What if I don't pay fines abroad?

The engine has long since cooled down, the vacation photos on your phone are sorted – and then it arrives: a traffic ticket from abroad. Many travelers then wonder if they can ignore such letters and thus make the problem disappear. Simply put, in most cases it’s not a good idea.

Across Europe, countries now cooperate closely on the enforcement of traffic fines. Numerous agreements enable the exchange of driver data, meaning that what starts as a small penalty can quickly grow once reminder and administrative fees are added.

Even a subsequent visit to the country in question could become unexpectedly complicated. Many countries register outstanding fines in their system and enforce them during police checks – often requiring immediate payment. In some cases, a vehicle can even be temporarily impounded until the outstanding amount is paid.

Rechte und Pflichten bei grenzüberschreitenden Bussen

A new police agreement between Switzerland and Germany has been in effect since May 1, 2024. As lawyer Olivier Glättli told «SRF», it allows German traffic fines to not only be served but also collected by Swiss authorities.

Swiss citizens must therefore expect that an outstanding fine from Germany could reach their own debt collection office. This eliminates a loophole that could previously be relied upon – consciously or unconsciously.

Not all offenses are prosecuted across borders. Swiss enforcement proceedings are generally not initiated for amounts under €70. However, many common violations exceed this threshold: speeding (from 21 km/h over the limit outside built-up areas and from 16 km/h within built-up areas), running red lights, using a mobile phone while driving, and tailgating at speeds above 80 km/h.

Switzerland has maintained such police cooperation agreements with France, Austria, and Liechtenstein for longer than with Germany. Traffic fines from these countries can not only be served in Switzerland but, if necessary, also enforced by Swiss authorities.

The situation is different with regard to Italy: While Italian fines can be served in Switzerland, official collection is not possible. Nevertheless, private debt collection agencies repeatedly attempt to collect such debts from Swiss households – this is legally inadmissible and has no official effect whatsoever.

In practical terms, this means that fines from abroad should be taken seriously and reviewed promptly. Those who react early avoid additional costs and inconveniences on future trips. This way, the visit abroad remains a positive memory.