Serious speeding in Switzerland: at what point does speeding become a serious offence?
Those who speed put themselves in danger – and are severely punished. Comparis explains what is considered “serious speeding” in Switzerland, and what happens to those who break the law.
15.11.2024
1. What is considered a serious speeding offence in Switzerland?
A person who intentionally runs the risk of an accident involving severe injuries or fatalities is considered to be committing a serious offence. This is established in the Swiss Road Traffic Act (Art. 90 para. 3).
For example, dangerous overtaking, drifting, unauthorized races with motor vehicles and exceeding the maximum speed limit by a large amount are all punishable offences.
The law on serious speeding applies to these offences:
At least 40 km/h, where the speed limit is 30 km/h.
At least 50 km/h, where the speed limit is 50 km/h.
At least 60 km/h, where the speed limit is 80 km/h.
At least 80 km/h where the speed limit is over 80 km/h.
2. How is serious speeding penalized in Switzerland?
People who exceed the speed limit by an excessive amount are considered criminals. The consequences for this are harsh.
In the case of a serious speeding offence, a custodial sentence and withdrawal of your driving licence are mandatory. Your vehicle may also be confiscated.
The following generally applies:
Prison sentence of one to four years. Probation is possible for up to two years.
Withdrawal of your driving licence for at least two years. To get it back, you will need to pass an assessment by a psychologist specializing in traffic.
If you repeat the offence, you will lose your licence for at least ten years.
Serious speeding in Switzerland: what does the law say?
Following a legislative amendment in 2023, milder penalties are possible under certain conditions. The court now has more leeway in sentencing speeding offences.
Is it the first time the offender has committed a serious traffic offence, or were they acting for honourable reasons?
In this case, the court may impose a custodial sentence of less than one year. You may have your licence revoked for one year.
Does my liability insurance cover serious speeding offences?
Anyone who causes an accident and inflicts damages on others usually incurs high costs. In principle, vehicle liability insurance applies here.
This also applies to serious speeding offences in the event of a claim. However: the insurer can reclaim a portion of the costs.
It’s worth comparing car insurance.
Liability insurance premiums vary by insurer and region. It’s therefore often worth comparing Swiss car insurers.
3. How many convictions for serious speeding offences are there per year in Switzerland?
Every year, there are several hundred convictions for serious speeding offences in Switzerland. This is shown by figures from the Federal Statistical Office.
Serious speeding offences: how do the cantons differ?
There are cantonal differences when it comes to convictions for serious speeding offences:
In 2021, for example, the canton of Obwalden recorded the most convictions in proportion to the population. In the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden there were no convictions in the same year.
But these figures should be approached with caution: in cantons with a low population, each conviction is statistically more significant. This is why there are sometimes large differences between small cantons.
Serious speeding offences: how does it differ by age group?
Under 30s are responsible for almost half of serious speeding offences.
People over 60 years of age are less likely to commit this offence: they are responsible for less than 10% of the proven instances of serious speeding.
4. How will the law on serious speeding affect the number of accidents?
The Serious Speeding Act was created as part of the Via Sicura road safety programme and has been enshrined in law since 2013. The goal: fewer fatalities and injuries on Swiss roads.
Has this goal been achieved? A look at the statistics shows: the number of people seriously injured and killed on the roads decreased slightly since 2013. However, there has been a slight increase in recent years.
This article was first published on 29.12.2023
