In 2025, Switzerland says stop unwanted road noise – rts.ch

At the start of the year, the Federal Council tightened the requirements regarding avoidable noise pollution: it is now forbidden to deliberately cause backfire with the exhaust of your vehicle. Violators will be liable to a criminal fine of up to 10,000 francs. Technical manipulation of the vehicle is always prohibited.

In addition, existing fines linked to noise pollution such as “running the engine unnecessarily” will increase from 60 to 80 francs. These modifications respond to the motion “Effectively reduce excessive engine noise”, accepted by Parliament and the Federal Council in 2021.

A public health issue

In Switzerland, a million people are exposed to excessive noise, which causes numerous illnesses and 450 premature deaths per year, according to estimates by the Confederation, which conducted two conclusive anti-noise radar tests in Geneva and Basel. Campaign in 2024.

However, the introduction of these radars is suspended for legal reasons. In Geneva, noise peaks of more than 82 decibels have been recorded, a threshold considered harmful to health. Around 1% of vehicles were sanctioned, especially two-wheelers.

Modified vehicles and dangerous behavior

How do the police actually go about nabbing offenders? “As with any violation of the Road Traffic Act and its ordinance, it is the patrols on the ground who do the daily denunciation work,” explains Jean-Christophe Sauterel, head of prevention and communication for the Vaud cantonal police, in the Since 2021, we have made it a priority in the canton of Vaud. We have carried out numerous actions, such as targeted control campaigns to combat both modified vehicles and unacceptable behavior. the road.”

In December 2024, the Vaud cantonal police communicated figures on the fight against noisy vehicles in the canton of Vaud. There were 18 checks in 2024 and out of 800 vehicles, 290 were reported, mainly for excessive noise and modified vehicles. In total, 36% of vehicles checked were in violation. “It’s a lot, but it shows that we were in places where we knew that this type of behavior was common,” explains Jean-Christophe Sauterel.

Approvals to respect

And when your vehicle unintentionally makes noise, for example because of its age? “The vehicle must comply with the planned approval. As soon as it does not comply, it becomes contrary to the law and the vehicle can be seized,” explains Jean-Christophe Sauterel.

And added: “In this area, we work with experts from the automobile and navigation service. They are the ones who will require the owner that all modified or non-compliant parts be removed and destroyed. In addition to fine, the sanction is substantial since all these measures are at the expense of the owner We can speak of several thousand francs.

Radio subject: Isabelle Fiaux

Web adaptation: Myriam Semaani