Many drivers let their car idle for a bit – to warm it up, defrost the windows, or simply keep the music playing. But is that actually allowed? And is it really good for the engine?
What does the law say?
According to Article 33 paragraph 1 of the Swiss Traffic Rules Ordinance (VRV):
Fahrzeugführer, Mitfahrende und Hilfspersonen dürfen keinen vermeidbaren Lärm erzeugen. Untersagt sind vor allem:
a. unnötiges Vorwärmen und Laufenlassen des Motors stillstehender Fahrzeuge;
This means: unnecessarily letting the engine run is forbidden. That includes situations such as:
defrosting the windows while parked,
waiting at traffic lights or railway crossings,
waiting for someone.
Exceptions:
Brief idling is permitted if it is technically or safety-related, for example:
when operating work or auxiliary equipment (e.g. cooling units, cranes, hydraulic systems),
in extreme weather conditions to ensure visibility or safety (e.g. to prevent fogging, defrost windows with the heater running),
when the car is used by the police, fire service, ambulance or winter service.
Why you should still switch off the engine
Even if it seems convenient, letting the engine run while stationary is not only against the law – it also harms the environment, your wallet and the engine itself.
1. Harmful to the environment
An idling engine produces CO₂, fine particles and nitrogen oxides – completely unnecessarily when the car isn’t moving. Even a few minutes significantly increase emissions.
2. Risk of a fine
If you’re caught, you could face a fine of up to CHF 80 – even on private property if noise or exhaust fumes disturb the surroundings.
3. Bad for the engine
Many believe that idling helps the engine warm up gently – in fact, the opposite is true.
Uneven warming: It takes a long time for the engine to reach operating temperature while idling. The cylinder head heats up faster than the engine block, causing stress and wear.
Poor lubrication: Oil circulation is less effective at idle speed and doesn’t reach the right temperature or viscosity for optimal lubrication.
Condensation & rust risk: Incomplete combustion produces condensation, which collects in the exhaust and catalytic converter – leading to rust and corrosion.
How to do it better
Defrost the windows: Use a scraper or a parking heater instead of idling the engine.
Start and drive off: After a few seconds, the lubrication system is fully operational – the car warms up efficiently while driving.
Longer waiting times: Switch off the engine – better for you, the environment and your wallet.
Conclusion: short is fine, long is forbidden
Letting the engine run while stationary is only permitted in specific exceptional cases. After just a few seconds, it’s worth switching it off – your engine, wallet and the environment will thank you.
And the best part: most Carvolution cars come with an automatic start-stop system that switches off the engine when stationary – easy and efficient.
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