Hi all,

I am leaving Switzerland in 2 months, and was planning to drive a lot of my stuff back to the UK over this weekend in a van hired from Europcar here (since I am downsizing to a tiny flat for the last month or so).

Now someone told me that I might be only allowed to do this with a Swiss license, since I have been here for 5 years.

Does anyone know if it is OK, or at least low risk to try this? Does anyone know what the typical consequences are if one is caught?

If it seems to be too high risk, I will try to convince a friend to drive to the border with me!

Thanks!

So have you been resident in Switzerland, and driving on a UK licence for the last 5 years?
I got into trouble in Belgium, being resident there, and found to be driving on a UK licence.
I was quite heavily fined since, being resident in Belgium, I should have applied to change my UK licence.
The UK licence would, of course, cover non-residents which is where the problem occurs.
I should imagine the same applies in Switzerland, but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

you have one year to change over your license. But will you still be a resident here or back in the UK? if back in the UK id tell em you changed already....they are quit relaxed with that I must admit

and going out of Switzerland I have never even seen a guard

You shouldn't have a problem with the rental company even though you are not within the spirit of the rules.

However driving without a valid driving license is a very serious matter, if you have an accident or get stopped by the police.

That's how my problems arose. I was stopped by the police in a general vehicle check.

If he has an accident he is covered by the insurance of the rental company. As for the police, once he's out of the country there is nothing to suggest he isn't a British tourist with a Swiss registered rental car.

In Switzerland he may or may not be insured for more than 3rd party risks, he is not licensed to drive....
Outside CH he is legal, no problem.

Like I said. He should be fine.

Any idea what the fine is if he gets caught, probably a suspended prison sentance as well.

I would not be so sure about that as the van will be rented with an invalid license so it is possible the insurance will be nul & void for the duration of the hire period. A nanny we had was not allowed to rent a car as she had not changed her license over in the one year grace period, we also had to stop her driving my car as the insurance was not valid for someone with a license that is not legal in Switzerland even though it was in her native country. Give the length of the OP's trip I would check very carefully if they can legally drive the van.

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presumable you intend to take the van back to Switzerland... and then return to the UK.

So why not travel to the UK first and rent a van in the UK.

you could just stack your spare stuff in boxes for a few months until you do that.

Rent the van in France leave in Calais, way cheaper