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Speeding and traffic-ticket matters in Chur are governed by federal and cantonal road-traffic rules. The Federal Road Traffic Act sets the main legal framework for road safety, traffic rules, and penalties, while the Canton of Graubünden implements procedures for issuing fines, conducting enforcement and handling appeals. Police and road-traffic authorities in Chur enforce speed limits through fixed and mobile radars, police controls and spot checks. Penalties range from administrative fines for minor violations to criminal proceedings, higher fines and driving bans for serious or repeated offences.
Most traffic tickets are straightforward and can be resolved by paying the fine. However, legal help is often useful in situations such as:
- You face a high fine that is based on the Swiss daily-rate system or an unusually large administrative penalty.
- The alleged speed or offence could lead to suspension or withdrawal of your driving licence.
- The ticket triggers criminal proceedings - for instance very high excess speed or dangerous driving that caused risk of injury.
- You dispute the accuracy of the speed measurement or the identity of the driver and want to challenge technical evidence or request calibration records.
- You are a foreign driver or the registered keeper of a rental or company vehicle and need advice about cross-border enforcement or civil liability.
- You want help with the appeal process, with representing you at hearings, or with negotiating a reduced sanction.
Key local-law features relevant in Chur and the Canton of Graubünden include:
- Legal framework - Federal law defines offences and penalties, while the canton handles administration, enforcement and procedural steps.
- Types of sanctions - Minor breaches usually result in administrative fines. Serious violations can result in criminal charges with fines calculated as daily rates, and possible imprisonment in the most extreme cases.
- Licence consequences - Repeated or serious violations can lead to temporary suspension or definitive withdrawal of the driving licence by the cantonal road-traffic authority.
- Evidence and measurement - Speed is often measured with calibrated devices. Drivers have the right to request documentation about device calibration and measurement protocols as part of a challenge.
- Deadlines and appeals - The ticket or decision will state deadlines for payment or for filing an appeal. Appeals are typically handled first at the cantonal administrative level and can be taken further to cantonal courts.
- Language and procedure - Proceedings in Chur are typically in German. Official notices and court documents will generally be issued in the official language of the canton.
Read the notice carefully for the alleged offence, the amount of the fine, the payment deadline and any appeal instructions. If the notice is unclear, contact the issuing authority or canton road-traffic office to confirm timelines. If you intend to contest the ticket, act quickly - procedural deadlines can be short.
Costs depend on the severity of the offence. Minor excess speed usually results in a fixed administrative fine. Large excess speeds or dangerous behaviour can lead to criminal fines calculated with the Swiss daily-rate system, which considers your income and financial situation. Exact amounts vary by case, so the notice you receive will state the proposed fine or the basis for calculation.
Yes. Common grounds for contesting include incorrect identity of the driver, measurement errors, improper signage, or device calibration problems. You can request copies of the measurement documentation, calibration certificates and the full reasoning for the decision. Submit an appeal or objection within the deadline indicated on the notice and include any evidence or witnesses supporting your case.
Deadlines vary by type of procedure and canton. Notices usually include the exact deadline for payment and the period within which you may lodge an appeal. Typical deadlines range from roughly 10 to 30 days, but you must rely on the deadline stated on the document. If you miss the deadline, additional costs or enforcement measures may follow.
Minor one-off fines often do not lead to licence withdrawal. Repeated violations, very high speeds or dangerous driving can result in temporary suspension or permanent revocation of the driving licence. The cantonal road-traffic authority assesses fitness to drive and can impose measures such as driving bans, medical or psychological assessments, or licence withdrawal.
Yes. Very serious traffic offences - for example extreme excess speed, causing an accident with injury, or repeated dangerous behaviour - can be prosecuted criminally. Convictions can lead to higher fines under the daily-rate system, possible custodial sentences in severe cases, and criminal records. Seek legal advice promptly if criminal proceedings are mentioned.
Foreign drivers are subject to the same rules. Authorities can issue fines and administrative measures irrespective of nationality. Collection of fines across borders depends on bilateral or multilateral arrangements with your home country. For serious offences you may be prosecuted in Switzerland, and licence consequences can affect future driving in Switzerland and potentially lead to civil liability claims by insurers.
Useful evidence includes photographs of road conditions and signage, dashcam or onboard GPS data, witness statements, documentation of the measuring device calibration, maintenance and operator details, and proof of where the vehicle or driver was at the time. Medical or emergency reasons should be documented by professionals.
Consider a lawyer if the fine is large, the offence risks licence suspension, criminal charges are possible, or evidence is technical. Lawyers can review documents, prepare appeals, request expert reports and represent you at hearings. Costs vary - some lawyers charge hourly rates, others a fixed fee depending on complexity. Ask about fees and possible free initial consultations. If you have low income, you may be eligible for free legal aid under cantonal rules.
If the registered keeper is a rental company or employer, they usually receive the notice and may pass the fine and any administrative costs on to the driver. Rental agreements often include provisions for administrative fees and handling charges. Notify the rental company promptly and check your contract for liability clauses. For company vehicles, notify your employer and follow company procedures.
Helpful local institutions and resources to contact or consult include the cantonal road-traffic office of Graubünden, the Kantonspolizei Graubünden, and the cantonal courts for administrative and criminal appeals. At the federal level, the Federal Roads Office and the Federal Road Traffic Act provide the legislative framework. For technical questions about speed-measuring devices, cantonal metrology or technical inspection services may provide calibration records. If you need guidance on legal aid or representation, the cantonal legal-aid office can explain eligibility for free legal assistance. Use a German-speaking lawyer or translator if you are not fluent in German, since proceedings in Chur are usually conducted in German.
Follow these steps if you need legal assistance:
- Read the ticket carefully and note deadlines for payment and appeal.
- Gather and preserve any evidence - photos, dashcam footage, witnesses and documents from the scene.
- If you intend to contest, file an appeal or objection within the stated deadline and request the case files or measurement records from the issuing authority.
- Contact a lawyer experienced in Swiss traffic law - preferably someone familiar with Graubünden procedures and German-language proceedings - for an early case assessment.
- If cost is a concern, ask about free initial consultations, fixed-fee options, or apply for cantonal legal aid if you meet income criteria.
- If you are a foreign driver, inform your embassy or consulate if you need assistance with local formalities, especially in complex or criminal cases.
Act promptly and keep copies of all correspondence and receipts. Timely, well-documented responses increase your chances of a favourable outcome or reduced penalty.
