⏱ 2 min read
Updated on 9 November 2026 : the Grand Council repealed the law on 2 October 2026, by 50 votes to 47. The planned vote will not take place.
Background
Urban speed limits have divided Geneva politics for several years. In February 2026, the right-wing majority of the Grand Council passed a law requiring at least 50 km/h on main roads. The left and several associations launched a referendum. They argued the law sacrificed neighbourhoods to through traffic.
The key points
Geneva voters were due to vote on this law on 28 February 2027. It banned any limit below 50 km/h on the canton's main roads.
Meanwhile, the Federal Council revised the road signs ordinance. It sets 50 km/h as the maximum speed on main roads in built-up areas. It allows 30 km/h to reduce noise, if an assessment rules out rat-running traffic. The Grand Council therefore repealed the cantonal law, deemed obsolete.
Key figures
- 50 votes to 47 : vote on the repeal law
- 50 km/h : speed maintained on the urban ring road and main roads
- 30 km/h : speed planned on secondary roads
Who says what
- Pierre Maudet (State Councillor in charge of mobility): the repeal should calm the transport debate.
- Jacques Jeannerat (LJS member of parliament): the federal ordinance makes the Geneva law obsolete.
- Murat Julian Alder (PLR member of parliament): the people are deprived of a debate; a referendum against the repeal remains possible.
What's next
- The canton plans to extend the agreement with motoring associations beyond 2028.
- The Geneva courts must review an appeal following a Federal Supreme Court ruling.
Further reading
Sources
- blue News (Keystone-ATS) – Geneva will not vote on 50 km/h on main roads
- The Local – Geneva residents to vote on speed limits in bid to reduce jams
Let’s share Romandy’s news
We build the news together.
An idea, an opinion, a wish, a detail to add? Tell us!
