Regulations for authorised use on Swiss roads of vehicles belonging to permanent missions and international organisations as well as their staff.
Unrestricted registration
Vehicles belonging to entities and persons in the following categories may be registered in Switzerland almost without restriction:
- permanent missions and international organisations
- holders of FDFA legitimation cards type B, C, D, E, I, L.
For this to be the case, said vehicles must be authorised for use internationally (with a registration permit and number plates – including Z plates – from the country of origin, or a manufacturer's document containing all the technical data required for registration).
Before a Swiss number plate and vehicle licence can be issued, however, the vehicle must first undergo an initial safety and roadworthiness inspection.
The following are not required for registration in Switzerland:
- proof that the vehicle complies with exhaust gas regulations
- proof that the vehicle does not exceed noise limits
- adaptation of the brake installation
- adaptation or replacement of the speedometer
- tyre replacement (minimum profile 1.6mm)
These vehicles are also exempt from otherwise obligatory periodic inspections and the anti-pollution service.
Licences of vehicles registered in this manner are marked so that they can only be sold to holders of an FDFA legitimation card with the same privileges and immunities (unless the vehicle has been adapted to Swiss standards).
Initial inspection
An appointment must be made with the relevant cantonal authority (technique.ocv@etat.ge.ch for Geneva) and the following documents provided at the time of the inspection:
- proof of Swiss third-party liability insurance (RC)
- expert report (form 13.20A) with Swiss customs stamp and/or any customs authorisations (forms 18.44, 18.45, 18.46, 15.30 or 15.40)
- for pre-registered vehicles, the date of first registration (not the date of manufacture or sale) on presentation of the original registration certificate (e.g. Registration Card for vehicles from the US)
- technical specifications of the vehicle, i.e. engine (cubic capacity) and details of the permitted weight (provided in the following documents: certificate from vehicle manufacturer or Swiss importer of the make of vehicle, original registration certificate (e.g. 'Fahrzeugbrief'), descriptive note, manufacturer's plate, operating instructions)
- copy of both sides of FDFA legitimation card
If the vehicle does not yet have number plates, it may be driven by the shortest route from its place of delivery (garage, Port Franc, etc.) to the cantonal vehicle office, provided that the driver has a third-party insurance certificate and appointment for a roadworthiness inspection.
Ordinary registration
Persons in the following categories must register their vehicles in accordance with current Swiss legislation:
- holders of FDFA legitimation cards type F, G, H, P, S
- staff with permanent residence in Switzerland (B or C permit)
These vehicles are subject to all the legal obligations applicable to Swiss residents (initial registration, periodic inspection, anti-pollution service, etc.).
