At one point in our lives, we have all had this problem: being resting and being woken up or disturbed by a significant noise from cars or motorcycles. Whether it’s perfectly avoidable acceleration or unnecessary engine noise, one day in our lives we will have to deal with this type of noise pollution. In Switzerland, the fight against noise pollution is taken seriously. The canton of Geneva has decided to reinforce penalties for those who cause excessive noise with their car or motorcycle, imposing heavy fines from 2024, according to .
The fight against noise covers all noise sources, starting with the local airport. Since January, airlines that take off after 10 pm will be fined, with amounts between 5,000 and 40,000 Swiss francs (approximately between 5,300 and 42,700 euros), depending on the duration of the flight. A testing phase carried out in 2024, without imposing fines, has already demonstrated positive results, significantly reducing delays.
Stricter rules on the roads
But combating noise is not limited to air traffic. The Geneva authorities, who have been trying to control excessive noise on the roads for several years, have decided to make the sanctions more severe since January 1, 2024. Radars, already used to control speed, will now accompany an increase in fines for those who make unnecessary noise. Even keeping the engine running for no apparent reason can result in a fine.
According to the Swiss administration: “The list of noises to avoid has been updated: generating avoidable noises, such as the exhaust system, will be explicitly prohibited. Violators will be subject to a fine of up to 10,000 francs (around 10.67 thousand euros), assessed on a case-by-case basis by the judge. Technical manipulation of the vehicle will remain prohibited. Furthermore, existing fines linked to noise pollution (such as ‘starting the engine unnecessarily’) will increase from 60 to 80 francs (from 64 to 85.4 euros).”
In the most serious cases of disturbing noise from cars or motorcycles, if the judge considers abuse, the fine can reach R$10,000. Known for its strict enforcement of the law, Switzerland does not hesitate to impose the highest fines when necessary.
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