Swiss court upholds six-figure fine for tailgating offense
A Swiss court has rejected an appeal regarding a fine based on income after a driver failed to maintain a safe distance on the motorway.
The Swiss Federal Supreme Court has upheld a fine of approximately 104,590 euros issued to a driver for failing to maintain a sufficient distance from a vehicle ahead. In March 2024, the motorist was captured on the A1 motorway keeping a gap of less than one-sixth of the distance required by Swiss law, which mandates maintaining a gap in meters equivalent to half of the speedometer reading.
Under Swiss law, penalties for serious traffic violations are calculated based on the driver's income. The court maintained that the penalty was legally sound and not an arbitrary measure. The fine is subject to a two-year probationary period, meaning it must only be paid if the offender commits a comparable violation within that timeframe.
Switzerland maintains stringent traffic enforcement, frequently resulting in high fines for speeding and reckless driving. As of May 1, 2024, a new police agreement between Germany and Switzerland allows for the cross-border enforcement of traffic fines exceeding 70 euros, ensuring that such penalties remain effective regardless of the offender's residency.