If you are new to Switzerland, or planning to travel here from abroad, you may wonder what the Swiss law says about using devices that detect speed cameras or police speed checks.
Some inbuilt GPS systems in cars can be used to warn drivers about the presence of fixed speed cameras on roads.
There are also numerous smartphone apps that offer the same warning service and also alert motorists to the presence of mobile police speed checks, when officers use hand-held radar speed guns to catch speeding drivers.
So whilst these devices and apps might be popular with drivers, who want to avoid a fine if they pass the speed limits, are they legal in Switzerland?
Can you have these detectors in your car?
According to the government, “in Switzerland it is prohibited to use speed camera warning devices,” regardless of the type: a stand-alone model, or the ones integrated into GPS systems or mobile phones.
The reason for the ban is obvious — because these detectors are seen to promote speeding and therefore make roads more dangerous.
Drivers only slow down if they know where speed traps are located and accelerate again after passing them.
If you are a tourist or just transiting through Switzerland, be sure to deactivate your detection devices while in the country.
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What happens if you use a detector and are caught?
“Devices of this nature will be confiscated and will be handed over to the responsible cantonal authorities,” the government says.
“As a rule, the device will be destroyed and a fine will be imposed,” the amount of which will be determined by the canton where you are caught.
The fines vary, with one French driver being fined 400 francs in 2019 and according to motorist blogs the amount can stretch from 600 to 1,000 francs depending on the canton.
READ ALSO: What are the punishments for speeding in Switzerland?
