Traffic fines in Switzerland
Minor offences are punished by a fixed-amount fine. More serious offences are subject to judicial proceedings.
Two clearly distinct regimes
- The fixed fine: a fixed amount, provided for minor offences clearly defined in Annex 1 of the Ordinance on Fixed Penalty Fines (OAO, SR 314.11). It does not result in an entry in the criminal record.
- The contravention or the misdemeanour: for more serious offences, the amount or the penalty is set by a judge according to the circumstances - there is no fixed national tariff.
Amounts of the most common fixed fines
- Speeding, in built-up areas: 1-5 km/h = CHF 40; 6-10 km/h = CHF 120; 11-15 km/h = CHF 250.
- Speeding, outside built-up areas: 1-5 km/h = CHF 40; 6-10 km/h = CHF 100; 11-15 km/h = CHF 160; 16-20 km/h = CHF 240.
- Speeding, on motorways: 1-5 km/h = CHF 20; 6-10 km/h = CHF 60; 11-15 km/h = CHF 120; 16-20 km/h = CHF 180; 21-25 km/h = CHF 260.
- Holding a phone without a hands-free kit while driving: CHF 100.
- Not wearing a seatbelt: CHF 60 (same for an unrestrained child under twelve years old).
Beyond these thresholds, the offence falls outside the fixed-fine regime and is subject to judicial proceedings. See speeding for these thresholds.
No points system
Unlike some neighbouring countries, Switzerland does not operate a points balance that is reduced with each offence. More serious offences directly result in licence withdrawal for a duration set according to their severity. See driving licence withdrawal.