Crossing the solid line: Is there an exact definition?

Transportation, Travel and Trips
1
Hi,

We know crossing the solid line is a serious traffic offence, particular outside built-up areas. But is there an "exact" definition of what it means to "cross" the line?

For example, people may "touch" the white line when steering etc... without crossing it. Is there some sensor that detects such things, or in general does it count?

Thanks

Best

2

You can’t even touch them, according to this article.

3
Doesn't it say "befahren" i.e. when your car is on both lanes?

4
"befahren" is when the wheels touch the line.

A colleague once told me that you should treat solid lines like concrete walls

5
Same.

6
Thanks. Yes I have heard that quote too and (do my very best to) follow it.

Now the bad question: Are such infractions always detected by police on the spot, or there are sensors or cameras that flash and send the letter later, like it is for speeding and red light?

7
No, I don't think there are any sensors or cameras for solid lines.

8
It is allowed to cross the line if the way is blocked (i.e. by a parked or broken down vehicle) and there is no other possibility to proceed.

9
I see people cross solid lines when overtaking cyclists all the time. When I first came here, I also treated the solid line like a concrete wall but I also cross it now when overtaking a cyclist. And now after this thread, I am going back to when I first started driving here.

10
Not a good excuse, but the cyclist may cross the solid line in order overtake you

11
I thought you could cross to overtake a slow moving vehicle

12
I thought so too, as long as it is safe to do so.

It’s ok to cross a solid white line to overtake a vehicle travelling at 30km or less as long as you have clear visibility and it is safe to do it.

That’s what my son was taught when leaning to drive a few years ago.

13
My driving instructor told me the exact same thing. But has anyone ever been successful convincing a police officer with that argument? This very forum is full of cases where people were fined for overtaking a standing bus over the solid line, no?

Honestly, I have grown an obsession/anxiety disorder over solid lines, to the point of affecting my mental health

Unlike speeding or red light infraction, there doesn't seem to be a "margin of error" here (3-5 km/h, 0.5 seconds). No?

14
Overtake a standing bus at your peril. Here they have right of way when pulling out and there is very often a pedestrian crossing in front of the bus stop so your sight is hindered.

The solid line rule is just one of those things that comes with the swiss package. Just accept it.

15

Can you post a link where it states buses have the right to pull out as they see fit please.

I think you will find it is a courtesy rather than an absolute right.

16
You are right, but if you have an accident when overtaking then the onus is going to be on you to show that you did not drive in a dangerous fashion. I think that will apply whenever you cross the line.

17
Isn't this the same rule as the whole EU ? I do remember exactly this (like 10-15 years ago) when I studied for my drivers licence --> buses have priority when exiting the bus station ---> and something similar for trams if the station does not have "concrete" (meaning that people get off on your lane) --> there you just stop and wait.

Also, I always cross the line when overtaking bikes, I have a bigger car and prefer to be safe than to "touch" with the mirror the biker thus creating more chaos versus me (after I look and see if it's clear) giving a left signal and doing a 3 second manoeuvre

18
So what will you do if there is a cyclist in front of you now in a similar set up?

19
As a cyclist, I experience car drivers that wait until the line is no longer solid and those that overtake - my only issue is when they shave my left-hand side

.

Slightly off-topic but I cycled yesterday in Zürich for the first time in years - the streets are a nightmare, badly signed and incomplete cycle lanes, no cycle lane down Bahnhofstrasse

The positive aspect was how well pedestrians and cyclists shared the largely pedestrian only walkway alongside the lake up to Tiefenbrunnen. As for the driving habits of the motorists - it was a relief to get back to Zug.

20
It works when there is lots of room.

At the street market in Luzern last weekend, where there is a sign stating "Cycles must be pushed", a man on a bike was weaving through the people and nearly knocked an elderly man over.

Another cyclist, walking, told him to get off and walk and he ignored her.

I was walking with my bike and when he ignored my request to walk, I blocked his way with my bike and rammed it against his leg.

I thought he was going to cry -what a baby. Anyway, he got off.

I got a few smiles from the shoppers - especially the elderly man.