Swiss Police Warn Against Decorating Cars with Christmas Lights

In Switzerland, the police are concerned about a new trend where people decorate their cars with festive lights. While it’s common to decorate trees and homes with tinsel and fairy lights during Christmas, the police have stated that adorning cars with such decorations is not allowed on Swiss roads and highways.

The Trend of Christmas Tree Cars Reaches Switzerland

Although some cars may have red noses or antlers attached, a recent social media trend called “Christmas tree cars” has gained popularity in Switzerland. Inspired by videos from America, where people use leftover Christmas decorations to cover their cars with bright lights and other festive items, this trend has now reached Swiss roads.

A video creator who joined the trend shared, “I saw a video of a decorated car on my news feed, and I wanted to do the same thing.” His TikTok video has received hundreds of thousands of views in the last week. However, he expressed uncertainty about the legality of such decorations in Switzerland.

Are Christmas Tree Cars Allowed in Switzerland?

A spokesperson for the police in St. Gallen emphasized that, despite the cars looking cute, “You are not allowed to drive on the streets with a vehicle decorated with bright lights.” Hanspeter Krüsi explained that decorating cars in this way could distract other drivers and increase the risk of road accidents.

He further clarified, “In Switzerland, everything attached to the vehicle must be approved.” While it’s possible to seek approval for a brightly lit vehicle at a local road traffic office, Krüsi noted, “Such a vehicle would never be accepted.” Those caught with these lights on their cars may face fines amounting to hundreds of francs.