Switzerland

Even in Switzerland, electric vehicles get a few special dispensations — mostly around parking and charging. To keep things clear, there are dedicated road signs, marked bays and, in some places, local parking perks. Unlike Germany, there are no nationwide low‑emission zones or uniform on‑road privileges (yet).

Special signs for electric vehicles

There are only a handful of signs that explicitly refer to electric cars. In practice, it’s almost always about parking at charge points — who’s allowed to be there, and on what terms.

‘Charging station’ sign

The ‘Charging station’ sign (Signal 5.42) has been in the official Swiss road‑sign catalogue since 2021. It shows a car with a plug on a green background and indicates a public charge point at that location. Important: this sign is informational only — it doesn’t, by itself, decide who may park there. Specific rules only apply when there are supplementary plates or ground markings.

Supplementary plates with time and vehicle limits

Often you’ll see a supplementary plate under the familiar blue ‘P’ (parking permitted), such as ‘Electric vehicles only while charging’. That means only EVs may use the bay — and only while they’re actually taking power. Tip: If you’re finished charging, or not plugged in at all, you risk a fine — even in an EV.

Yellow bay markings with plug symbol

Many charging bays are also marked with a yellow ‘E’ or a plug pictogram on a green background. That too signals: EVs only — and only while charging.

Free parking and other perks

There’s no nationwide exemption from parking fees for electric cars. Some cities and municipalities do offer local incentives, for example:

Tip: It’s worth asking your municipality or city about local concessions. The rules vary widely.

Low‑emission zones and stickers

Switzerland has no national low‑emission zones — with one exception:

Geneva: When air pollution is high, a temporary low‑emission zone is activated. Only vehicles with a Stick’AIR sticker may then enter the city area. Good to know: electric cars get the best emissions class (Class 0). They may continue to enter during smog events, but still need the sticker — otherwise, a fine awaits.

Order a Stick’AIR sticker for Geneva

For all other Swiss cities — from Zurich to Lausanne — the rule is simple: no sticker required, no low‑emission zones, no bans on combustion cars (for now).

Notice ‘Only while charging’

At many charge points you’ll see: ‘Electric vehicles only while charging’. That means: