Automated Driving: Swiss Regulatory Framework

Self-driving vehicles have been in use for quite some time now. But how is automated driving actually regulated in Switzerland and what is permissible?

Where is automated driving regulated in Swiss law?

Last year, Switzerland introduced new regulations governing automated driving in several respects. On March 1, 2025, Title IIa: "Vehicles with an automation system" (Art. 25a – 25h) was added to the Road Traffic Act (RTA). At the same time, the Federal Council enacted the Ordinance on Automated Driving (OAD). You can read about what is meant by "automated driving" in our blog post.

The RTA defines vehicles with an automation system as those capable of permanently and comprehensively taking over the driving tasks of the driver, at least under certain conditions (Art. 25a RTA). This refers to SAE Levels 3–5 (conditional, highly automated, and fully automated vehicles). These vehicles can therefore steer, accelerate, and brake independently under