Questi portapacchi “tipo borsa” sono legali sulle strade svizzere?

In Switzerland, the rules for roof racks (Dachträger) are more about **safety and compliance** than a specific “permit” or entry in your vehicle’s registration papers.

Here is the breakdown of what you need to know:

# 1. Do they need a specific “Zulassung” (Approval)?

Individual roof racks **do not** need to be registered in your vehicle documents (Fahrzeugausweis). However, they must meet certain legal standards:

* **Type Approval:** The rack itself should ideally be “Type Approved” (look for a **TÜV** or **GS** seal). This ensures the product has been safety-tested.
* **Manufacturer Compliance:** You must use a rack specifically designed for your vehicle model to ensure it attaches securely.

# 2. Key Legal Requirements

While the rack doesn’t need a paper license, **you** are legally responsible for how it is used. Under Swiss law (VRV Art. 58), you must ensure:

* **No Risk to Others:** The load and the rack must be secured so they cannot fall off or cause avoidable noise.
* **Weight Limits:** You must never exceed the **maximum roof load** (Dachlast) specified by your car manufacturer (usually found in your car’s manual, often between 50kg and 100kg).
* **Dimensions:** * The load must not project sideways beyond the car.
* If the load projects more than 1 meter to the front or rear, it must be clearly marked (e.g., with a signal disk or flag).

# 3. Practical Checklist

Before hitting the Swiss Autobahn, check the following:

* **Tightness:** Check the bolts after a few kilometers of driving.
* **Height:** Remember your total height for parking garages and tunnels.
* **Insurance:** If an uncertified or improperly mounted rack falls off and causes an accident, your insurance may reduce your coverage due to “gross negligence.”