Loud music in the car: is there a penalty?
Listening to music in the car: almost everyone does it. But what volume is allowed in road traffic? How does loud music affect the risk of accidents and what is the penalty for playing too loud music? Read more here.
02.11.2023
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1. Listening to music in the car: how loud is allowed?
By law, there is no regulation on the maximum volume of music in the car. However, the Road Traffic Act (SVG) and the Ordinance on Traffic Rules (VRV) contain rules on general volume and attention.
Road Traffic Act
According to Article 27 (2) SVG, you must clear the road if you perceive warning signals such as the sirens and blue lights of an emergency vehicle. This means: if you do not notice the warning signals due to too loud music, you may be liable to prosecution.
Article 42 SVG regulates disturbance caused by drivers. This article prohibits the avoidable disturbance of other road users and residents. Disturbance includes:
Noise
Dust
Smoke
Odours
This means: if you disturb other people with music that is too loud, you are violating the regulation.
Ordinance on Traffic Rules
According to Article 3 paragraph 1 VRV, the attention of the driver must be on the road and the traffic. Attention must not be limited by:
Audio devices
Communication systems
Information systems
In other words: if music distracts you, you are violating the ordinance.
Rest periods
The statutory rest periods also apply to motorists. If you are travelling at night with loud music, you risk a warning from the police. Residents can also report you for disturbing the peace.
Regulations exist regarding the sound level of the engine of your vehicle. In this case, Switzerland follows the EU directives. Depending on the type of vehicle, an approximate maximum limit of 75 dB applies.
2. Accident due to loud music: do I have to pay?
Did you listen to music loudly and have an accident? Then you risk being complicit. This, in turn, may affect any compensation payments. After all, the amount of compensation depends on the circumstances of the accident.
For example: if you were distracted by loud music, your attention may be considered to have been impaired and you may therefore be found partially at fault.
Comparis tip: is the traffic situation confusing or busy? Then switch off the music. This way, you do not risk complicity in the event of an accident.
How high is the penalty in the event of an accident caused by loud music?
According to the Zurich Cantonal Police, in the event of an accident, law enforcement authorities check whether loud music is a possible cause of the accident. The amount of any penalty will then be determined by the investigating authority.
3. Influence of music volume on driving style
According to various studies, loud music can negatively affect your driving. It can distract you – which can be especially dangerous when combined with high speed.
However, other studies show that loud music can counteract fatigue and boredom. This leads to increased attention and better driving.
Introverts are more affected
How much music influences your driving style also depends on your personality. This is because: according to a study by researchers from Beijing, introverts are more strongly influenced by music than extroverts. For example, a high music tempo causes more inaccuracies when driving, especially for introverts.
This article was first published on 25.10.2018
