A German driver receives the highest speeding fine in Switzerland
Swiss authorities imposed a historic penalty on a German driver who exceeded the speed limit in an extreme manner. The incident occurred on a highway where the limit is 120 km/h, but the vehicle reached 290 km/h. This case highlights the peculiar and severe Swiss legal system. 🚨
The Swiss mechanism for calculating penalties
Switzerland implements since 2011 a model where the fine cost is directly related to the offender's economic capacity. Judges do not use a fixed rate, but evaluate the daily net income and the specific severity of the violation. To set the final amount, they multiply those incomes by a factor that reflects the danger of the act.
This is how the process works:- First, the authorities determine the driver's daily net income.
- Then, they analyze the details of the infraction, such as the exact speed and the risk generated.
- Finally, they apply a legal multiplier to obtain the total amount to pay.
This system seeks to make the penalty feel the same for everyone, regardless of their wealth level. A classic fine may be insignificant for a magnate, but one based on their earnings does achieve deterrence.
A figure that breaks all records
The application of this legal framework resulted in a bill of 1,080,900 Swiss francs. This amount surpasses the previous record in the country, which was 1,000,100 francs. The penalty exemplifies how the law can effectively discourage drivers with high purchasing power who might think the rules are not for them.
Context of the record amount:- The amount is equivalent to the price of buying a luxury supercar.
- It demonstrates that the system manages to make the infraction have a real financial cost for the offender.
- It sets a clear precedent on the consequences of exceeding limits in such a dangerous manner.
Final reflection on road safety
This case goes beyond the anecdote and raises a debate on how to penalize serious traffic violations. The Swiss model suggests that linking the penalty to personal resources can be a fairer and more deterrent method. Probably, the driver involved will now prefer to scrupulously respect speed limits. 🛣️