One Swiss lawmker is seeking to tighten the rules pertaining to elderly motorists driving on Swiss roads.
Until 2019, drivers in Switzerland had to undergo a medical exam at the age of 70 – and every second year thereafter – to test their eyesight, hearing, reflexes, as well as their mental fitness to operate a vehicle.
(Drivers over 80 have to undergo this test each year)
In 2019, however, a new law came into effect, postponing the tests until 75.
The reason for this change was the argument that senior citizens are fitter and in better health now than ever before and are far less often involved in road accidents than young drivers (which, as it tuned out, is not the case – see below).
But MP Marionna Schlatter from the Green Party has asked the federal government to examine whether current legislation regarding older drivers should be toughened.
She pointed out that by 2025, motorists over 70 had caused more accidents than young drivers aged 18 to 24.
She also noted that with age, “the decline in visual acuity and cognitive impairments increase considerably.”
Among the ideas she suggested is the possibility of introducing gradual age-related restrictions – such as for instance no longer driving at night or on motorways.
‘No need’
In response to Schlatter’s proposal, the Federal Department of Transport (FOT), which oversees laws relating to roads and driving, said that there is currently “no need” for new, stricter regulations.
“Optional driving and awareness courses, specifically designed for seniors, are already offered on a large scale and actively promoted by various specialised organisations and stakeholders,” FOT wrote.
Furthermore, the government emphasises that the possibility of gradually restricting driving licenses already exists.
For instance, “cantons can restrict drivers geographically (within a defined area), temporally (e.g., only during the day), or to certain types of roads or vehicles.”
FOT also emphasised that “the potential of modern driver assistance systems is crucial for improving road safety. These devices can help [elderly] drivers comply with speed limits, maintain their lane, and identify hazards, thus partially compensating for certain age-related impairments.”
What will happen next?
The government has made its position in this matter known, but that is not the final word.
The National Council will have to vote on Schlatter’s motion during a future session of the Parliament.
If it accepts it, the Federal Council will have no choice but to re-examine this issue and deliver a report on the matter.
And now some figures…
A total of 538,000 people aged over 75 hold a driver’s license in Switzerland, according to the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA).
Several thousand of them have to surrender their licenses every year because they fail the medical examination.
In 2025, this number was 4,239.
