Who may register motor vehicles for use on the road?
Wer darf Motorfahrzeuge für den Verkehr zulassen?
Correct answer: C
- A the municipalitydie Gemeinde
- B the large car dealershipsdie grossen Autogaragen
- C the Road Traffic Officedas Strassenverkehrsamt
- D the traffic policedie Verkehrspolizei
Why
The Road Traffic Office inspects vehicles and registers them for use on the road. Then you get the number plates.
Common mistakes
- B: the large car dealerships
- Garages sell and repair cars, but they may not register them.
- D: the traffic police
- The police check vehicles on the road, but they do not register them.
Topic
Road Traffic Office and civil registry office
In the canton of Zurich, the Road Traffic Office (Strassenverkehrsamt) is responsible for cars and driving. It belongs to the canton, not to the municipality. The Road Traffic Office holds driving tests and issues driving licences. It also inspects vehicles and registers them for use on the road. Then the car gets its number plates. The police, on the other hand, only check the traffic on the road. They do not issue driving licences and do not register cars. Car garages may not do this either.
Canton and municipality of Zurich
Offices, school and social services
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 115 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.