Speeding drivers who dodge paying their fines in Switzerland and Germany could face challenges crossing borders, thanks to a new collaboration between customs and police. This interplay aims to ensure that speeding and parking offense penalties are enforced consistently.
The collaboration, set to commence next year, will simplify the process for requesting enforcement assistance for fines surpassing a certain amount. According to the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Justice, about 3,000 incoming and 1,500 outgoing requests are anticipated in Germany in 2024, rising to 5,000 and 6,000 requests, respectively, by 2025 [1].
Unpaid traffic fines, particularly in tourist regions of Switzerland, have been a matter of concern. The Swiss government is considering potential legal changes, international agreements, and other enforcement measures to tackle this problem. Notably, fines for traffic offenses, including speeding, are often more expensive in Switzerland than in Germany [1].
In Germany, the Federal Office of Justice in Bonn will serve as the central approval authority for fine proceedings from Switzerland [1]. Leaving parking fines or other driving-related offenses unpaid in Switzerland may result in significant revenue losses for local authorities [2].
The cooperation between customs and police does not specifically focus on traffic fines between Switzerland and Germany at this time. However, the Swiss government's initiative to address the issue of unpaid parking fines in tourist regions and Germany's strict speeding fines indicative of a broader interest in upholding traffic laws suggest the potential for future international cooperation.
