"Switzerland Imposes 10,000 Franc Fines for New Road Regulations in 2025"
In 2025, the Federal Council's preview of road traffic modifications is causing much excitement. Here's a rundown:
New Noise Regs: Starting in January, the shunned sounds cars emit will receive an update to the naughty list. That's right, unnecessary noises such as those loud exhaust explosions (backfirings) will be outlawed. Caught breaking this rule could land you a hefty fine of up to 10,000 francs. Additionally, existing fines for traffic-disrupting vehicle noise will increase from 60 francs to a more considerable 80 francs.
Exhaust Fuel Regulations: As of January 1st, all motorcycles be required to meet the European Union's exhaust fuel regulations ("Euro 5+" standard introduced in 2020) before they can be registered for the first time. Stricter noise level regulations will also apply to their registration.
Automated Driving: From March 1st, drivers of vehicles equipped with autopilot systems can utilize it, granted the system has been approved by their canton. Once activated, you can let go of the steering wheel and the constant traffic vigil. But remember, you must be prepared to take over at any moment if the automation system prompts you to do so.
Automated Parking: Parking without the driver being present will soon be possible in designated and marked parking areas.
Driving Training: Beginning in July, candidates' knowledge of automated driving systems and driver assistance systems (DAS) will be incorporated into the theoretical and practical examinations for obtaining a driving license for passenger cars and motorcycles.
'Soft Mobility' Vehicles: To further boost the potential of electric bicycles as family vehicles or for transporting goods, the technical requirements and categorization have been revised. This includes the creation of the category of heavy electric mopeds (total weight up to 450 kg). Additionally, the meanings of the signs 'Cycle' and 'Moped' have been expanded to improve the regulation of use in cycle areas and the development of specific cargo bike parking spaces.
For the broader context, 2025 road traffic changes encompassing Europe focus on increasing safety, reducing pollution and noise, accommodating automated vehicles, and ensuring a smooth integration of various types of vehicles on roads. The EU's commitment to safer, cleaner, and smarter mobility includes digital innovations to improve vehicle inspections and fraud prevention.
- As the Federal Council's road traffic modification preview in 2025 focuses on environmental science and reducing pollution, the shunned sounds cars emit, such as loud exhaust explosions, will be outlawed under new noise regulations, with offenders facing fines of up to 10,000 francs.
- In an effort to align with the European Union's exhaust fuel regulations, starting from January 1st, all motorcycles will be required to meet the Euro 5+ standard before they can be registered for the first time.
- To harness the potential of automated vehicles in transportation and ensure a smooth integration, from March 1st, drivers of vehicles equipped with autopilot systems can utilize them, provided the system has been approved by their canton.
- As part of the 2025 road traffic changes, parking without the driver being present will soon be possible in designated and marked parking areas, a move aimed at accommodating a wider variety of vehicles on roads.
- The integration of automated driving systems and driver assistance systems (DAS) into driving license examinations for passenger cars and motorcycles, starting from July, is a step towards smarter mobility, as per the EU's commitment to safer, cleaner, and smarter transportation, which includes digital innovations to improve vehicle inspections and fraud prevention.
