Skipping the Bill: Foreign Fines and Cross-Border Collections
Switzerland to Take Stricter Measures Against Foreign Visitors Evading Traffic Penalties
Many tourists find themselves bypassing their traffic fines in Switzerland, a common issue noted by MP Ursula Zybach in her parliamentary motion on February 13th. This issue poses a significant loss of revenue for popular tourist destinations.
One highlight in her motion was Interlaken, canton Bern, where a staggering 400,000 francs in traffic fees go uncollected from foreign tourists. Zybach has called upon the Federal Council to investigate strategies for collecting foreign fines, particularly from lawbreakers in non-Schengen countries, as enforcing collection procedures in these regions can be "mind-bogglingly difficult," she insisted.
The Federal Council’s response remains unclear at present.
A European Partnership for Fines
If you find yourself on the wrong side of a speed camera or an illegal parking spot within Switzerland, but reside within the EU, anticipate receiving your fine via mail. This is because Switzerland and the EU share driver data through the European Car and Driving Licence Information System (Eucaris), making it easier to track down errant drivers. Don't ignore those fines and accompanying reminders; failure to comply could result in legal action and additional fees.
The fine-recovery playbook changes when the offender is a non-EU citizen, such as those from the UK, Switzerland's sole agreement partner outside the Schengen zone. In principle, the Swiss authorities will follow the same process as their EU counterparts, sending local authorities a request for payment, which will then be delivered to the offender by post.
Expanding the Debt Collectors' Network
The process of collecting fines from foreign nationals in non-Schengen countries can be riddled with complexities, hinging on international cooperation and bilateral treaties. Countries often rely on diplomatic channels and intergovernmental organizations to facilitate the exchange of information and legal documents, making the procedure more efficient. Reciprocal enforcement agreements between participating countries can expedite the process by permitting mutual recognition of judgments.
However, collecting fines from individuals outside the issuing country's jurisdiction can prove challenging, often depending on voluntary compliance or cooperation from the individual's home country. The procedures and effectiveness of fine collection can also vary significantly from one country to another, influenced by local laws, international relations, and the specifics of each case.
The Limits of Enforcement
For instance, in the United States, the enforcement of fines related to immigration offenses rests within its legal system, with penalties reaching up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment[1][2][4]. Enforcement actions outside U.S. territory are dependent on international cooperation and specific agreements.
In summary, the collection of foreign fines in non-Schengen countries can be an intricate dance of international relations, legal agreements, and the unique aspects of each case.
- MP Ursula Zybach has called upon the Federal Council to investigate strategies for collecting foreign fines, particularly from lawbreakers in non-Schengen countries, due to the significant revenue loss for popular tourist destinations.
- If a EU citizen receives a traffic fine in Switzerland, they can expect to receive it via mail, as Switzerland and the EU share driver data through the European Car and Driving Licence Information System (Eucaris).
- collecting fines from foreign nationals in non-Schengen countries can be complex, relying on international cooperation and bilateral treaties, making the procedure more efficient through reciprocal enforcement agreements.
- In the United States, the enforcement of fines related to immigration offenses is intricate, involving international cooperation and specific agreements, with penalties reaching up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment.
