Best Speeding & Traffic Ticket Lawyers in Arlesheim

About Speeding & Traffic Ticket Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

Arlesheim is in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, and traffic enforcement follows Swiss federal law that applies across the country. The core rules come from the Swiss Road Traffic Act, the Traffic Rules Ordinance, and the fixed penalty system for minor violations. Local police and cantonal authorities handle enforcement, fines, investigations, and license measures. Switzerland treats traffic safety seriously, so even seemingly small infractions can lead to significant consequences when circumstances are aggravated.

This guide offers general information for people who received or expect to receive a speeding or traffic ticket in or around Arlesheim. It explains how the system works, what penalties you might face, and what steps to consider if you want to contest a ticket or reduce the impact. It is not legal advice and cannot replace a consultation with a qualified lawyer.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may benefit from legal help if you received a summons or a penal order instead of a simple fixed fine. Once a case leaves the fixed fine track, it enters the criminal process where statements, evidence, and deadlines matter. A lawyer can evaluate the evidence, request the file, and advise you on your chances and risks.

You may also want counsel if the Strassenverkehrsamt Baselland notifies you of a license suspension or other administrative measure. Administrative proceedings run in parallel to any criminal fine and have their own rules and appeal paths. A lawyer can argue proportionality, driving record, and personal hardship where the law allows.

Legal assistance is especially valuable for allegations of serious speeding, red light violations with endangerment, tailgating on motorways, distracted driving involving a mobile phone, driving under the influence, or accidents with injuries or damage. These situations can lead to high fines, a criminal record entry, a driving ban in Switzerland, or a multi-year license revocation in severe cases.

If you are a foreign driver or a new driver on a probationary license, a lawyer can explain special consequences that differ from those for long-term Swiss license holders. Counsel can also help if you need proceedings conducted in English or another language with an interpreter.

Local Laws Overview

Swiss traffic law is primarily federal. In Arlesheim and the rest of Basel-Landschaft, enforcement and procedures are carried out by the Kantonspolizei Basel-Landschaft, the cantonal public prosecutor, and the cantonal road traffic office. The fixed penalty system covers many minor speeding and traffic violations. You receive a payment slip for a set amount. Paying on time closes the case and does not create a criminal record. If you do not pay or if the speed was above fixed penalty thresholds, the case moves to the prosecutor for a penal order.

Typical urban speed limits are 50 km-h unless a 30 km-h zone is posted. Rural roads are usually 80 km-h. Motorways are 120 km-h, and expressways are 100 km-h. Special zones such as 30 km-h residential areas and 20 km-h living streets are signposted. Switzerland applies tolerance deductions to measured speeds to account for device inaccuracy. The deduction depends on the measurement method and speed range. After deduction, the net speed determines the sanction level.

Minor speeding is sanctioned by fixed fines. As speeds rise, fines increase and the matter becomes reportable. Once above the fixed penalty range, you can expect a penal order that may include a higher fine based on income, a suspended monetary penalty, or in serious cases a custodial sentence. Separately, the Strassenverkehrsamt can issue warnings or suspend your license for a set period. Repeat offenses shorten tolerance and increase suspension lengths. Switzerland does not use a nationwide points system. It uses warnings and suspensions that are recorded administratively.

Very serious speeding is treated as a gross violation and can trigger criminal penalties and long license revocations. Thresholds for very serious cases are significantly above the limit and depend on road type. Such cases can also lead to vehicle seizure or forfeiture and strict administrative measures. The exact outcome depends on the facts, prior record, and current federal rules.

Procedurally, you often have only a short time to react. For a penal order, there is a brief window to file an objection and request a full hearing. For administrative license measures, the decision letter sets a deadline for appeal. Missing a deadline can make a decision final even if you had good arguments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the default speed limits in and around Arlesheim?

Unless posted otherwise, the default limits are 50 km-h in built-up areas, 80 km-h outside built-up areas, 100 km-h on expressways, and 120 km-h on motorways. Special 30 km-h or 20 km-h zones are clearly signposted and are common in residential and school areas.

I received a fixed fine by mail. Should I pay it?

If the amount and facts seem correct and you do not want to contest, paying on time usually closes the case without an entry in the criminal record. Paying is generally treated as acceptance. If you intend to challenge the allegation, do not pay. Follow the instructions on the notice to object or request that the matter be transferred to the prosecutor.

How much are speeding fines in Switzerland?

For small excess speeds within the fixed penalty ranges, amounts are predefined and increase with the level of speeding and the road type. For example, a few km-h over in a 50 km-h zone is typically a modest fine, while 11 to 15 km-h over is higher. Once speeds exceed the fixed penalty thresholds, the case is reported and the prosecutor sets the sanction based on the net speed, your income, and the circumstances. Fine schedules change from time to time, so verify current amounts or ask a lawyer.

Will I lose my license for a first offense?

It depends on the severity. For minor violations, the usual outcome is a fixed fine without a suspension. For more serious or repeat violations, the Strassenverkehrsamt can issue a warning or suspend your license. For very serious speeding or endangering behavior, a suspension is likely even for a first offense. There is no work license exception in Switzerland. If your license is suspended, you must not drive during the suspension period.

What happens if I am flashed by a speed camera?

The enforcing authority evaluates the image, applies tolerance deductions, identifies the vehicle owner, and issues either a fixed fine or a report to the prosecutor depending on the speed. If the case is reportable, you may receive a penal order to which you can object within a short deadline. You can request the evidence, such as photos and details of the measurement.

Do I have to identify the driver?

Authorities will contact the registered owner to clarify who was driving. For minor fixed fines, owner responsibility rules can apply if the driver is not identified. For reportable cases, authorities will seek to determine the actual driver. Providing accurate information is important. Failing to cooperate can lead to further consequences. Speak to a lawyer if you have concerns about self incrimination or third party implications.

Can I ask for the radar calibration and measurement data?

Yes. In a contested case you can request access to the file, which may include device approvals, calibration records, and measurement data. Swiss law requires certified devices and applies standard deductions. A lawyer can assess whether the measurement and signage were compliant.

Will a traffic ticket go on my criminal record?

Fixed fines for minor violations do not create a criminal record entry. Reportable violations handled by the prosecutor can lead to a criminal record entry if the sanction reaches the recording thresholds. Separately, administrative measures such as warnings and suspensions are recorded in the traffic register, which is distinct from the criminal record.

I am a tourist or a cross border commuter. What should I expect?

Foreign drivers are subject to Swiss rules. For minor fixed fines, you may receive the fine by mail. For reportable cases, authorities can request a security deposit and may impose a driving ban within Switzerland. License suspensions apply to your right to drive in Switzerland. Unpaid sanctions can affect future entries or interactions with Swiss authorities. Seek local legal advice promptly because deadlines are short.

How do I contest a penal order or an administrative license suspension?

For penal orders, file a written objection within the stated deadline, often very short. You can then request a court hearing. For administrative license measures, file an appeal with the authority or court indicated on the decision within the stated deadline. Always read the notice carefully and act before the deadline. A lawyer can draft objections, request the file, and represent you in negotiations or at a hearing.

Additional Resources

Kantonspolizei Basel-Landschaft for enforcement questions or accident reporting.

Staatsanwaltschaft Basel-Landschaft for penal orders and criminal procedure inquiries.

Strassenverkehrsamt Basel-Landschaft for license suspensions, warnings, and administrative procedures.

Federal Roads Office FEDRO ASTRA for federal traffic rules, road safety programs, and device approvals.

Touring Club Suisse TCS for driver education, traffic law information, and practical guidance.

Legal protection insurers and local bar associations for referrals to traffic law attorneys.

Next Steps

Read every page of what you received and note all deadlines immediately. Deadlines can be as short as a few days. Missing a deadline can make a decision final.

Decide whether you will pay or contest. If you plan to contest, do not pay a fixed fine, and follow the instructions to request a review or transfer to the prosecutor. For a penal order, file a timely objection.

Gather evidence early. Keep the envelope, notices, payment slips, and any photos you receive. Write down what happened, road conditions, signage, and potential witnesses. Save dashcam footage if available.

Request the case file. You or your lawyer can ask for measurement data, calibration certificates, and photos. This helps evaluate whether the reading is defensible and whether signage was adequate.

Contact a local traffic law lawyer in Basel-Landschaft. Ask about likely outcomes, costs, and strategy to reduce fines or avoid or shorten a suspension. A lawyer can communicate with authorities, negotiate sanctions, and ensure you meet all procedural requirements.

Inform your legal protection insurer if you have one. Coverage may apply to lawyer fees and court costs. If you rely on your license for work, tell your lawyer. While there is no work license exception, timing and prior record can influence the administrative measure.

If you are not fluent in German, request an interpreter for interviews or hearings. You have the right to understand the proceedings. Keep copies of all correspondence and proof of any submissions you make.

Take preventive steps for the future. Review local limits and signage, use cruise control where appropriate, and stay attentive to school zones and construction areas. Switzerland enforces traffic rules consistently, and prevention is the best strategy.