>Weeks after the last car trip to Germany, a letter with a German stamp lands in the mailbox. That’s right, there was something else. It’s a fine from the Federal Republic of Germany. Up until now, such mail in Swiss households often ended up in the waste paper. Because the German authorities were allowed to deliver the fines, but not to collect them in Switzerland.
>That is now changing. The reason is a police agreement between Switzerland and Germany that came into force on May 1st. Olivier Glättli specializes in road traffic law and explains the new agreement.
>__What does the new police agreement mean for the Swiss?__
>Oliver Glättli: It means that the fines can not only be delivered in Switzerland, but can now also actually be collected by Swiss authorities. So you can get a debt collection order from the Swiss debt collection office for a fine from Germany.
>__Traffic fines under 70 euros will not be enforced. Which offenses cost you more?__
>In Germany, for example, these are speeding offences, from 21 km/h outside of town and from 16 km/h in town. If you run a red light or use your cell phone while driving, you will pay a fine of over 70 euros. If you do not keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front at a speed of over 80 km/h, you will also pay a fine of over 70 euros.
>__But even if the fine is under 70 euros, I shouldn’t just throw it away. Or should I?__
>Not paying fines can be dangerous – even if they are not collected. The next time you drive in Germany, you may be stopped and reminded of the fine. Then you have to pay it later. And that can result in significantly higher late payment interest and reminder fees.
>__In Germany, a points system applies. If you get eight points, your driver’s license is confiscated. Does this now also apply to Swiss citizens?__
>This also applies in principle to Swiss citizens, but of course only within German borders. If you have accumulated too many points with a Swiss driving license, you do not have to hand in your license: you get a sticker [in/on your license]. And then you are not allowed to drive around Germany for a certain period of time.
>If the Swiss authorities are informed, this can also result in your license being withdrawn in Switzerland, depending on the severity of the offense.
>__Does such an agreement exist with other neighboring countries?__
>Yes, in part. We have had such a police agreement with France, Austria and Liechtenstein for longer than with Germany. Fines from these countries can be served in Switzerland and also collected by the Swiss authorities.
>There is no such agreement with Italy yet. Fines can be served in Switzerland, but not collected. Sometimes private debt collection companies try to collect fines in Switzerland, but this is not permitted.
1 Comment
>Weeks after the last car trip to Germany, a letter with a German stamp lands in the mailbox. That’s right, there was something else. It’s a fine from the Federal Republic of Germany. Up until now, such mail in Swiss households often ended up in the waste paper. Because the German authorities were allowed to deliver the fines, but not to collect them in Switzerland.
>That is now changing. The reason is a police agreement between Switzerland and Germany that came into force on May 1st. Olivier Glättli specializes in road traffic law and explains the new agreement.
>__What does the new police agreement mean for the Swiss?__
>Oliver Glättli: It means that the fines can not only be delivered in Switzerland, but can now also actually be collected by Swiss authorities. So you can get a debt collection order from the Swiss debt collection office for a fine from Germany.
>__Traffic fines under 70 euros will not be enforced. Which offenses cost you more?__
>In Germany, for example, these are speeding offences, from 21 km/h outside of town and from 16 km/h in town. If you run a red light or use your cell phone while driving, you will pay a fine of over 70 euros. If you do not keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front at a speed of over 80 km/h, you will also pay a fine of over 70 euros.
>__But even if the fine is under 70 euros, I shouldn’t just throw it away. Or should I?__
>Not paying fines can be dangerous – even if they are not collected. The next time you drive in Germany, you may be stopped and reminded of the fine. Then you have to pay it later. And that can result in significantly higher late payment interest and reminder fees.
>__In Germany, a points system applies. If you get eight points, your driver’s license is confiscated. Does this now also apply to Swiss citizens?__
>This also applies in principle to Swiss citizens, but of course only within German borders. If you have accumulated too many points with a Swiss driving license, you do not have to hand in your license: you get a sticker [in/on your license]. And then you are not allowed to drive around Germany for a certain period of time.
>If the Swiss authorities are informed, this can also result in your license being withdrawn in Switzerland, depending on the severity of the offense.
>__Does such an agreement exist with other neighboring countries?__
>Yes, in part. We have had such a police agreement with France, Austria and Liechtenstein for longer than with Germany. Fines from these countries can be served in Switzerland and also collected by the Swiss authorities.
>There is no such agreement with Italy yet. Fines can be served in Switzerland, but not collected. Sometimes private debt collection companies try to collect fines in Switzerland, but this is not permitted.
>_The interview was conducted by Sonja Hasler._