Parking for campers: Space is tight in the city
The camper trend also has its downsides: More and more RVs are running out of places to park when visiting cities. We explain the rules in Switzerland.
That sense of freedom often comes to an end in the city: Due to the camping boom, there is a shortage of parking spaces for RVs on vacation trips to cities. As a result, people end up using unsuitable parking spots, which is just as annoying for other tourists and residents as a parking ticket for the RV owner.
In a pinch, for example, owners of large RVs come up with ideas such as simply using two consecutive parking spaces designated for passenger cars. However, this is not permitted; it is tolerated only in exceptional cases (especially if both spaces have been paid for—since fees are charged per space, not per vehicle). The same applies to spaces marked for trucks: often tolerated, but not always. The fewest problems arise with large RVs on parking strips without marked spaces, provided they aren’t marked «for passenger cars only.» A compact «RV» is usually allowed to park in a «regular» space as well—if it fits.
The field must be large enough
After all, «fitting within the space» doesn’t mean that only the wheels have to be within the space. While this is almost always how it’s handled today, legally speaking, the entire vehicle—including side mirrors and bike racks—still counts. So if you park with the wheels within the space but obstruct the passage due to a large overhang or reduce the space behind you, you shouldn’t be surprised to receive a fine. The law states: You may only use spaces designated for a specific type of vehicle and those into which the vehicle fits completely.
Penalties apply for ten hours or more
So common sense and good judgment are called for here; if you exercise them, you can expect the law enforcement officers to do the same. Anyone who simply accepts the fine should keep in mind: 40 (up to two hours), 60 (up to four hours), or 100 francs (up to ten hours) is the cost only within these time limits and in standard cases. Illegal parking that obstructs traffic will cost more. And after ten hours—which isn’t uncommon for campers—a citation is issued, which, with the high fees, can quickly cost several hundred francs or more.
By the way, wild camping—that is, spending the night in a camper in the city—is generally prohibited almost everywhere except at designated sites; exceptions (such as the canton of Obwalden) only confirm the rule. Our tips: Ask the local municipality. And when looking for a parking spot in the city, try asking a company that has a parking lot, for example—a friendly attitude works wonders when parking is scarce.
