Traffic offence classification system in Switzerland: three degrees, no points
Unlike other countries, Switzerland has no cumulative points system. The LCR classifies each offence into three degrees of severity, each with its own consequence for the licence.
Minor offence (art. 16a LCR)
A minor offence creates a minor risk to the safety of others and is due only to a slight fault. If the driver has not been subject to any administrative measure in the preceding two years, they receive a simple warning. In the event of a repeat offence within this two-year period, the licence is withdrawn for at least one month. A "particularly minor" offence does not result in any measure.
Moderately serious offence (art. 16b LCR)
A moderately serious offence creates a danger to the safety of others or accepts the risk of it, without that danger being qualified as serious. Licence withdrawal is mandatory from the first moderately serious offence, with a minimum duration of one month. In the event of a repeat offence, the minimum duration increases progressively (4 months, 9 months, 15 months, then an indefinite duration of at least two years, or even permanent withdrawal depending on the number and nature of prior offences).
Serious offence (art. 16c LCR)
A serious offence seriously endangers the safety of others, or accepts that risk, or falls within cases defined by law (in particular qualified intoxication or unfitness to drive due to narcotics or medication). Licence withdrawal for a first serious offence is at least three months. A qualified speeding offence within the meaning of art. 90 para. 4 LCR results in a minimum withdrawal of two years from the first such offence. Repeat offences result in increasing minimum durations (6 months, 12 months, indefinite duration, then permanent withdrawal).
No points system
The LCR does not provide for any points mechanism that accumulates up to an automatic withdrawal threshold, unlike the system used in some neighbouring countries. Each offence is individually classified according to the three degrees above, and it is the history of administrative measures over the past two to five years (depending on the degree) that determines the severity of the sanction in the event of a repeat offence.
For details on a specific offence, see the pages drink driving, speeding and licence withdrawal.