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Swiss Fine Catalogue 2026
Speeding fines in Switzerland are governed by the Ordinance on Administrative Fines (OBV SR 314.11). Minor violations are sanctioned directly with a fixed penalty, while more serious excesses lead to criminal proceedings.
The fine amount depends on three factors: the zone type (urban, rural, highway), the excess after tolerance deduction, and the measurement method. Beyond a certain excess, no fixed penalty is issued — instead, a criminal report is filed and the court determines the penalty.
| Excess | Urban | Rural | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–5 km/h | CHF 40 | CHF 40 | CHF 20 |
| 6–10 km/h | CHF 120 | CHF 100 | CHF 60 |
| 11–15 km/h | CHF 250 | CHF 160 | CHF 120 |
| 16–20 km/h | Criminal report | CHF 240 | CHF 180 |
| 21–25 km/h | Criminal report | Criminal report | CHF 260 |
| > 25 km/h | Criminal report + Serious speeding offense possible | Criminal report + Serious speeding offense possible | Criminal report + Serious speeding offense possible |
Source: Ordinance on Administrative Fines (OBV SR 314.11), Number 303. Status: March 2026
Tolerance Deduction — Safety Margin in Speed Measurements
Speed measurement devices are never 100% accurate. To ensure that no innocent drivers are fined, a tolerance deduction (safety margin) is subtracted from the measured speed. The amount of this deduction depends on the measurement method and the measured speed.
The exact tolerance values are defined in the VSKV-ASTRA (SR 741.013.1), Article 8. Only the speed after deduction of the margin (called "effective speed") is used for fine calculation.
| Measurement method | ≤ 100 km/h | 101–150 km/h | ≥ 151 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed radar | 5 km/h | 6 km/h | 7 km/h |
| Laser measurement (laser gun) | 3 km/h | 4 km/h | 5 km/h |
| Mobile radar (vehicle) | 7 km/h | 8 km/h | 9 km/h |
| Section control | 5 km/h | 6 km/h | 7 km/h |
Source: VSKV-ASTRA SR 741.013.1, Art. 8. The measured speed is rounded down, then the tolerance is deducted.
License Suspension — When is the license suspended?
In addition to the fine, speeding can result in license suspension. The Road Traffic Act (SVG) distinguishes three severity levels:
Minor violation (Art. 16a SVG)
For a fixed penalty, there is no license suspension for first offense. A suspension of at least one month is only possible in case of repeat offense within two years.
Moderate violation (Art. 16b SVG)
From 16 km/h in urban areas, 21 km/h in rural areas, or 26 km/h on highways (after tolerance deduction), a criminal report is filed. The driver's license is suspended for at least 1 month. In case of repeat offense, the duration increases to 4–15 months.
Serious speeding offense (Art. 90 para. 4 SVG)
A serious speeding offense exists in case of an excess of:
- ≥ 40 km/h in urban areas with limit ≤ 30 km/h
- ≥ 50 km/h in urban areas with limit ≤ 50 km/h
- ≥ 60 km/h in rural areas with limit ≤ 80 km/h
- ≥ 80 km/h on highways or expressways
Consequences: Imprisonment of 1–4 years, license suspension of at least 2 years, criminal record entry.
A serious speeding offense is a felony, not just an infraction. An appeal with a specialized traffic lawyer is strongly recommended in such cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the tolerance deduction calculated?▼
The tolerance deduction is calculated according to the measurement method and the measured speed. First, the measured speed is rounded down (e.g. 68.7 km/h → 68 km/h). Then the corresponding tolerance value is deducted:
- Fixed radar: 5–7 km/h (depending on speed)
- Laser: 3–5 km/h
- Mobile radar: 7–9 km/h
The remaining speed is the "effective speed" for fine calculation.
When is a license suspension imposed?▼
A license suspension is imposed starting from a moderate violation (Art. 16b SVG):
- From 16 km/h excess in urban areas
- From 21 km/h excess in rural areas
- From 26 km/h excess on highways
For a first offense, the license is suspended for at least 1 month. In case of repeat offense within 5 years, the duration increases to 4–15 months.
What is a serious speeding offense?▼
A serious speeding offense (Art. 90 para. 4 SVG) is a particularly severe form of speeding. The thresholds are:
- ≥ 40 km/h too fast in 20 or 30 km/h zones
- ≥ 50 km/h too fast in 50 km/h zones
- ≥ 60 km/h too fast in 80 km/h zones
- ≥ 80 km/h too fast on highways/expressways
Consequences: 1–4 years imprisonment, license suspension of at least 2 years, criminal record entry. In case of a serious speeding offense, it is imperative to consult a lawyer.
Are the fines the same in all cantons?▼
Yes. Fixed penalties for speeding are uniformly regulated throughout Switzerland by the Ordinance on Administrative Fines (OBV SR 314.11), which is issued at the federal level.
It doesn't matter whether you were caught in Zurich, Geneva, Bern, or Ticino — the fines are the same everywhere. Differences only exist in the processing and procedures of cantonal prosecution authorities.
What happens when a criminal report is filed for speeding?▼
When a fixed penalty is no longer possible (from 16 km/h in urban areas, 21 km/h in rural areas, 26 km/h on highways), a criminal report is filed. This means:
- Criminal proceedings are initiated
- You receive a penalty order with a fine (not fixed like the administrative fine)
- The driver's license is suspended (at least 1 month)
- The fine depends on your income (daily rate system)
- You have 10 days to file an appeal
In case of a criminal report, it is advisable to consult a lawyer, especially if a longer license suspension is threatened or if the serious speeding offense limit was just exceeded.
Is it worthwhile to appeal a penalty order?▼
An appeal can be worthwhile if:
- The excess is just above the serious speeding offense limit (a measurement inaccuracy could place the speed below the threshold)
- The measurement method was faulty (e.g. incorrectly calibrated radar)
- You depend professionally on your driver's license
- A dismissal of proceedings due to minor guilt seems possible
Important: An appeal must be filed in writing within 10 days of receiving the penalty order. A specialized traffic lawyer can assess your chances of success and draft the appeal for you.
Caution: In case of an unsuccessful appeal, additional procedural costs may arise. Legal advice is therefore recommended before filing an appeal.