Swiss Tycoon Faces $110,000 Speeding Fine in Lausanne

A wealthy driver in Lausanne, Switzerland, was caught driving 27 kilometers per hour over the speed limit and now faces a potential fine of up to 90,000 Swiss francs (over $110,000). This large penalty is due to Switzerland's unique system of wealth-based fines, where penalties are calculated based on the offender's income and overall financial situation, a practice also seen in countries like Germany, France, Austria, and the Nordic region. The driver, a repeat offender and one of the richest people in Switzerland, was ordered to pay 10,000 Swiss francs upfront and may have to pay the remaining 80,000 if caught committing a similar offense within three years. These wealth-based fines were introduced following a penal law overhaul approved by Swiss voters, ensuring that affluent offenders face meaningful consequences, unlike indigent individuals who might face jail time instead. The case highlights the country's commitment to equitable traffic law enforcement regardless of financial status, with previous fines reaching as high as $290,000 for speeding offenses by wealthy individuals. The offender was identified as a French citizen among Switzerland's 300 richest people, caught driving at 77 kph in a 50 kph zone on a city street.