Speeding

Information on fines

For transport fines, in principle, two criminal proceedings are applied:

1. The simplified fine procedure in accordance with the Fines law or the Fines ordinance
2. The ordinary procedure in accordance with the Swiss Code of Criminal Procedure

The simplified order procedure

The simplified fine procedure is applied for minor violations that are listed in the fines list of the Fines ordinance with the fine number. Fines are applied, for example, for parking violations or if the speed limit is significantly exceeded. For the simplified procedure, the fine can be paid within 30 days of the issue date without any further consequences to the Basel Countryside ‑police. Upon paying the fine, the former is accepted and becomes legally binding.

The fines procedure is anonymous and is not registered. The simplified fine procedure can also be rejected, and an ordinary criminal procedure requested (appeal). In this case, the ordinary criminal law and the cantonal jurisdictional and procedural rules for violations apply.

In the fines procedure, so-called owner liability is brought to bear. If the fine is not paid within a period of 30 days, or the persons responsible for the violations are disclosed, the fine imposed will be imposed on the person recorded as the vehicle owner.

The ordinary procedure

The ordinary procedure is applied for violations that can no longer be dealt with using the simplified fines procedure, such as cases where the speed limit was significantly exceeded. In the ordinary procedure, the public prosecutor of Basel Countryside, is responsible for the investigation of the case and the implementation of the criminal proceedings. It will then issue a fine order. The appropriate legal means are available to object to it (appeal/non-recognition of the fine), which may then result in a judicial assessment of the case.

The ordinary procedure may incur additional procedural costs on top of the actual fine. At the same time, for speeding violations, an administrative procedure will be initiated based on the driving licence. Depending on how much the speed limit is exceeded, a warning or a revocation may be decreed. For administrative measures, the authorities of the canton of residence are competent.

The most frequently asked questions and answers about fines

What should I do if I have received a fine or violation charge, but the violation was not my fault?

If so, fill in the back of the form with the appropriate information and return it to the fines office.

I think this fine is incorrect or unjustified. What can I do about it?

Justified appeals to a fine or a violation charge can be made in writing or by e-mail at the fines office. This office will carry out additional investigations and will process the appeal in accordance with its powers. If the simplified fine procedure is rejected, cantonal law and canton jurisdictional and procedural rules will be applied for violations.

Any fines must be paid within 30 days. Is it possible to pay the fine in instalments and can the deadline be extended?

Fines cannot be paid in instalments. It is, however, possible upon request and with justification for the payment period to be extended once by a maximum of 90 days. To do this, contact the fines office.

How long does it take until I am sent a fine or violation order?

It may take some time to process the information on the violation and to investigate the vehicle owner. It usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to send the fine or the violation order.

With the normal procedure, the time until the fine order is sent depends on the how long it takes the competent public prosecutor's office to deal with the case.

How can I pay the fine?

A fine can be paid onto the specified postal account using the enclosed payment slip. Payments from abroad can be sent to the specified bank account at UBS Frankfurt. Please always state the GK number as reference. This is the only way to ensure that the payment will be correctly allocated.

Payment by credit card is only possible on request and from abroad.

For more information, refer to the article on payment options.

Can I view the files or pictures on my case?

For the simplified fine procedure, it is not possible to view the files or submit requests for proof. Photographic evidence for exceeding the speed limit will only be sent if justified, and upon written request.

Requests for a lawyer or legal representation will not be handled for the simplified fine procedure. Fines must be paid within 30 days. It may be rejected during this period and the ordinary procedure may be requested (objection to fines).

For the ordinary procedure, it is possible to request to view the photographic evidence via the competent public prosecutor's office as soon as the investigation procedure has been initiated.

I have been flashed – where can I find out information?

Information about speed measurements cannot be given until 14 days after the incident. The request should be ideally sent by e-mail giving the registration number as well as the place and time of the incident.

Safety margins/tolerance

For official speed measurements, a certain amount must be deducted from the measured speed for security to obtain the speed that is officially retained. The amount of this deduction is governed by the ASTRA Ordinance on the Traffic control ordinance (VSKV-ASTRA), and depends on the measurement technique used and the speed measured. A summary of the deductions follows.

For laser measures

Measurement results	Safety deduction
up to 100 km/h	3 km/h
101 - 150 km/h	4 km/h
from 151 km/h	5 km/h

For measurements with radar, photoelectric sensors, section controls, threshold detectors, etc.

Measurement results	Safety deduction
up to 100 km/h	5 km/h
101 - 150 km/h	6 km/h
from 151 km/h	7 km/h

How accurate are the measuring devices?

The measurement devices used in Switzerland for official speed measurements operate with the utmost accuracy and within narrow limits. Otherwise, the measuring operations would not be approved. The accuracy and the correct functioning of speed measuring devices are regularly checked by the Swiss Federal Office for Metrology, METAS. This is required as part of the annual calibration procedure to ensure the proper functioning of the measuring devices used, and checks whether the devices and components comply with legal requirements. A calibration certificate is issued to state that the measuring device is operating correctly.

Bank details and payment instructions

For payments within the country, the paying-in slip issued or sent, stating the reference number, is to be used.

For payments from abroad, the following bank details can be used:

UBS Europe SE
Zugunsten von Finanzverwaltung Baselland
Bockenheimer Landstrasse 2-4
60306 Frankfurt am Main
Germany

IBAN: DE16 5022 0085 2549 0710 31
SWIFT-Code (BIC): SMHBDEFFXXX

Important note:
In your payment information, please state the GK‑ reference number.

If the customer’s bank cannot transfer to UBS account in Frankfurt, the following banks details are also available:

Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank
Zugunsten von Sicherheitsdirektion BL
Rheinstrasse 7
4410 Liestal
Switzerland

IBAN: CH80 0076 9053 8614 9200 4
SWIFT-Code (BIC): BLKB CH 22

Credit card payments are only possible on request. Please send your request to the following contact:

E-mail:        pol.rw@bl.ch

Polizei Basel-Landschaft
Finanzen
Rheinstrasse 25
4410 Liestal
Switzerland