Motorcycle indicators in Switzerland: what the rules require
Contents
Small LED indicators look much better on a motorcycle than big stock ones. To keep your bike correct afterwards, you only need to know a few measurements. This is what the Swiss ordinance on the technical requirements for road vehicles (VTS) says, as of 1 January 2026.
The measurements at a glance
| What | Rule | Where in the VTS |
|---|---|---|
| Spacing at the front | at least 24 cm between the lit surfaces | Annex 10, section 24 |
| Spacing at the rear | at least 18 cm between the lit surfaces | Annex 10, section 24 |
| Height above ground | lower edge at least 35 cm, upper edge at most 1.50 m | Annex 10, sections 312 and 322 |
| Flash rate | 90 ± 30 per minute | Art. 79 |
| Visibility | 300 m at night, 100 m by day, without dazzling | Art. 79 |
| Colour | yellow at the front, yellow or red at the rear | Annex 10, section 11 |
The spacing is measured between the lit surfaces, not centre to centre and not across the whole housing.
Does my motorcycle need indicators at all?
Yes, if it was first registered on or after 1 January 2013 (Art. 140). Older motorcycles fall under the previous law (Art. 222), where indicators are not mandatory. If they are fitted, they must work.
Why the 18 cm at the rear is often the problem
A short plate holder makes the rear end narrower. If you screw the indicators straight onto it, they quickly end up too close together. So measure after fitting, from lit surface to lit surface.
If the spacing is too small, our M8 indicator extension helps. It screws in between the holder and the indicator.
Why LED indicators flash too fast
The stock relay uses the power draw to tell whether a bulb has failed. LEDs draw much less, so it flashes too fast. That doesn't just look wrong: above 120 flashes per minute you are outside the rule.
There are two solutions:
- Load-independent relay: replaces the stock relay on many brands, and then you don't need resistors. See the LED flasher relay
- Load resistors: go in parallel with the indicators. See the load resistors
If your bike already had LED indicators, you usually need neither.
What we have for this
Our small LED indicators have an E-number and an M8 thread. They fit practically any bike and every Revsticks plate holder. For four at once there is a set with a relay or with resistors. On a KTM, the plug and play adapter saves you soldering and cutting the plugs.
Check these too: mirrors and rear end
While you are converting the bike, also look at this (VTS Art. 140 and 143):
- Mirrors: one left and one right, each with at least 69 cm² of surface. Our round mirrors with a 96 mm diameter have about 72 cm².
- Rear: tail light, brake light, plate light and a non-triangular reflector.
Good to know
This text summarises the VTS for two-wheeled motorcycles and doesn't replace an inspection. In the end, your cantonal inspection office decides whether a conversion passes. If you're unsure, ask them before fitting. Other countries may have other rules.
Source: Ordinance on the technical requirements for road vehicles (VTS, SR 741.41, German)
