Motorists could be fined almost £9,000 for accidentally breaking a little-known driving rule when heading to Europe this summer. Popular tourist destination Switzerland has introduced tough new rules policing “avoidable noise” with motorists feeling the sting.
The EU nation has a designated ‘quiet time’ policy which runs between 10pm at night and 6am in the morning every day. The rule forbids anyone to make sounds that could disrupt other people and includes simple activities such as playing music too loudly. However, “causing unnecessary noise with exhaust systems” is also listed meaning road users revving their cars could be caught out.
In a major blow to tourists, courts can slap up fines of up to 10,000 Swiss Francs – or around £8,990 – for breaking the rules.
Article. 684, paragraph 2 of the Swiss Code is fairly wide ranging, but clearly states that unnecessary noise would be a worry.
It reads: “In particular all harmful effects that are not justified by the location and character of the land or by local custom such as air pollution emissions of noxious vapours, noise, vibrations, radiation or the deprivation of sunlight or daylight are prohibited.”
Specialists have warned that penalties around noise are often handed down by courts on a case-by-case basis meaning road users not intentionally making too much noise could escape serious punishment.
However, road users simply leaving their car ticking over on idle could be affected with penalties for running an engine unnecessarily likely to be dished out.
Motorists caught out will not be issuedwith a penalty of around 80 Swiss Francs or £72.61.
Experts at Comparis stressed there was “such potential for conflict” with everyone likely to perceive noise differently.
However, they said anyone heading to Switzerland should simply use “common sense” when deciding if they are making excessive sounds.
They said: “What do the provisions of the Civil Code mean in practice? In the interests of getting along with neighbours in peace: the rule in Switzerland is avoid unnecessary noise and tolerate permissible noise, not just during quiet periods.
“Use common sense and do not expect your neighbours to put up with anything that you wouldn’t.”