The results of the criminal proceedings often have a significant influence on the proceedings of the Road Traffic Licensing Office and thus on the duration of the driving disqualification. In order to successfully defend yourself against such a measure, the penalty order must be contested within 10 days of receipt. As a rule, hearings are held beforehand, first by the police and then, if necessary, by the public prosecutor's office. We recommend that you seek advice from a lawyer at an early stage.

What are the most common violations of the Road Traffic Act?

The Road Traffic Act (SVG) regulates traffic on public roads and serves to ensure the safety of all road users. The most common offenses include speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, disregarding traffic signs and rules and driving without a valid driver's license. These offenses are punished differently depending on the severity of the offense.

• Speeding is one of the most common offenses. The penalties vary considerably depending on the amount of speeding and the circumstances of the offense. There are different limits for speeding in built-up areas, outside built-up areas and on freeways, above which a warning or disqualification from driving may be imposed. Particularly serious offenses, so-called speeding offenses, are punished especially severely.
   
• Driving under the influence of alcohol poses a considerable risk to road safety. The penalties range from fines and driving disqualifications to prison sentences, depending on the alcohol content in the blood and the frequency of the offense.
   
• Disregarding traffic signs and rules can also have serious consequences. These include running red lights, disobeying stop signs and driving in restricted areas.
   
• Driving without a valid driver's license is a serious offence that can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment. In addition, if the driver is repeatedly found without a valid driver's license, the driving disqualification will be extended.

For particularly minor violations of road traffic regulations, you will receive an administrative fine without administrative proceedings following.

Driving disqualification - How long must the driving license be surrendered?

In the event of violations of road traffic regulations or health problems, the Road Traffic Licensing Office can impose measures such as the withdrawal of your driver's license or even just a warning. The duration of the withdrawal depends on how serious the offense was and what previous convictions you already have, looking back up to 10 years.

The driver's license can be revoked in two ways:

• By an official order
• Immediate removal by the police in the event of serious violations (e.g. driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, overtiredness, driving as a learner driver without an accompanying person).

After acceptance by the police, the following applies:

• You may no longer drive a vehicle starting from that point of time
• The police will send your driver's license to the Road Traffic Department
• The Road Traffic Department will decide whether to return your driver's license provisionally or revoke it permanently

If the Road Traffic Department temporarily returns your driver's license, you may drive again. Please note, however, that the office may later revoke it again and you will then have to return it. The time between the police acceptance and the provisional return will be counted towards the duration of the withdrawal.

Overview of new traffic regulations 2025

• Ban on exhaust bangs. Increase in fines for noise violations to up to CHF 10,000. In addition, the existing noise-related fines (e.g. for leaving the engine running unnecessarily) will increase from CHF 60 to CHF 80
• Permitted from March 1, 2025: freeway pilot, driverless vehicles, automated parking. More information here.
• New motorcycles must meet “Euro 5+” emissions standards.
• Updated regulations for the road transport of dangerous goods.
• Driver assistance and automation systems integrated into driving test.
• New category for heavy e-bikes and e-motorcycles up to 450 kg.

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