Whether luxury or entry-level, modern cars are packed with sensors and digital aids. Drivers can place considerable trust in assistance systems, particularly on highways.

The car brakes and accelerates automatically, stays in its lane, and, in more advanced models, even changes lanes autonomously.

Until Now: Hands on the Wheel

For now, however, one rule remains: hands must stay on the wheel. Otherwise, a chorus of warning alerts begins within seconds, the car starts to shake, and eventually, the assistance systems shut down.

Answering emails or watching a movie while driving? Technically possible, but still prohibited by law.

New Regulations from March 1

This will change in early March. On March 1, new articles of the Road Traffic Act and a specific regulation on automated driving will come into effect.

They will permit automated driving up to Level 4 on all highways and additional sections of the road network designated by the cantons.

Level 4 Driving Allowed

Level 4 means the autopilot can take full control of the vehicle over longer distances. Drivers need only be prepared to take over when prompted by the vehicle.

In the U.S., numerous cars already operate at this level. Tesla, in particular, is well-known for betting its economic future on a subscription model for automated driving. In Germany, certain high-end models, such as the BMW 7 Series, are also designed for specific highway segments at this level.

Patience Required

However, Swiss drivers may still have to wait before they can truly switch to autopilot, despite the upcoming legal changes.

A survey by finews.ch among key manufacturers and the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) reveals that no binding roadmaps exist yet for approving vehicle types capable of Level 4 automated driving.

«So far, no vehicle manufacturer has applied for approval of an automation system for Switzerland», writes ASTRA. «We hope that manufacturers will submit such applications so that the potential of automated driving can be realized quickly.»

Tesla Remains Silent

Given its extensive experience, Tesla would likely lead the way. However, the company has not responded to an inquiry from finews.ch. German manufacturers state that no timeline exists for introducing such models in Switzerland.

Automakers attribute this to the high technical adaptation costs, starting with the labor-intensive mapping of permitted road sections, which must also receive official approval. Given Switzerland’s relatively small market, cost considerations also play a role.

Contrast from Las Vegas

While consumers in Switzerland must remain patient, the next level of automated driving is being launched in Las Vegas.

At the Consumer Electronics Show, held annually at the start of the year, new technologies for self-driving cars and trucks are taking center stage.

Nvidia's $5 Billion Business

At the forefront is tech giant Nvidia, which announced a new partnership with Toyota in the field of autonomous driving. The Japanese manufacturer is using Nvidia’s chips, platforms, and software in this area.

CEO Jensen Huang remarked at the CES: «If it’s already a $5 billion business for us, imagine what it will be when there are 100 million new self-driving cars each year.» Some of those may one day also drive in Switzerland.