Foreign travelers visiting Switzerland will face tighter measures as authorities move to stop tourists from dodging traffic fines
Snappin' Up Those Fines: A Guide for Foreign Tourists
Got a speeding ticket or parking fine during your swanky Swiss vacation? Don't dismiss it as a mere souvenir - it's gotta be paid!
MP Ursula Zybach recently highlighted a common issue faced by tourist destinations like Interlaken, canton Bern: those pesky fines issued to foreigners often go uncollected due to complicated and lengthy international proceedings.
However, things become smoother if you're from the European Union (EU) or a member of the Schengen Area. Switzerland shares the details of EU drivers who've broken traffic laws with their respective nations through the European Car and Driving Licence Information System (Eucaris), meaning your fine will find you, no matter how deep the Swiss Alps you hide!
But what happens when you're not from an EU or Schengen country? Well, needed to be a bit more creative to throw that traffic cop a curveball, didn't you?
You see, those extravagant excursions through the Swiss countryside in your Ferrari? Better watch your speedometer! Last summer, six speedy Brits discovered the hard way that Switzerland doesn't take speeding lightly, as each of them had their sports car confiscated and driving licenses revoked until they faced the Swiss court with a hefty fine waiting in the wings.
But how about those non-EU, non-Schengen nations?
While the specifics can vary from one country to another, here's a quick rundown of the general procedures when it comes to collecting fines from foreigners:
- Legal Documentation: Clear records of the fine, including the amount, reason, and offense details, are crucial for tracking and enforcing payment.
- Notification and Communication: Foreigners are informed in writing about the fine requirements, which may be sent directly or through legal representatives.
- Payment Mechanisms: Countries provide several means of payment, including online platforms, bank transfers, or in-person payments.
- Follow-up Actions: Non-payment may result in reminders, penalties, and even legal action.
When things get tricky, countries may:
- Collaborate with International Authorities: They might work with international law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend individuals.
- Use Re-entry Bans: For those who overstayed visas or evaded fine payments, countries may deny re-entry until the issue is resolved.
- Daily Fines: Some countries impose escalating penalties to encourage punctual payment.
- Diplomatic Channels: In some cases, diplomatic connections between countries may aid in the collection process.
So, next time you're tearing up the Swiss roads, remember - the law waits for no man, or woman, or high-speed sports car! Pay your traffic fines promptly, or leave behind more than just memories.
Read Also: Do I have to pay a fine if I'm caught speeding in Switzerland in a foreign car?
P.S.: Watch out for those speed traps, especially during those balmy Swiss summers – there's nothing like a fine ruinin' your vacation!
- If you're not from the European Union (EU) or a member of the Schengen Area and receive a fine in Switzerland, a clear record of the fine, including the amount, reason, and offense details, is essential for tracking and enforcing payment.
- Foreigners are informed in writing about the fine requirements, which may be sent directly or through legal representatives, as part of the general procedures for collecting fines from foreigners.
- Countries provide several means of payment for traffic fines, including online platforms, bank transfers, or in-person payments.
- Failure to pay a traffic fine can lead to reminders, penalties, and even legal action, including possible collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend individuals, re-entry bans, escalating penalties, or diplomatic connections between countries to aid in the collection process.
