With schools on summer break, July is a traditional vacation month in Switzerland.
Much of the country comes to a standstill (the same way as Italy and France do in August).
With the Federal Council and the Parliament also on a break, political life slows down as well.
Nevertheless some new laws will go into effect during his month - both on national and cantonal basis:
July 1st: Non-violent education of children
From this date, parents in Switzerland must raise their children without resorting to violence, and access to support services for parents and children must be improved.
Current law already prohibits parents from using violence in raising their children, and both criminal and civil law protect kids from violence within the family: amendments to this effect will be part of in the Civil Code as July 1st, 2026.
July 1st: New driving rule
Anyone who overtakes illegally on the right on the motorway will be subject to a fixed penalty fine of 200 francs.
The Federal Council has amended the relevant ordinance to facilitate the enforcement of this type of frequent traffic violation. Previously, such overtaking on the right often resulted in a criminal complaint, complicating the process.
Now, overtaking on the right on the motorway (140 francs) and driving the wrong way in a roundabout (100 francs) will also be penalised directly with a fine.
July 1st: Road signage
Road and pedestrian signage in Switzerland will be clearer and more uniform.
The Federal Council has revised the relevant ordinance and introduced new standardised signs. This will particularly benefit cyclists, with signs on a red background, and hikers, thanks to the familiar yellow signs, the rules of which are now defined in more detail.
Tourist signage, for example for the "Grand Tour of Switzerland," will also have its own signage with brown signs.
July 1st: Phone fraud
Calls originating from abroad and using a Swiss mobile number must be specifically flagged as such from July 1st.
This measure aims to allow operators to better identify calls with spoofed caller IDs and, if necessary, block them. If such flagging is not technically possible, the operator must then remove the displayed caller ID.
This regulation has already been in effect for landline numbers since January 1st.
July 1st: Digital health apps will be reimbursed by health insurance
For the first time, health insurance companies will refund the cost of the digital health app, Deprexis.
These behavioural therapy apps, particularly used for the treatment of mild to moderate depression, must be prescribed by a specialist physician in order to qualify for reimbursement.
July 1st: New rules on working hours and rest periods for cross-border truck drivers
Drivers of vehicles and vehicle weighing over 2.5 tonnes who transport goods internationally, will be subject - while on Swiss territory - to the Drivers' Ordinance if they spend more than half of their working time driving.
The new regulations, in line with international standards, aim to promote road safety and fair working conditions in cross-border transport.
July 1st: Land use planning and construction
In 2025, the Federal Council has agreed to relax existing restrictions on building outside designated zones
These new provisions are being phased in throughout 2026.
However, starting in July 1st, all cantons will have five years to define a strategy on their territories for construction outside designated building zones.
These are changes in some cantons:
Zurich
July 1st: Parliament consolidates location promotion tasks in new law
With the goal of further strengthening the competitiveness of Zurich as a business and innovation hub. the new Business Development and Relief Act enshrines the key objectives and principles of business development in law.
Furthermore, the regulations for administrative relief for businesses will be incorporated into the new legislation with some adjustments. In addition, the cantonal parliament is creating a framework for the rapid financing of support measures for businesses in crisis.
Vaud
July 1st: New financial aid for senior housing
To enable seniors to live at home for as long as possible, the canton is strengthening its home support policy and introducing a new financial assistance programme
This housing adaptation grant funds renovations for vulnerable seniors – whether they are homeowners or tenants, by helping prevent falls and preserve independence.
The grant will come into effect on July 1st, 2026.
Travel news
SWISS airline will launch a new European flight from Zurich starting in July: it will fly to Rijeka on Croatia’s Adriatic coast twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays.
Also, Egypt’s Nesma Airlines is expanding its route network with direct flights between Hurghada and Zurich from July 11th.
READ MORE: 11 unmissable events in Switzerland in July 2026
Zurich airport liquid rules change
Until now, passengers have not been allowed to transport more than 100 ml of liquids in their carry-on luggage.
From Friday June 26th, however, travellers departing from Zurich airport will be able to bring up to two litres of liquid into the cabin thanks to the introduction of new scanners.
"There is no longer any need to place liquid containers in a separate plastic bag," the airport said. "This accelerates the screening process and provides a noticeable increase in passenger comfort."
But not all passengers will be able to benefit from this new, laxer regulation.
The rule only concerns travellers who pass through the main security control building, and does not include those in transit.
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