Swiss Theory F key terms

The legal entitlement to proceed first at a junction, crossing, or narrowing. It is granted by signs, signals, or the general rule that traffic from the right has priority unless something else is indicated.

The default priority rule in Switzerland: where no sign, signal, or marking orders otherwise, vehicles must yield to traffic approaching from the right. It applies at unmarked junctions and to vehicles joining the flow from the right.

The set of signs and road markings that establish priority, including yield, stop, priority road, and priority-at-next-junction signs. They override the general right-hand rule and must be recognised by shape and placement.

A red octagonal sign requiring a complete stop at the stop line or, if absent, at the junction edge. The driver must give way to crossing and joining traffic before moving off, even when the road appears clear.

A thick white transverse line marking where a vehicle must stop at a stop sign, traffic light, or pedestrian crossing. Stopping short of it is required; stopping beyond it can block pedestrians or obscure visibility.

A continuous white line that must not be crossed or straddled. It separates opposing traffic or marks the edge of a lane where overtaking or lane changes are prohibited, and it may be accompanied by a broken line on one side.

A broken white line separating lanes or marking the centre of the road. It may be crossed when safe, for example to overtake or change lanes, provided visibility, space, and any accompanying prohibitions allow it.

A marked pedestrian crossing, usually with yellow stripes. Drivers must give pedestrians priority once they have stepped onto it or clearly intend to cross, and must not overtake a vehicle stopped at one.

A place where two or more roads meet or cross. At junctions the driver must reduce speed, observe priority rules, and check for cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles emerging from side roads before entering.

A roundabout where traffic already circulating has priority, usually indicated by a yield sign and a roundabout sign. Entering drivers must give way to the left and signal to leave after passing the exit before theirs.

The turn indicator used to announce a change of direction, lane change, or leaving a roundabout. It must be given early enough to warn others, and cancelled once the manoeuvre is complete.

A brief look over the shoulder into the blind spot before changing lane, overtaking, joining traffic, or opening a door. Mirrors alone leave areas unseen, especially for cyclists and motorcyclists alongside.

The area around a vehicle that mirrors do not show, particularly large for lorries and buses. Drivers must check it physically before manoeuvring, and other road users should avoid lingering alongside heavy vehicles.

Moving from one marked lane to another. It requires signalling, mirror and blind-spot checks, matching the speed of the target lane, and yielding to vehicles already there before crossing the line.

A prohibition on overtaking, shown by a sign or a solid line. It may apply generally or only to certain vehicle categories, and it ends at the sign indicating the end of the restriction or at the next junction.

A posted maximum speed for a road section. It overrides general limits and remains in force until cancelled by an end sign, a new limit, or a junction where the restriction no longer applies.

The distance travelled while the driver perceives a hazard and begins to brake, roughly speed in km/h divided by ten, multiplied by three. It grows with speed and with fatigue, distraction, or alcohol.

The distance needed to stop once braking begins. It increases with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples it, and it lengthens on wet, icy, or loose surfaces and with worn tyres.

The total stopping distance, the sum of reaction distance and braking distance. It is the figure that matters when judging whether a hazard can be avoided, and it grows sharply with speed.

The depth of tread remaining on a tyre. Swiss rules require a minimum of 1.6 mm, but safety and grip in rain demand more; insufficient tread raises aquaplaning risk and lengthens braking distance.

Regular checking of tyre pressure, tread depth, and condition, including for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear. Pressure should be checked cold and adjusted for load, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

The periodic technical inspection of a vehicle for roadworthiness, covering brakes, lights, steering, tyres, emissions, and body condition. Passing it is required to keep the vehicle legally on the road.

The vehicle's braking system, including discs or drums, pads, fluid, and lines. It must be checked for wear and function, and any warning light or spongy pedal needs immediate attention before driving.

A driver's physical and mental fitness to drive. It is impaired by alcohol, drugs, medication, illness, fatigue, and stress, and driving while unfit is an offence regardless of whether an incident occurs.

The legal blood-alcohol limit for driving. In Switzerland the general limit is 0.5 per mille, with a stricter 0.1 per mille limit for novice and professional drivers, and lower thresholds may apply in some circumstances.

Tiredness that slows reactions, reduces attention, and can cause microsleeps. It is a major crash cause on long journeys; countermeasures are stopping, resting, or swapping drivers, not opening a window or turning up music.

The Swiss driving licence, issued in categories according to vehicle type. It may be withdrawn for serious offences, and driving without the correct category or while disqualified is punishable.

A learner's permit allowing supervised driving before the practical test. It is subject to conditions such as accompaniment by a qualified person, display of L plates, and a probationary period afterwards.

The legal requirement to wear a fastened protective helmet when riding motorcycles and mopeds. It also applies to certain other users by rule, and an unfastened helmet offers little protection in a fall.

Protective clothing such as helmet, gloves, jacket, and boots worn by riders. It reduces injury severity in a fall and should be chosen for abrasion resistance and visibility rather than comfort alone.

The hazard warning lights, used to signal a breakdown, an obstruction, or an emergency stop. They warn following traffic but do not exempt the driver from placing a warning triangle where required.

A reflective warning triangle placed behind a broken-down vehicle to alert approaching traffic. It is set up at a safe distance, further away on fast roads, and the driver should wear a high-visibility vest while placing it.

The first duty after a crash: protect the scene by switching on hazard lights, placing warning devices, and moving people to safety. This prevents secondary collisions before first aid or recovery work begins.

Assistance for a vehicle that has broken down, either from a roadside service or a recovery operator. Drivers should move the vehicle off the carriageway where possible and call from a safe position.

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives, including checking responsiveness and breathing, stopping bleeding, and keeping the person warm and still.

The emergency call to summon police, ambulance, or fire service. In Switzerland the emergency number is 112, and the caller should give location, number of casualties, and the nature of the incident clearly.

Removing a crashed motorcyclist's helmet. It should be done only when necessary, for example to clear the airway, and ideally by two trained people holding the head and neck steady to protect the spine.

The corridor that drivers must form between lanes when traffic queues, so emergency vehicles can reach an incident. It is created by moving to the sides as soon as traffic slows, not only when sirens are heard.