The general speed limits on motorways are usually not less than 100 km/h. But Switzerland can temporarily reduce to 80 km/h in a possible fuel shortage scenario.
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10/11/2026
by
Rgeneral egra, the speed limits are from 120 km/h on the highways. But Switzerland might change that in your country’s road network – and it’s not about road safety.
Not permanently, but temporarily, to respond to a possible fuel shortage scenario. According to the SRF, a report recently published by the Swiss Federal Department of National Economic Supply (BWL) that the situation of fuel supply is tense.
Due to the conflict in the Middle East, the global oil flow has been strongly affected in recent months, in particular by the strong conditions for the movement of ships in the Strait of Ormuz.
In the case of Switzerland, there is still another pressure factor: the water levels on the Rhine River are too low for oil tankers, with part of the fuel entering the country. It is not the only one: it also comes by “pipeline” from France and by train.
The proposal to contain consumption, which is also part of BWL, is clear: reduce speed limits on Swiss motorways to 80 km/ h. But only in case national oil reserves reach critical levels and involuntary savings do not arrive.
Roland Pfister, Federal Delegate for National Economic Supply, is of the opinion that the speed reduction could not only save fuel, but also “send a very strong signal to the public”.
The measure will be seen with good eyes by the federal government, writes the SRF. Its implementation could be swift.
Reserves have been used since SeptemberBut on a small scale. For now, there has not been too much worrying. Therefore, anyone who goes to Switzerland can continue to have a maximum speed of 120 km/h on motorways – except, of course, in areas where the signalling indicates a lower value.