purposes with Swiss commercial number plates are not allowed in Germany.  

Italy

The bilateral agreement between Switzerland and Italy allows test drives and the transfer of brand-new vehicles from Switzerland to Italy up to 100 km beyond the border.  

Trips for private purposes are not allowed.  

Countries without a bilateral agreement and not covered by the Vienna Convention 

Spain is not subject to the Vienna Convention, nor has it signed a bilateral agreement with Switzerland. The International Convention relative to Motor Traffic³ of 24 April 1926 therefore applies with regard to traffic between Switzerland and Spain. This agreement does not have any explicit ruling on commercial plates, although it does require an international licence document, which must include the chassis number. As the collective licences do not have this number, it logically follows that trips to Spain with commercial number plates are not permitted. There is also a risk of being denied permission to cross the border or subsequently incurring some sort of sanction (fine, confiscation of vehicle, confiscation of driving licence).  

In conclusion, the use of commercial plates in Switzerland is permitted and insured subject to certain restrictions. As a general rule, trips with these plates must have some connection to the motor vehicle industry, which is also the reason why U-plates were originally introduced.  

Quellen:
1.Vienna Convention on Road Traffic,  https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1993/402_402_402/fr 

2.Vehicles Insurance Ordinance, art. 24⁷⁹ Usage des plaques and  art. 25⁸⁵ Personnes autorisées à faire usage de telles plaques 

3. Convention of 24 April 1926 relative to Motor Traffic, https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/46/720_741_752/fr 

The entire XpertCenter team recently celebrated its 20th anniversary together. A great opportunity for employees from different departments to meet and exchange ideas.

20 years to develop and diversify.

When XpertCenter was founded in 2005, it consisted exclusively of the vehicle expertise Motorbusiness department.

Over the years, the company has expanded its range of claims processing and claims management services to include fraud management, recourse management, international claims and end-to-end claims handling, as well as case management and workplace health management.

This development underlines our commitment to comprehensive solutions adapted to the changes in the area of claims.

Autonomous driving has developed into one of the main innovation topics throughout the world in recent years. This article sheds light on the current situation regarding autonomous vehicles in Switzerland and compares it with developments in the neighbouring countries of Austria, Germany and France.

Let’s start with a little theory to aid our understanding

Autonomous driving is divided into five levels defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Each level describes the extent to which the vehicle can and may take over the tasks of the driver.¹

Level	Assistance	Example
Level 1	Assisted driving	Cruise control and lane departure warning system
Level 2	Semi-autonomous driving	Parking assistant
Level 3	Highly autonomous driving	Car steers, overtakes and brakes on its own
Level 4	Fully autonomous driving	Car is capable of navigating itself, driver only intervenes if necessary
Level 5	Autonomous driving	Passengers no longer assume any driver function

The current situation regarding autonomous vehicles in Switzerland

Switzerland is an important player in Europe with regard to the progress achieved and legal framework for autonomous vehicles. Compared with other European countries, Switzerland has adopted a relatively progressive attitude towards the technology of autonomous driving. It has created a flexible regulatory environment that enables companies to experiment with autonomous vehicles in controlled surroundings.

Legal framework

In 2020, the revision of the federal road traffic law established a legal basis that allows autonomous vehicles to be tested without the requirement for a driver to be present in the vehicle. ²Switzerland is thus pursuing a gradual approach that initially permits testing under specific conditions before a broader introduction can take place. A core component of the provision is the use of vehicles equipped with sophisticated sensors and communication systems in order to ensure safety.

At its session on 13 December 2024, the Federal Council then passed an ordinance governing autonomous driving.

This ordinance, which entered into force in Switzerland on 1 March 2025, provides a framework for a variety of use cases of autonomous driving.³

The following three use cases are addressed by the ordinance:

1. Motorway pilot : Car drivers can take their hands off the wheel and do other things but must be prepared to take over at any time. However, current systems are not yet certified in Switzerland.
2. Driverless vehicles: The ordinance permits the use of autonomous vehicles on approved routes. There are already pilot projects in Switzerland, such as in Zurich, where autonomous electric cars are to supplement public transport.
3. Autonomous parking: These systems enable vehicles to park autonomously in car parks without the presence of a driver. Initial systems have already been approved but cannot yet be used in Switzerland.

Technological development:

There are several companies in Switzerland actively engaged in developing autonomous driving. One of the best-known providers is Waymo, which is working on the development of autonomous vehicles in cooperation with Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and other partners. There are already pilot projects in cities such as Zurich and Geneva for testing autonomous vehicles in restricted areas.

Switzerland is focusing strongly on cooperation with international technology companies in order to develop innovative transport solutions. Another example is the autonomous shuttle project in Sion in Canton Valais that is being carried out together with PostAuto and other partners. This enables passengers to reach their destinations in a fully autonomous vehicle without the need for driver intervention.

Comparison with neighbouring countries

Country	Legal framework	Technological development
Germany	Germany passed the Act on Autonomous Driving in 2017 that provides the legal framework for testing and using self-driving vehicles.4 It allows cars without a driver to use public roads as long as they are equipped with an ‘emergency driver’ capable of intervening if necessary. However, Germany is planning to go still further by granting full approval for level 5 autonomy (fully autonomous without human intervention) as soon as the technology permits this.	German industry is investing massively in the development of autonomous vehicles both through international cooperation agreements and through national research and development departments. Autonomous driving is a core topic in the German car industry. Cities such as Munich and Stuttgart are serving as testing grounds for autonomous vehicle projects.
Austria	Austria currently allows autonomous vehicles to be tested on public roads but only as long as a human driver is able to take over at any time. The technology is not yet fully developed and Austria is continuing to test various aspects of the technology and infrastructure in order to ensure that the vehicles can operate safely in public traffic.5	Austria is increasingly focusing on pilot projects. For example, there are self-driving shuttle buses in Vienna and Salzburg that run on specially marked routes. These projects are intended to test acceptance among the population and refine the technology.
France	France already adopted an ordinance in 2016 regarding the testing of vehicles with driving delegation on public roads. This allows for the experimental operation of an autonomous vehicle (level 5), provided that a permit has been issued. Since 2022, the  code de la route has also been adapted, and vehicles equipped with a driving delegation system are permitted to operate on the roads of France, under certain conditions. For example, the vehicles must always be monitored by a driver who can take control of the vehicle if necessary.	There are also numerous pilot projects in France. The “EasyMile” shuttle being tested in various French cities is particularly worthy of mention. France is pursuing an approach targeted at integrating autonomous vehicles into the public transport system in order to reduce urban traffic.

Conclusion

Switzerland has established itself as a progressive country in the regulation and development of autonomous vehicles while pursuing a pragmatic and incremental approach. A comparison with its neighbouring countries shows that each country is focusing on different regulatory strategies and technological priorities. While Switzerland and Germany have made more progress in terms of statutory provisions, countries such as Austria and France are focusing more on pilot projects to test the technology on public roads.

It remains to be seen how the technology advances in the years to come. Nonetheless, autonomous driving will clearly play a growing role in Switzerland and its neighbouring countries in the near future, both in urban and rural transport.

Sources:
1. https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j3016_202104/

2. https://www.news.admin.ch/fr/nsb?id=80041

3. https://www.astra.admin.ch/astra/fr/home/themes/intelligente-mobilitaet/conduite-automatis%C3%A9e.html

4. https://www.bmv.de/SharedDocs/EN/Articles/DG/act-on-autonomous-driving.html
https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/19/274/1927439.pdf

5. https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/de/themen/mobilitaet/kfz/Seite.061910

The holidays are here, and the idea of going away by car, at least since Covid-19 and the spiralling cost of air travel, has grown on most people. If you don’t own your own vehicle, you can either rent or borrow one, provided, that is, you are aware of some key points and differences. In this blog, we answer a range of questions such as who is allowed to drive the vehicle and who pays for any damage, and flag up points you need to be particularly careful about.

Who is allowed to drive the vehicle?

Rental vehicle

Usually only the registered driver stated in the rental agreement may drive the vehicle. In many cases, drivers must be at least 21, and some providers apply a minimum age of 25 for certain types of vehicle (e.g. luxury vehicle or SUV). Generally speaking, the person renting the vehicle must have had a valid driver’s licence for at least one year. If you are driving abroad, you should take an international driver’s licence with you, especially if your driver’s licence has not been issued in one of the languages of the country you are travelling to. That makes communication easier in the event of a police check.

Borrowed vehicle

If you borrow in Switzerland a Swiss-registered vehicle from a friend or acquaintance and you possess a valid Swiss driver’s licence, you should not encounter any issues. Drivers are not subject to any minimum age restrictions. If the vehicle is registered outside Switzerland, caution is required. Owing to existing customs and tax regulations, you are not allowed to drive a foreign-registered vehicle in Switzerland with a Swiss driver’s licence unless you are the vehicle’s owner. Expect a hefty fine if the police stop you. However, a Swiss-registered vehicle may be driven in Switzerland by a person holding a non-Swiss driver’s licence. As a rule, a foreign driver’s licence is recognised in Switzerland provided it is valid. This applies in most cases for driver’s licences issued by EU and EFTA countries and by many others. We recommend that you should obtain an international driver’s licence to avoid any communication-related issues.

What points should you pay attention to when entering other countries?

For both rental and borrowed vehicles, it is mandatory to display the rather unpopular and visually unappealing “CH” sticker when you enter a foreign country in your car. This requirement is enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968) and Article 45 of the Ordinance on the Technical Requirements for Road Vehicles (VTS). And you must display the large sticker, as the small one does not fulfil the statutory requirements.

Rental vehicle

Permission to travel in a rental vehicle to other countries varies from one rental vehicle provider to another and according to the specific rental conditions. Some providers may allow travel to specific countries, while others may prohibit this. If you are planning to drive abroad, you should find out in advance about the relevant entry requirements and insurance terms and conditions. In certain cases, you may be required to obtain special authorisation from the rental company. It’s important to check through your insurance policies because the insurance cover may not apply in every country. Please see our “International Motor Insurance Card” blog for more details.

Borrowed vehicle

You should be able to cross the border and enter another country without problems. You should of course check the entry requirements and take the international insurance card with you (the vehicle registration plate is enough to prove that the vehicle is insured in neighbouring countries). You should find out about the highway code and traffic regulations of the country you are visiting as they may vary from country to country. The basic principle is that the applicable law in the event of an accident is the law of the country where the accident occurs. And that law may not be the same as the law in your home country.

Who pays for damage to the vehicle?

Rental vehicle

The person renting the vehicle themselves pays where there is no liable third party who is required to cover the costs. What’s more, the insurance coverage arranged by rental firms for their vehicles come with very high excess and exclude various parts such as wheel rims. In many cases, you can reduce the size of the excess by paying a sometimes considerable extra amount to the rental company. But there will always be a residual amount to pay. Meanwhile, there are more cost-efficient insurance solutions that completely cover the rental vehicle excess in the event of damage.

Borrowed vehicle

If the vehicle is covered by comprehensive car insurance, it may cover the cost of the damage. However, a policy excess often applies, which the borrower has to cover. What also might happen is that the vehicle owner may not want to burden their claims history with damage they did not cause. In that case, the person borrowing the vehicle must cover the entire amount of the damage. Most personal liability insurance policies offer coverage – either in the basic policy or in an additional policy – allowing the policyholder to drive other people’s vehicles from time to time. The coverage is subject to certain conditions, such as driving the loan vehicle on an occasional basis and not paying to borrow it. The list is not exhaustive and varies from insurer to insurer.

Who pays for third-party damage caused by the vehicle renter/borrower?

Rental vehicle

First of all, the rental car company’s motor vehicle liability insurance. However, it will seek recourse against the renter to recover its costs.

Borrowed vehicle

The vehicle’s motor vehicle liability insurance is required to provide advance compensation for justified and legally established liability damage to the injured party. Any excess and/or loss of no-claims bonus resulting under the policy is covered by the personal liability insurance mentioned in the previous point with regard to the occasional driving of third-party motor vehicles. The personal liability insurer may have contractually agreed exclusions of cover in this respect, too. Ultimately, the outstanding amount must be settled by the person who borrowed the vehicle.

Is there anything else you need to consider?

Rental vehicle

You should find out about the highway code and traffic regulations in the country you are visiting as these may vary from country to country. The basic principle is that the applicable law in the event of an accident is the law of the country where the accident occurs. And that law may not be the same as the law in your home country. When returning the vehicle, you should make sure you hand the vehicle back in the same condition as when collecting it in order to avoid additional fees. It is advisable to read through the rental provider’s specific terms and conditions before booking so as to avoid any misunderstandings.

Borrowed vehicle

If you move abroad permanently from your place of residence in Switzerland (or vice versa), you generally have 12 months to register your vehicle in your new country of residence. In certain cases, you would have to apply for a new domestic driver’s licence during that period, depending on the specific regulations applicable in that country.

Key point to note

This guide is not exhaustive, and the laws and regulations may change. Before driving a rental or borrowed vehicle or even your own or a third-party vehicle abroad, we recommend that you check your insurance cover and familiarise yourself with the legal requirements.

The winter is here and drawing lots of snow lovers and winter sports enthusiasts to the ski slopes. To ensure smooth interaction between the various disciplines and levels of proficiency on the slopes, the FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) has drawn up some rules. These help to ensure safety, fun and fairness on the slopes regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier.

The international FIS rules drawn up by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation are the basic guidelines for skiing and winter sports competitions. These rules not only set out the procedure for competitions but also govern the safety of athletes, fairness in competition and the standards for the staging of events. In addition, they contain a large number of important guidelines for personal skiing and the recreational pleasure of skiers and snowboarders.

To whom do the FIS rules apply?

The FIS rules apply to all users of slopes and means of transport at ski resorts regardless of the different disciplines (alpine, Nordic, freestyle, snowboarding, sledging, tobogganing, skeleton etc.). There are one or two exceptions, such as winter hikers and snowshoe trekkers who are not normally subject to the FIS rules, and those skiing away from the marked slopes.

Which areas are governed by the FIS rules?

The FIS rules govern the following areas:

Safety

A core element of the FIS rules comprises safety on the slopes. They recommend all winter athletes to be aware of the risks associated with using the ski slopes. This includes wearing protective helmets, particularly for children and beginners, in order to minimise the risk of head injuries. In addition, the rules contain recommendations for correct behaviour on the slopes such as maintaining the correct distance from other users and adjusting one’s speed to the prevailing conditions.

Marking and preparation of slopes

The FIS rules also set out how slopes are to be marked and prepared. These standards are designed to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all skiers. The slopes are subdivided into different levels of difficulty – from easy to challenging – thereby helping recreational skiers to find suitable trails that match their abilities. The clear marking of slopes also minimises the risk of collisions and accidents.

Behaviour on the slopes

Another important aspect of the FIS rules is the promotion of responsible behaviour on the slopes. This requires all slope users to show consideration to each other and to comply with the FIS Code of Conduct that sets out how to behave correctly as an athlete. This includes avoiding abrupt changes of direction, waiting for other skiers in safe areas and identifying and avoiding dangers in good time. SUVA has published a poster on its website that explains the ten FIS rules in a clear manner: Link

Use of lifts and other means of transport

The FIS rules also contain recommendations for the use of lifts and other means of transport at ski resorts. These guidelines aim to enhance the transport of skiers and at the same time ensure that all passengers observe the applicable safety precautions.

Environmental protection

In addition, the FIS rules help to raise awareness of environmental protection at ski resorts. The rules underline the importance of preserving natural resources and minimising the environmental impacts of skiing. This includes skiers behaving respectfully towards nature and not leaving behind any litter.

As long as every user of the slopes abides by the FIS rules, accidents should generally be avoidable. Nevertheless, just a slight lapse of attention is often all it takes for a collision to occur that frequently entails serious and long-drawn-out consequences.

Unlike, for example, road traffic accidents where essentially the law of the country in which the accident occurs is decisive for settling the issue of liability, the FIS rules apply exclusively throughout the world for settling the issue of liability in the case of accidents on ski slopes. The amount of the claim is then determined by the law of the country of residence of the beneficiary.

All in all, the international FIS rules are a valuable source of guidance for all recreational skiers. They not only promote safety and respectful interaction on the slopes but also help to ensure that skiing and snowboarding remains a positive and sustainable experience for all those concerned. By abiding by these rules, recreational skiers help to create a friendly and safe atmosphere at ski resorts.

For more details, visit the FIS website.

Sources:
https://www.fis-ski.com/inside-fis/general-fis-documents/general-regulations
https://www.suva.ch/fr-ch/download/outils-et-test/observer-les-regles-de-la-fis-sur-les-pistes—la-securite-au-rendez-vous—affiche/standard-variante

A traffic accident can happen quickly, unfortunately even on vacation. In order to be able to react accordingly, learn more about the application of the European Accident Statement (EAS) and its differences in our neighbour countries.

When and how to complete the European Accident Statement?  

In the event of a road accident, it is always advisable to fill in the European Accident Statement  with the other party involved in the accident. Especially if the parties have decided to settle the matter without the police, and no one has been injured in the accident.

These forms are generally provided free of charge by motor insurers. It is available in various languages. The content and structure are identical in all languages.

The parties involved must fill in the European Accident Report comprehensibly and precisely. This includes their contact details and those of witnesses, as well as a sketch of the accident situation. Photographs of the accident are recommended.

The accident report must be signed by all parties involved in the accident. This signature does not recognize fault or liability, but only the veracity of the facts recorded or checked off in the report. Each party receives a signed copy.

Why is it so important to fill in the accident report?

The European Accident Statement (EAS) is an invaluable aid: it contains all the information needed to settle the claim. It also overcomes language barriers, as it is identical throughout Europe. So make sure you have a one in your glove compartment before every trip!

How important is the accident report in assessing liability?

Although the form of the accident report is identical throughout Europe, its application and importance in assessing liability differ from country to country. 

Here’s what you need to know about Switzerland and its neighbour countries:

Switzerland

The EAS can be used to clarify the question of liability. However, a police report, which is particularly recommended in the event of injuries, will always take precedence over the European Accident Report.  The accident must be reported to the relevant insurer as soon as possible.

Germany

The EAS can only be completed for traffic accidents with clear liability and no injuries, and only if all vehicles involved are registered in Germany. All parties involved in the accident must be able to identify themselves, and may not leave the scene of the accident until they have reached an agreement. In all other cases, the police must be called. The damage must then be reported immediately to the relevant insurer, no later than the third workday after the accident.

Austria

The EAS can only be completed for traffic accidents involving purely material damage. In all other cases, the police must be called.

Italy

The EAS is the relevant document for traffic accidents involving material damage and accidents involving injured people.

France

Liability is assessed exclusively on the basis of the EAS. There is no obligation to report the accident to the police. The European Accident Report takes precedence over all other documents.    The European Accident Report must be sent to the relevant insurer within 5 days after the accident.

Source:
nbi-ngf [Online]. European accident report. Available: https://www.nbi-ngf.ch/fr/nvb/dokumente/europaeisches-unfallprotokoll