Loading cars safely

Find legal requirements and tips on how to correctly secure loads here.

• “The load should be attached in such a way that nobody is endangered or inconvenienced, and that nothing is able to fall down. Overhanging loads must be labelled conspicuously by day and night.” (Art. 30 Para. 2 RTA (Swiss Road Traffic Act))
• “The driver must ensure that he or she is not hindered due to the load or any other means.” (Art. 31 Para. 3 RTA)
• “Components, work devices or loader parts which could be hazardous in the event of collision, namely due to sharp points or edges, must be fitted with safeguards.” (Art. 58 Para. 1 TRegO (Swiss Traffic Regulations Ordinance))

• Securing the load correctly begins with intelligent loading.
• Never leave free-standing objects on the loading surface. Always place these on solid surfaces such as the rear seat.
• Always stow heavy luggage right at the bottom.
• If objects are too bulky for the interior space, they should be placed and secured in an approved roof box or carrier.
• The vehicle’s safety belt can often be used to secure the load (e.g. a backpack).
• If you are carrying heavy luggage items and the rear seat is unoccupied, insert the external safety belt into the adjacent socket.
• Do not stack above the top edge of the rear seat backrest. Cover the luggage with a net or a blanket and tie it down.
• If the vehicle is fitted with a luggage partition net, smaller and lightweight objects can be stowed above the backrest. However, they must be fixed to the beltline hooks provided using a tension strap.
• Keep tension straps in the car; many purchases are spur of the moment. Elastic straps or rubber luggage spider straps are not suitable for securing the load. Ensure the weight is evenly distributed; place heavy items at the bottom and, where possible, do not place items weighing more than 25 kg behind people.
• Especially heavy items may need to be stowed in the passenger footwell if unoccupied.
• Cover crates and baskets containing loose parts.
• Pointed items or those with sharp edges (skis, etc.) should not only be braced but also secured with a standard wooden board on the backrest of the front seats to prevent them from breaking through and causing injury.
• Ensure there is ample time to correctly secure the load.
• The vehicle user information often contains information on securing loads.
• Specially designed carriers should be used when transporting bicycles.
• Place the warning triangle in a location where it can be accessed quickly.
• Travelling with dogs: although not prescribed by law, dog crates are certainly advisable to ensure issue-free transportation.

• Correct the tyre pressure in accordance with the user manual.
• Maintain sufficient distance. Braking distances increase when carrying loads.
• Adjust your driving style to the load being carried.
• Observe the permitted axle loads and total weight.
• If driving with a roof box or roof carrier, do not exceed the permitted roof load.
• Take a break every two hours or 200 km (stretch your legs, move about).
• Drink enough fluids.