A wealthy 58-year-old man from Switzerland has learned the hard way that traffic violations come with hefty penalties.
Captured on Video
Known for its stringent enforcement of driving regulations, the country is notorious for imposing some of the world's highest fines, especially for speeding and aggressive driving, according to Stern.
The man, who was caught tailgating on the A1 highway in Kölliken, Aargau, is now facing a significant financial burden due to his reckless behavior.
In March 2023, police captured video footage showing him dangerously close to the vehicle in front of him, violating Switzerland's mandatory distance rule, which requires drivers to maintain a gap of approximately 60 meters when traveling at speeds between 110 and 120 kilometers per hour.
Calculated Based on Income
As a result of his actions, the man initially received a fine of 98,500 Swiss francs (approximately $107,000), calculated based on his substantial income of 1.7 million francs ($1.9 million) per year.
In Switzerland, fines for serious offenses can be tailored to an individual’s income rather than set at a flat rate. The court imposed a conditional fine, meaning he would only have to pay it if he commits a similar offense within two years.
In addition to the large conditional fine, the court issued him a separate immediate penalty of 15,000 francs (about $16,500).
Although he attempted to appeal the decision, claiming procedural errors by the police, the court ultimately reduced the immediate fine to 10,000 francs (about $11,000) while maintaining the larger conditional penalty.
Now, the man faces a choice: either pay the fines, which could lead to six days in jail, or appeal to the Swiss Federal Court. Additionally, he must cover court costs totaling 5,000 francs (around $5,500), further complicating his financial situation.
