Is there a winter tyre obligation in Switzerland?

Unlike some neighbouring countries, Switzerland does not prescribe a general winter tyre obligation for certain months. What is decisive is the general duty to use the vehicle only in a safe operating condition and with suitable tyres (Art. 29 SVG).

Under Art. 58 para. 4 VTS, tyres must have tread grooves at least 1.6 mm deep over the entire tread. Winter tyres not suitable for the vehicle’s top speed must, for motor vehicles, bear the snowflake symbol and are subject to special conditions (Art. 59 VTS).

Anyone who hinders traffic or causes an accident with unsuitable tyres is liable and can be fined — missing winter tyres can therefore have consequences despite the lack of an explicit obligation.