This will change on our roads in 2023

As with every turn of the year, the Federal Highway Office informs Astra of upcoming changes in road traffic. And just like every year, some new laws will come into effect in the next 2023. Here are the most important innovations and adjustments.

The Federal Council proves to cyclists the speed of the express train. The new federal law on bicycle lanes, which was decided at the meeting of the Federal Council on December 2, 2022, will enter into force only one month later, on January 1, 2023. It aims to provide better and safer cycle paths by obliging cantons to plan and implement cycle path networks. In addition, the federal government should also create bike lanes on its streets.

Easier introduction of 30 km/h

The simpler procedure for introducing 30 km/h speed zones and meeting zones should also serve safety. From 1 January 2023, a particularly dangerous situation, special protection for certain road users, improvement of traffic flow, reduction of excessive noise or polluting pollution. In addition, an expert’s opinion is no longer needed in reducing the overall maximum speed. However, the authorities still need to decide and publish the regulation of the zones. And: A speed limit of 50 km/h will continue to apply in the future on traffic-oriented roads, ie on major traffic axes, in residential areas.

Privilege for car sharing

According to the decision of the Federal Council dated August 24, 2022, car sharing will be privileged both while driving and parking in the future, as it reduces environmental and traffic pollution. Specifically, the new car-sharing symbol with the word “except” for vehicles with more than one passenger could be used on an additional board, for example to lift driving bans or allow the use of buses or taxi lanes. In principle, the minimum number of people indicated by the icon applies to all vehicles. Cars (or motorcycles) with fewer than the minimum number of seats indicated on the icon will enjoy the privilege if all available seats are occupied. Specifically: A two-seater Smart can travel in a “3+” bus lane, provided both seats are occupied. The same applies to motorcycles that usually have two seats. On the other hand, a motorcycle with a sidecar (three seats) seated only by two people is not allowed.

When parking, the new car-share symbol can also be used in an additional panel, with signals “Parking allowed”, “Parking with parking disc” and “Pay parking”. Only vehicles with at least the number of persons corresponding to the number in the symbol can be parked in the parking spaces marked in this way. There is no minimum occupancy required for the trip.

Facilitation in case of identity revocation

No joke, but from April 1, 2023, faster procedures will apply for confiscated tickets. Once a student or driver’s license is accepted, the police must send it to the cantonal withdrawal authority within three working days. And second, unless they have serious enough doubts about their eligibility to drive by that time and are therefore unable to issue at least one precautionary withdrawal order, they must return the card to its holder, at least temporarily, within ten business days.

Professional drivers should breathe a sigh of relief with the next decision of the Federal Council. To minimize the risk of losing your job, from April 1, 2023, withdrawal authorities may allow trips necessary to practice your profession if your license is revoked for a minor offence. In case of moderate or serious violations, it is still not possible to obtain permission for business trips. It is also not possible for people whose licenses have been revoked indefinitely or indefinitely for security reasons, to allow such journeys.

Driving license becomes more resistant to forgery

A new ticket will be available from mid-April 2023. This one is in credit card format, has a more modern design and above all should be more counterfeit resistant than the current one. The Highway Traffic Bureaus Association will reveal exactly what the new ID card will look like after Christmas. However, existing ID cards remain valid without any restrictions. However, if you want a new ticket, you can change it for a fee at the traffic office in your canton of residence. From mid-April 2023, anyone ordering a driver’s license will automatically receive a new driver’s license.