A new agreement between Switzerland and Germany will allow for the enforcement of Swiss traffic fines in Germany starting on May 1st. Previously, these fines could be ignored by those in Germany, but now they must be paid or face potential legal consequences upon re-entry into the country. The new treaty, ratified on March 27th, will see around 3000 incoming and 1500 outgoing requests for fine enforcement in Germany this year, with those numbers increasing to 5000 and 6000 respectively by 2025. The Federal Office of Justice in Bonn will be responsible for handling these requests.
The strict enforcement measures will apply to both Swiss citizens who violate traffic regulations in Germany and German citizens who commit offences in Switzerland. This reciprocal agreement aims to ensure that individuals are held accountable for their actions regardless of where they occur. The minimum fine threshold for these enforcement requests is set at 70 euros or 80 Swiss francs, ensuring that only significant violations will be pursued for collection. The cost of traffic violations can differ significantly between the two countries, with fines for speeding or parking violations often being higher in Switzerland compared to Germany.
The new treaty builds upon similar provisions outlined in the 2009 Police Treaty between Switzerland and Germany, which were never fully implemented until now. The agreement reflects a commitment to enhancing cross-border cooperation in law enforcement and legal matters to ensure that individuals cannot evade penalties for their actions by simply crossing borders. The Federal Ministry of Justice in Stuttgart has confirmed that the new treaty will be an essential tool in enforcing traffic fines and penalties between the two countries effectively.
Individuals who receive a traffic fine in Switzerland or Germany will now be required to pay their fines promptly, as they will face potential legal consequences if they fail to do so. This will help to ensure that traffic violations do not go unpunished, regardless of the perpetrator’s country of origin. The new treaty is set to improve accountability and compliance with traffic regulations in both Switzerland and Germany, making the roads safer for all motorists and pedestrians in both countries.
With the implementation of the new treaty, the German government anticipates a significant increase in the number of requests for fine enforcement from Switzerland. The Federal Office of Justice in Bonn will be responsible for processing these requests and ensuring that fines are collected promptly. By strengthening cooperation between the two countries in law enforcement matters, the new treaty will help to promote a safer and more compliant road environment for all individuals travelling between Switzerland and Germany.
Overall, the new agreement between Switzerland and Germany represents a significant step towards enhancing cross-border cooperation in law enforcement and improving compliance with traffic regulations. By ensuring that traffic fines can be enforced across borders, the treaty will help to hold individuals accountable for their actions and promote safer road conditions for all motorists. The reciprocal nature of the agreement underscores a commitment to fairness and accountability in law enforcement matters between the two countries.
