Speeding

In Switzerland, drivers exceeding the speed limit are very frequently responsible for road accidents.
Although speed may seem insignificant at first glance, it can have dramatic consequences and a major impact on the severity of accidents.
In Switzerland, we refer to the Federal Law on Road Traffic (LCR).
It sets out the obligations of road users, the penalties applicable in the event of infringement, the rules governing road signs and markings, as well as vehicle registration and driving license requirements.

Speed limits in Switzerland

Respecting speed limits is essential to ensure safety on Swiss roads, as road accidents caused by excessive speed are one of the main causes of death on the country’s roads.
It is therefore imperative to remain vigilant and respect speed limits.
These are determined by a number of factors, including road type, traffic conditions and geographical area.
Road signs clearly indicate the applicable speed limits.
It is imperative that drivers pay attention to them.
In Switzerland, the maximum authorized speeds are as follows:

• 120 km/h on freeways;
• 100 km/h on semi-motorways;
• 80 km/h out of town ;
• 50 km/h in localities ;
• 30 km/h in 30 km/h zones;
• 20 kph in the encounter zones.

In Switzerland, freeways are equipped with speed control systems to monitor vehicles and detect drivers exceeding the speed limit.
Speeding offences are severely punished, and can result in fines, suspension of driver’s license or even a custodial sentence.
In addition, speed limits in Switzerland can be adjusted according to weather conditions, such as snow or ice, to ensure road safety.

Penalties for speeding: fine, warning, withdrawal of licence or custodial sentence

Fines and warnings

In Switzerland, if a driver exceeds the speed limit, he or she may be fined or reported.
The amount of the fine or denunciation varies according to the number of km/h exceeded:

Withdrawal of license

If a driver is reported for speeding in Switzerland, his or her driving license may be withdrawn.
Penalties vary according to the number of km/h exceeded and the zone where the offence was committed.
The various penalties are detailed in the table below:

When a driver commits a speeding offence in Switzerland, he or she may receive a warning in the form of a yellow card.
If the driver is a repeat offender within two years, he risks having his driving license withdrawn.
What’s more, the period of withdrawal may be longer for repeat offenders.
In the case of dangerous speeding, the police can immediately withdraw the driver’s license.
In this case, the driver will have to undergo a traffic psychology test to assess his or her fitness to drive.

Withdrawal of license and custodial sentence

In Switzerland, failure to comply with speed limits can have serious consequences for road safety, endangering the lives of other road users.
Drivers who exceed the speed limit by at least 40 km/h in localities, 60 km/h outside localities or 80 km/h on freeways are considered reckless drivers and are liable to severe penalties.
These penalties include hefty fines, a custodial sentence of between one and four years, withdrawal of the driver’s license for a minimum of two years, and the obligation to take a traffic psychology test to get the license back.
In addition, the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle may be seized, sold or destroyed.

Legal and financial consequences for drivers

Speeding can have far-reaching legal and financial consequences.
In addition to the penalties mentioned above, the driver may be held liable for damage caused to third parties in the event of an accident.
Insurance companies may refuse to cover damage caused by drivers who have committed serious offences, such as speeding.
In addition, the driver may be required to pay additional costs such as legal fees and court costs.
If the driver is unable to pay the fines, he or she may face prosecution with even more serious consequences, such as a custodial sentence.

Measures to prevent speeding

Switzerland has introduced various measures to prevent speeding on its roads.
Speed cameras and surveillance cameras are used to spot drivers exceeding the prescribed speed limits.
Regular speed checks are carried out to dissuade drivers from committing offences and to make them understand that the law is strictly enforced.
In addition, awareness and education campaigns can be run to inform drivers of the dangers of excessive speed and encourage them to respect speed limits.
Driving schools can also play an important role in teaching drivers good driving practices and stressing the importance of respecting speed limits.