Is there any formal step/registration/paperwork needed to add a towing hitch to a car?
I have the opportunity to have that installed abroad while I am on vacation. It would be done by the official garage (Volvo car, Volvo garage, Volvo hitch).


Is that accepted in Switzerland? Do I need to declare it or add it to the grey card once back? If yes, is that easy?



Thanks!

Yes, you need to have the towbar declared in the grey card. Go to your preferred StVA office. When I did this before, I don't even need to make an appointment, I just need to go there at some specified time. I also have a Volvo and I had mine done at a garage in DE.

Thanks that's very useful. I assume it was substantially cheaper?

Yes, it was cheaper. The Volvo garage in DE asked €800 (parts and labor) exkl. VAT. The cheapest CH offer I got was ~CHF1800.

I had a second hand BMW that had a factory fitted tow bar, at about 12 years old they added the hitch to the paperwork at the MFK

Did you need to show any certificate of compliance of your towbar?

No, StVA did not ask for any document. They raised it up the ramp and checked the mech installation. The towbar has its spec stamped on it, this spec was copied to the grey card. Since I also had electronics installed, they also checked this. All these took about 15-20min including the new grey card.

Thats useful info.


One more question regarding the trailer itself. If I buy it outside of CH, what is the procedure registering it ?

Same as for buying a vehicle abroad.

Tom

Does it have its own number plates or shares a plate from the car ?

Own plate, own greycard/insurance, and own highway sticker.

Tom