EU Country Introduces £8,800 ‘Avoidable Noise’ Fine
Riders and drivers in Switzerland could be hit with vast fines if they drive or ride vehicles that break new regulations on avoidable noise
Switzerland has introduced tough new regulations that could see those creating what is deemed ‘avoidable noise’ hit with huge fines.
The Swiss nation has a designated ‘quiet time’ which takes place between 10pm and 6am. During this time, loud activities which could disrupt others are forbidden. Taken literally, the rules mean that during this time, listening to music, films, playing instruments or even doing DIY and building work, must be done in such a way that the noise levels cannot exceed the room they are being emitted from.
Added to this list of avoidable noises in 2025 are internal combustion engines, meaning “causing unnecessary noise with exhaust systems” is now a crime and punishable with a fine of up to 10,000 Swiss Francs.
Swiss £8,800 ‘Avoidable Noise’ Fine Explained
The £8,800 fine is to be handed down by courts, and on a case-by-case basis, and as has already been the case in Switzerland, intentional modification of the exhaust system is still outlawed. Doubling down on the new tighter noise regulations is an increase in the fines payable for leaving your engine running unnecessarily, rising from 60 to 80 Swiss Francs.
The job of keeping tabs on noisy motorists is falling to so-called noise cameras, which are triggered when a passing vehicle emits 82dB or more. Where noise cameras aren’t in use, catching nuisance motorists falls to police, who must patrol hotspots and follow up leads.
Petrol gets quieter, electric gets louder!
Conversely to the desire to reduce traffic noise from internal combustion engines, Swiss lawmakers also want to increase the noise produced by electric and hybrid vehicles. From the middle of next year, vehicles falling into this category must emit a noise allowing those with impaired vision to be warned of the approaching vehicle.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
