Revisiting new EU law that concerns hiring a car in Switzerland

A brand-new European Union policy that came into force on 1 May is causing turmoil among holidaymakers heading to Switzerland who hire an automobile.

The prohibits prohibits EU citizens from driving non-EU registered hire cars in the EU. However with Switzerland, a non-member, there are issues at automobile hire workplaces: a Swiss-registered hire car can not be driven throughout the border to France, Germany, Italy or Austria by an EU resident (such as a Briton). If the motorist behind the wheel is Swiss, that it is permissible– as it is if the hirer has originated from outside the EU. One company The Guardian got in touch with in Zurich called the change “completely absurd”. Some are needing to equip French or German-registered cars; others are telling customers they cannot leave the country.

The European parliament workplace in London pointed The Guardian a file entitled Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446, which describes modifications. Let’s just say it’s not precisely understandable to the typical reader. A European commission spokeswoman stated: “EU citizens should try to inform the car rental company in advance if they intend to … drive into the EU. It is the responsibility of the company to provide a car that complies both with customs rules and also with traffic rules … Car rental companies in Switzerland are already providing EU-plated cars for EU citizens in order to comply with the new customs rules.”