BMW driver slapped with RM556k fine for tailgating

Switzerland is among the few countries that practise a system where fines are calculated based on income. In other words, the higher the offender’s income, the more expensive the fine imposed.

Recently, a driver was fined 108,500 Swiss Francs (RM556,690) after being found guilty of tailgating another vehicle.

According to Swiss authorities, the 58-year-old driver committed the offense on the A1 highway near Zurich in March 2023.

The driver of the BMW 540d was reported to be traveling at a speed of around 119 km/h, while maintaining a distance of only 26 to 40 feet behind the vehicle in front of him.

An investigation revealed that the driver had a taxable income of 1.674 million Swiss Francs (RM8.5 million), which resulted in a fine of 108,500 Swiss Francs (RM556,690), equating to 6.48% of his total income.

Displeased with the eye-watering fine, the BMW driver, who is also a lawyer, decided to take his case to the High Court.

He claimed that his rights were not read to him during the investigation and argued that calculating the distance by video was inaccurate. The court, however, dismissed these claims.

According to a report, the judgment includes a conditional fine of 1,970 Swiss Francs (RM10,105) per day, totaling 98,500 Swiss Francs (RM505,206) for 50 days, and is subject to a two-year probation period.

He is also still required to pay the remaining fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs (RM51,290), court costs of 3,000 Swiss Francs (RM15,387), and legal fees. This brings the amount of the fines to be paid to over 108,500 Swiss Francs.

Imagine if an income-based fine system were implemented in this country. How much do you think you would have to cough up?