class = “sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc”>
If you’re not paying attention, it’s already happened: Everyone has probably gone over the speed limit and been caught speeding. If the limit is slightly exceeded, a fine of 40 or 120 francs will be imposed. And you decide to pay more attention and slow down next time.
However: In some European countries, much more severe penalties may be imposed for speeding offenses, up to imprisonment, long-term suspension of your driver’s license or confiscation of the vehicle. In every country, as in Switzerland, there is no clear definition of who is considered a speeder and under what circumstances. However, many European countries impose heavy maximum penalties that go well beyond paying a few hundred euros for significantly exceeding the speed limit.
Surprising: Speeding crimes are not among the crimes with the highest penalties in all countries. Depending on the country, driving without a license or drunk driving is punishable by vehicle impoundment or even imprisonment. Even if you are a foreigner, it is not possible to escape these penalties. In the future, the European Union will rely on standardizing traffic rules and increasing penalties for non-compliance. Police agreements between Switzerland and EU countries are also increasingly regulating mutual support in law enforcement.
So when will the harshest penalties for speeding start to be implemented in Switzerland and Europe?
Switzerland
Anyone who grossly violates traffic rules and endangers others will be sentenced to up to three years in prison. “If someone knowingly violates basic traffic rules, putting them at risk of an accident resulting in serious injury or death” – that is, clearly disregarding the maximum permitted speed, carelessly overtaking or participating without permission – a prison sentence of up to four years can be imposed. race with motor vehicles. This is regulated in paragraph 3 of Article 90 of the Highway Traffic Law.
So what is meant by “blatant disregard”? Speed limits are in paragraph 4: exceeding at least 40 km/h where the speed limit is 30, at least 50 km/h where the speed limit is 50, at least 60 km/h where the speed limit is 50. everyone. The limit covered by paragraph 3 is 80 or exceeds at least 80 km/h when a speed of more than 80 km/h is applied. This means that you are speeding from 200 km/h on the motorway. The vehicle, including a rented, leased or business car, may also be seized. And even if it doesn’t belong to the speeder.
Austria
As of March 1, speeders in Austria will also be able to confiscate cars. A speeding person is someone who drives at a speed of 60 km/h in the city or 70 km/h outside the city. The license is then revoked and the car must be given to someone else, at least temporarily. For repeat offenses or if you have reached a speed of 80 km/h or more in urban areas or 90 km/h or more outside the city, you will definitely be confiscated.
Germany
Although Germany tightened penalties for speeding offenses in 2020, cars in our northern neighbor are only confiscated after illegal street racing. A one-month driving ban means driving above 21 km/h in the city and 26 km/h outside the city.
If the German authorities impose a driving ban on Swiss people, this driving ban does not apply in Switzerland. However, those affected must temporarily submit their driver’s licenses. German authorities put a sticker on it and sent it back. From now on, the ban will apply: During this period, those affected are not allowed to drive in Germany.
In Germany, nationwide “speed camera marathons” are held every year, during which huge speed cameras are used to search for drivers who are speeding. The next date is April 15-22, 2024.
Denmark
In Denmark, going too far over the speed limit is called crazy driving. Anyone who reaches a speed of at least 100 km/h and exceeds the speed limit by 100 percent or exceeds 220 km/h regardless of the speed limit becomes a crazy driver. As punishment, the vehicle will be confiscated, regardless of who owns it.
Italy
Anyone speeding over 50 km per hour in Italy will pay a relatively low amount of 545 euros. If you are driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 1.5 per thousand or more, the car will be seized. The vehicle will then be sold at auction, but only if it belongs to the owner.
Poland
Drinking and driving in Poland is considered so serious that your car can be confiscated if you drink 0.5 parts per thousand of alcohol. On the other hand, speeding offenses are punished relatively lightly: 500 euros for speeding over 51 km/h; A driver’s license can also be retained.
Spain
In Spain, a person who speeds over 200 km/h on the motorway or over 110 km/h in the city is defined as a speedster. In addition to prison time, a driver’s license can be revoked for up to ten years, but not a car.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
