Can I cross on a red light in Switzerland?
No — at a pedestrian signal, red means wait. Where a pedestrian crossing, underpass or footbridge is within about 50 m, you must use it. At a pedestrian light: red = wait; you may only step onto the road on green and must clear it if the signal starts blinking or changes. Crossing on red or carelessly can bring a fixed fine: about CHF 20 for disregarding the red pedestrian signal and CHF 10 for crossing away from a nearby crossing. In short: wait on red and use the crossing.
📋 The rules
- Crossing within ~50 m: must use it
- Pedestrian light: red = wait
- Step onto the road only on green, clear it when blinking
- Disregarding the red signal: fine ~CHF 20
- Crossing away from a nearby crossing: ~CHF 10
🔓 Exceptions
- No crossing/signal nearby: crossing allowed, with care
- Pedestrians have priority on the crossing, but not on red
- Exact fixed-fine amounts can shift slightly each year
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A pedestrian who disregards the red signal pays a fixed fine of about CHF 20; crossing away from a nearby crossing about CHF 10. These fixed fines are low, but in an accident, careless crossing can lead to shared fault and liability consequences. Beware a myth: "there are no fines for pedestrians" is false — traffic rules apply on foot too, and disregarding the red signal is fined. Tip: wait on red and use the crossing, especially with children, who copy adults' behaviour.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I cross on a red light?
No. At a pedestrian light, red means wait. You may only step onto the road on green and must clear it if the signal starts blinking or changes. Crossing on red can bring a fixed fine, even if no vehicles are coming, as it's still a breach of the rules.
Must I use the pedestrian crossing?
Yes, if a pedestrian crossing, underpass or footbridge is within about fifty metres, you must use it. Crossing away from it risks a small fixed fine. Where there's no crossing or signal nearby, you may cross with due care, watching for traffic in both directions.
How high is the fine?
Disregarding the red pedestrian signal costs a fixed fine of about twenty francs. Crossing away from a nearby pedestrian crossing costs about ten francs. The amounts are low, but the exact fixed-fine figures can change slightly from one year to the next under the ordinance.
Do pedestrians always have priority?
On the pedestrian crossing, pedestrians have priority and vehicles must stop. But not on red, when you must wait. Never step onto the road suddenly right in front of a vehicle, even on the crossing, as the stopping distance has to be taken into account by drivers.
What if there's an accident?
Even though the fixed fine is low, careless crossing on red or away from the crossing can lead to shared fault in an accident. This can have liability and insurance consequences. So follow the rules, wait on red and use the crossing to stay safe and protected.
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