Since January 1, 2025, a tougher wind has been blowing on Swiss roads: anyone who intentionally causes avoidable noise must expect drastic consequences. There is a threat of hefty fines of up to CHF 10,000 as well as far-reaching measures by the road traffic authorities.
Drivers who cause a stir with manipulated exhaust systems, software tuning or deliberate misfiring are particularly targeted by the police. What sounds like a harmless show or emotional sound for car and motorcycle fans is rigorously prosecuted by the authorities as a violation of the law. Today, such incidents almost always end in formal criminal proceedings.
The new paragraph against “sound posers”
The Federal Council has specifically tightened the Traffic Regulation Ordinance (VRV) with regard to the avoidance of noise as of January 1, 2025. The background: the authorities want to take tougher action against so-called “car posers”.
The targeted generation of banging noises (so-called “pop and bang” or “thrust bubbling”) is now also prohibited under the term “causing avoidable noise”. Tuning fans, drivers of high-performance sports cars and motorcyclists are particularly affected by these controls.
What does this mean in concrete terms during an inspection?
Anyone stopped by the police because of noise is immediately confronted with a massive package of measures:
- Criminal proceedings & mega fines: Causing avoidable noise (Art. 42 SVG) is an offense that is punishable by a fine. The legal framework for fines here is up to CHF 10,000.
- Withdrawal of license: In addition to the penalty imposed by the public prosecutor’s office, there is a mandatory threat of administrative measures. The Road Traffic Licensing Office can revoke the driver’s license for at least one month (often longer).
- Vehicle seizure & follow-up inspection: If technical modifications (such as flap exhausts, downpipes or software tuning) are involved, the police can seize the vehicle on site. In addition, an expensive technical inspection is often ordered at the road traffic office.
💡 Have you been stopped by the police?
👉 You can find out what you need to be aware of during a traffic stop and why you should never incriminate yourself in our specialist article: Right to refuse to give evidence – what you need to know!
Where does “unnecessary” end – and where does arbitrariness begin?
Opinions differ widely: is this protection of the public or excessive bureaucracy? What is unnecessary noise for some is part of the driving culture for others. One thing is clear: the police now have a great deal of discretion when it comes to reporting those who cause avoidable noise. This will undoubtedly lead to legal disputes.
What to do in the event of a noise complaint?
Anyone caught by the authorities for causing avoidable noise should act quickly. It’s not just a matter of money: you could also be stripped of your passport, have your name entered on the criminal record or face expensive follow-up checks at the road traffic office.
Our most important tip: make use of your right to refuse to give evidence during a police check – and seek legal assistance immediately.
Representation in criminal proceedings
If you want to be on the safe side, you shouldn’t risk every decibel on the road. If you do get caught out, you can rely on us.
Our lawyers in Winterthur, who specialize in road traffic law and criminal law, will immediately request access to the files for you, examine the allegations and defend your rights against the public prosecutor’s office transparently and honestly.
We offer a detailed initial consultation (1 hour at CHF 330.-), on site or via video call. Together we analyze your situation and clarify the next strategic steps.
💡 Criminal proceedings, penalty order, penalties and legal remedies
👉 We answer your most pressing questions about criminal proceedings in the basic article Criminal proceedings in Switzerland – procedure, rights and typical mistakes.
👉 O ur Switzerland 2026 fines table shows which traffic fines are dealt with in the administrative fines procedure.
👉 You can find out why even a “conditional” fine is extremely dangerous for your driving license in our specialist article Conditional fine, traffic offence and driving disqualification.
👉 You can find more information on how to defend yourself against a penalty order and when an appeal makes sense in our specialist article Appealing against a penalty order – when is it tactically worthwhile?
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about noise from vehicles
Since January 1, 2025, the intentional creation of avoidable noise has been explicitly prohibited under the stricter Traffic Regulations Ordinance (VRV). This includes, in particular, the deliberate generation of banging noises through deliberate misfiring (so-called “pop and bang”).
The penalties have been massively increased. Instead of a simple administrative fine, criminal proceedings are now initiated, with the threat of a fine of up to CHF 10,000. In addition, administrative measures such as the withdrawal of a driver’s license, an entry in the criminal record or expensive follow-up checks of the vehicle are possible.
The targeted generation of banging noises (“pop and bang”) is now prohibited. Other vehicle-specific modifications that cause noise, such as flap exhausts or corresponding software tuning, are also under closer scrutiny by the authorities.
It is recommended that you make use of your right to refuse to give evidence during a police check. As you may be fined heavily and may also have your passport withdrawn, you should seek legal advice immediately to protect your rights.
Matthias Fricker
Attorney at law and partner at Fricker and Füllemann Attorneys at Law
Studied at the University of St. Gallen, graduating with a Master in Law (M.A. HSG in Law) in 2012, registered in the Bar Register of the Canton of Zurich, member of the Zurich Bar Association.
Fabian Füllemann
Attorney at law and partner at Fricker and Füllemann Attorneys at Law
Studied at the Universities of St. Gallen and Zurich, graduating with a Master of Law UZH in 2013, registered with the Zurich Bar Registry, member of the Zurich Bar Association.
