Using your phone while driving: What’s allowed in Switzerland?

21 October 2025

Hardly anyone drives without their smartphone these days – navigation, music, calls or messages are part of everyday life. But behind the wheel, caution is key: even a quick glance at the display can be dangerous – and expensive. Many people therefore wonder: What is actually allowed in Switzerland when it comes to using your phone or making a call while driving?

The rules are clearer than most think – and violations are strictly punished. So let’s take a closer look at what’s allowed, what’s prohibited, and how to stay safe and compliant on the road.

Mobile phone at the wheel: What Swiss law says

According to Art. 3 para. 1 of the Swiss Traffic Regulations (VRV): “Der Fahrzeugführer muss seine Aufmerksamkeit der Strasse und dem Verkehr zuwenden. Er darf beim Fahren keine Verrichtung vornehmen, welche die Bedienung des Fahrzeugs erschwert. Er hat ferner dafür zu sorgen, dass seine Aufmerksamkeit insbesondere durch Tonwiedergabegeräte sowie Kommunikations- und Informationssysteme nicht beeinträchtigt wird.”

In other words: anyone who picks up their phone while driving violates their duty to keep full attention on the traffic. Even a quick glance at the display can count as distraction. Whether you’re quickly taking a call, reading a message or entering a navigation destination – as soon as the device is in your hand, it’s considered distraction.

Hands-free systems: allowed, but not without limits

Phone calls are only permitted if you use a hands-free system – meaning you don’t have to hold or operate your phone while driving.

However, the call itself must not distract you: if you lose focus and, for example, start swerving, you could still face criminal charges.

Fines and penalties in Switzerland

Fixed penalty for phone calls

In Switzerland, using your phone without a hands-free system is an offence – and will result in a fixed fine of CHF 100. If you use a proper hands-free system, you are within the legal limits.

Important: Even with a hands-free device, the conversation itself can be distracting. If this leads to unsteady driving or loss of attention, it may no longer be treated as a minor offence but as a criminal act – for example, if you drive in a zigzag line.

Fines or imprisonment for texting and messaging

Reading or writing messages while driving is extremely dangerous – and in Switzerland, it’s considered a serious traffic violation under Art. 90 para. 2 of the Swiss Road Traffic Act (SVG).

Depending on the severity, the court can impose a fine or even imprisonment. Additional costs, fees and, in severe cases, a criminal record entry may follow.

In short: sending a text while driving can not only endanger lives – it can seriously affect your own future.

Driving licence withdrawal

When a criminal procedure is initiated, the police notify the cantonal road traffic authority. In the subsequent administrative procedure, the authority decides which measure is appropriate.

Depending on the severity of the violation, this may lead to:

a warning, or
withdrawal of the driving licence for several months.

Clearly, using your phone behind the wheel can have far more serious consequences than just a fine – it can cost you your licence and your mobility.

Many people use their phone as a navigation device or music player – this is allowed only if it is securely mounted and not operated while driving.

That means:

Set your route or playlist before you start driving.
Secure the device in a fixed holder (for example, in the air vent).
Do not touch or operate the device while driving.

💡 Tip: The same applies to built-in car displays – set navigation, music or other functions before you set off. Any distraction caused by searching through menus or tapping screens can be dangerous and may be considered inattentive driving.

Voice control & modern systems: Safe and practical

The safest option is to use voice control. With it, you can make calls, dictate messages or start navigation without touching your phone.

This keeps your attention on the road – helping you avoid both fines and dangerous distractions.

Conclusion: Hands off your phone – safety first

In Switzerland, phone calls while driving are only allowed with a hands-free system. Anyone who holds their phone risks a fine – and in serious cases, the loss of their driving licence. The safest option is to set everything up before you drive or use voice control.

At Carvolution, many cars already come equipped with hands-free and/or voice control systems. This means you can always drive safely and legally – without distractions at the wheel. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey!