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Driving fine - what to do

Oct 3, 2016 @ 15:31

Hi all,

During Christmas time I was fined by policemen in Geneva for breaking a white line and having bad tired.

The tires I am willing to pay for. I have a dispute about the whit eline (it was the only option and was the recommended option by the policeman).

I am now supposed to appear in court, this is where it gets tricky.

I do not live in Switzerland and work full-time abroad. I don't have holiday days to spare or the money to fly back and forth for a hearing.

The fine is for 1100chf.

As I am a young student I do not have the finances to pay for the extra trip and I will not pay a fine for something which I did not do.

Does anyone have any experience regarding this?

Lawyers told me to ignore the court as the case would be too expensive. I know the fine is valid for 3 years each time I am reminded about it. Would they be able to make me pay the fine upon entrance or departure for a flight or would it only be if I am driving?

I live in the Netherlands now if that makes a difference.

Thanks,

Yannick

The text you are quoting:

Hi all,

During Christmas time I was fined by policemen in Geneva for breaking a white line and having bad tired.

The tires I am willing to pay for. I have a dispute about the whit eline (it was the only option and was the recommended option by the policeman).

I am now supposed to appear in court, this is where it gets tricky.

I do not live in Switzerland and work full-time abroad. I don't have holiday days to spare or the money to fly back and forth for a hearing.

The fine is for 1100chf.

As I am a young student I do not have the finances to pay for the extra trip and I will not pay a fine for something which I did not do.

Does anyone have any experience regarding this?

I live in the Netherlands now if that makes a difference.

Thanks,

Yannick

Yannick den BoerOct 3, 2016 @ 15:31

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Re: Driving fine - what to do

Post 1

Oct 5, 2016 @ 12:54

At least write to them contesting the fine (if it isn't too late), no reply from you at all will not be in your favour. The address to write to will be on the original fine paper. Yes, you may well be stopped on your next visit to Switzerland. Unpaid fines eventually become prison sentences.

State briefly and precisely your reasons, it is important to state that:

1. you are a student on a very tight budget therfore unable to pay the amount due.

2. Your financial situation / work or study commitments do not allow you to return to Switzerland in the forseeable future.

3. That you had a garage appointment due at the time if this is the case and I'm sure it is.

4. That you consider yourself a careful driver and plead with them to take into account the reasons mentioned and to cancel the fine. If this doesn't work, write again and propose a reduction and how much you are able to pay.

You don't say why you crossed the white line, is it because the policeman signalled for you to stop‽ or because your tyres were so bald you skidded accross‽

Write the letter in French and don't forget the obligatory "phrases de politesse"

* Write a letter to the court informing them that you will not beable to attend.

I believe a tribunal attendance is over CHF600, a lawyer even more.