Traffic Offences in Switzerland: Penalties and Procedures

The Legal Framework

Traffic offences are governed by the Federal Road Traffic Act (SVG) and the Traffic Rules Ordinance (VRV). Swiss law distinguishes minor, moderately serious and serious offences (art. 16a, 16b, 16c SVG).

Speeding Offences

In built-up areas (50 km/h limit)

1. 1-15 km/h over: fixed-penalty fine CHF 40-250
2. 16-20 km/h: minor offence, fine and warning (art. 16a SVG)
3. 21-25 km/h: moderately serious, licence suspension at least one month (art. 16b SVG)
4. From 25 km/h: serious offence, suspension at least three months (art. 16c SVG)
5. From 50 km/h: hooligan driving (art. 90 para. 3-4 SVG), one to four years imprisonment, suspension at least two years

Outside built-up areas (80 km/h): serious offence from 30 km/h over

On motorways (120 km/h): serious from 35 km/h over; hooligan driving from 80 km/h over

Drink Driving

Art. 91 para. 1 SVG penalises driving while intoxicated:

1. 0.25-0.39 mg/l breath (0.5-0.79 per mille): fine, minor offence
2. 0.40 mg/l+ (0.8 per mille+): serious offence, licence suspension at least three months, monetary or custodial penalty
3. Professional and new drivers: zero tolerance (0.10 mg/l, art. 2a para. 1 VRV)

Licence Suspension

An administrative measure distinct from criminal penalties. Minimum periods (art. 16a-16c SVG):

1. Minor: warning or one month
2. Moderately serious: at least one month
3. Serious: at least three months

Repeat offences significantly increase durations.

Procedure

Minor offences result in fixed-penalty fines. More serious offences follow ordinary criminal procedure. Fixed-penalty fines may be challenged by non-payment within 30 days (art. 6 BOBuG). Licence suspension decisions may be challenged by administrative appeal.