Switzerland Trip

scotty · Post by **scotty** » Fri May 23, 2008 11:53 am

I'm off to Switzerland in a couple of weeks and was wondering if there is a legal requirement for spare bike headlight bulbs and a first aid kit etc. Never been there before so I hav'nt a clue.

Cheers

Scott

skiddy boxers · Post by **skiddy boxers** » Fri May 23, 2008 1:05 pm

Not been to Switzerland but have gone to France many times. I always carry some bulbs when out of the country and a small basic first aid kit because I've always understood it to be a requirement there. Never had to use them though.

They take up very little space anyway so better safe then sorry.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Fri May 23, 2008 1:07 pm

Don't usually bother with the spare bulbs/first aid kit etc - just switch your headlight on and carry your docs with you. Can't remember the last time I had a GB sticker either tbh.

scotty · Post by **scotty** » Fri May 23, 2008 1:20 pm

Thanks guy's. Nothing specific to Switzerland then. 3 1/2 weeks to go and I can't wait.

The Teutonic Tangerine · Fri May 23, 2008 1:38 pm

Check out requirements on this site.

link

Ther are things that apply in Switzerland and presumably you are going to be riding through France or Germany to get there. The fRench require spare bilbs, Hi Viz jacket if you breakdown and warnming triangle etc etc etc.

skiddy boxers · Post by **skiddy boxers** » Fri May 23, 2008 1:45 pm

The fRench require spare bilbs, Hi Viz jacket if you breakdown and warnming triangle etc etc etc.

Common interpretation when reading the requirements on motoring sites. They usually only give the requirements for cars and commercial vehicles. As far as bikes are concerned thay don't exist. Hi viz jacket and warning triangle are NOT required for bikes in France but bulbs probably are (and definately in Holland

)

The Teutonic Tangerine · Fri May 23, 2008 2:36 pm

Vignette (sticker) is required for Bikes in Switzerland

horse27 · Post by **horse27** » Fri May 23, 2008 2:53 pm

only if using the toll roads, right?

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Fri May 23, 2008 3:09 pm

horse27 wrote:only if using the toll roads, right?

It's for using their motorways - don't know if it's still the case but you used to be able to get these, slightly cheaper, from AA shops in the UK before travelling to CH.

TTT - edited your link to it fits the screen

winger · Post by **winger** » Fri May 23, 2008 6:59 pm

You'll have to buy one,or take the risk,if you get stopped and haven't got one, expect a spanking,it isn't possible to get across without useing the motorways,i've tried!!,the other thing in case your tempted,it ain't valid unless it's stuck on the bike,they know the crack of keeping it in your pocket and flogging it on the otherside,and they take a pretty dim view,thats the Swiss for ya.

AJB · Post by **AJB** » Fri May 23, 2008 7:36 pm

The sticker is a compulsory purchase at the border and you will almost certainly be stopped by border control and required to buy one if you don't have one already.

Be aware that Switzerland (I lived there until recently) has strict policing of speed-limits, particularly on motorways. If they catch you without the sticker your fine will be increased substantially. It only costs about 20 Euros so it is false economy to avoid it really.

if they catch you without spare bulbs you will also be fined. I doubt that they will give a damn about a GB sticker though. I had british cars there with no problems.

Beware of cameras around many major towns now. This is a fairly recent proliferation. There are a lot of cameras around Zurich and Lucerne. Also around the lake at Zurich (very nice ride around).

Very considerable tolerance of bikes in Switzerland and low traffic density. Fabulous mountain roads. Lots of biker friendly cafes and restaurants in the mountains.

Have a great time, it is in many ways a fabulous country.

winger · Post by **winger** » Fri May 23, 2008 8:04 pm

Well i did my first trip across Switzerland in 74 and have probably crossed it 30/40 times since,i've never been asked to buy a motorway sticker ever,by anyone,in fact i've done everything from sod it i'm not paying,to getting halfway across and getting cold feet and bought one at a motorway services(last year),they all sell e'm.

If your not technically minded,god help you when it comes to putting it on the screen.

As for cameras,fuck e'm,it won't always be like that,so enjoy it while you can,i've set loads of cameras off over the years in Germany/Holland/France and Belgium,and spent a very pleasant sunday afternoon last weekend in the Irish republic doing the same,they all do the same over here

AJB · Post by **AJB** » Fri May 23, 2008 9:26 pm

Go for it.

Dutch friend of mine also ignored cameras in Switzerland. Had his bike impounded on the Swiss/Italian border near Ascona.

9 times out of 10 you will get away with it. But on the one day you don't, you will feel like a right plonker.

The Swiss have tightened up. And they have a really brilliant sense of humour with foreigners who take the ****. They are noted for their sense of humour actually.

winger · Post by **winger** » Fri May 23, 2008 9:45 pm

The only time i'll take any notice is when they can put 3 points on my license,consider yourself lucky your Dutch mate will go to Switzerland,my Dutch mate hates the place with a passion

AJB · Post by **AJB** » Fri May 23, 2008 9:51 pm

Impounding the bike (or car) is more effective than threats of points. The French police are becoming increasingly notorious for this and I am certain that they target foreign cars. Easy money. It has really put me off France (which I used to love).

Biker friend of mine rented a house in South of France for the last two weeks. Was in a car (911) as he had family with him. Drove from London to Florence in a day to pick up his daughter (that is going some!) then got stopped by French plod for speeding in Grasse a couple of days later. Instant 30 day ban. Mind you, he is a nut case on a bike and if I go in a car with him I insist on driving.

The French get my award for the least friendly europlods.