Belgian driver caught after 20 hours of non-stop driving: Thurgau police intervene

Context

TL;DR

• Belgian driver stopped after 20 hours of non-stop driving.
• Swiss regulations limit driving to 9 hours without a 45-minute break.
• Violations can result in fines up to 10,000 CHF and license suspension.
• Cross-border workers must comply with Swiss driving regulations.

Key facts

• Driver's origin: Belgium
• Driving duration: 20 consecutive hours
• Location of intervention: Canton of Thurgau, Switzerland
• Maximum driving time: 9 hours without a 45-minute break
• Maximum daily driving: 10 hours, extendable to 11 hours twice a week
• Penalty for violations: Fines up to 10,000 CHF and license suspension
• Accidents in Ticino 2022: 127 accidents, 30 due to prolonged driving without breaks
• Cross-border workers: Must comply with Swiss driving regulations and face penalties for violations

A Belgian driver was stopped by the police of the Canton of Thurgau after driving for nearly 20 consecutive hours. The intervention occurred following a routine check, during which the officers noticed clear signs of fatigue in the driver. The situation raised concern, especially considering the risks associated with prolonged driving without adequate rest periods.

The driver, whose name has not been made public, underwent a thorough check. The officers verified that the driver had not respected the driving times prescribed by the current regulations. This type of infraction is particularly serious, as it can endanger not only the safety of the driver but also that of other road users.

Regulations on the driving of professional drivers

In Switzerland, the regulations on the driving of professional drivers are very strict. According to federal laws, a driver cannot drive for more than 9 consecutive hours without a mandatory break of at least 45 minutes. Furthermore, within a 24-hour period, the maximum driving time is 10 hours, extendable to 11 hours no more than twice a week. These rules have been introduced to ensure road safety and prevent accidents caused by fatigue.

The intervention of the police of the Canton of Thurgau is an example of how Swiss authorities are attentive in enforcing these regulations. Drivers who do not respect driving times can be subject to sanctions, ranging from heavy fines to the suspension of the license. In serious cases, such as that of the Belgian driver, immediate intervention may be necessary to avoid further risks.

Concrete examples and specific regulations

For example, in the Canton of Ticino, in 2022, 127 road accidents involving professional drivers were recorded, 30 of which were attributable to prolonged driving without breaks. The Ticino authorities have intensified controls, especially along the main arteries such as the A2 motorway, which connects Chiasso to Lugano and Bellinzona.

Sanctions for those who do not respect the regulations can be severe. According to the Swiss Road Code, a driver who drives for more than 10 consecutive hours without breaks can be fined up to 10,000 Swiss francs. Furthermore, the license can be suspended for a period ranging from 1 to 12 months, depending on the severity of the infraction.

Operational checklist for drivers

To avoid sanctions and ensure safety, professional drivers should follow an operational checklist:

• Route planning: Calculate driving times and necessary breaks before starting the journey.
• Use of recording devices: Install a digital tachograph to monitor driving times and breaks.
• Break every 4 hours and 30 minutes: Take a break of at least 45 minutes every 4 hours and 30 minutes of driving.
• Respect daily limits: Do not exceed 10 hours of driving per day, with a maximum of 11 hours twice a week.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

Let's imagine two scenarios: a driver who respects the regulations and one who does not. The driver who respects the regulations plans his journey with regular breaks, using the tachograph to monitor driving times. This driver arrives at the destination safely, without risks to himself or other road users.

On the contrary, a driver who does not respect the regulations might drive for 15 consecutive hours without breaks, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. This behavior not only endangers safety but can also lead to serious legal and financial sanctions.

Conclusion

The intervention of the police of the Canton of Thurgau is an example of how Swiss authorities are determined to enforce regulations on the driving of professional drivers. Drivers who do not respect these rules can be subject to severe sanctions, ranging from heavy fines to the suspension of the license. It is fundamental that professional drivers follow the regulations to ensure road safety and prevent accidents caused by fatigue.

Operational details

The incident has raised several questions regarding road safety and compliance with regulations by professional drivers. In particular, it has emerged that many drivers, especially those operating internationally, may be subject to pressure to meet tight deadlines, which leads them to violate driving rules. For example, according to a 2022 report by the Federal Office for Roads (FEDRO), 15% of professional drivers in Switzerland admitted to driving for more than 10 consecutive hours a day, violating the legal limit of 9 hours.

Implications for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers employed in Switzerland, compliance with driving regulations is crucial. Many of them use means of transport to reach their workplace, and some work in the transport sector. It is important that they are aware of Swiss laws and the penalties for non-compliance. For example, a cross-border driver from Lugano driving a commercial vehicle can be fined up to 10,000 CHF for serious violations of driving rules, as established by the Ordinance on Road Traffic (VTS) of 1996.

Furthermore, it is essential that employers promote a culture of safety, encouraging their employees to respect driving times and take necessary breaks. This not only reduces the risk of accidents but also contributes to improving the quality of life of workers. For example, a transport company in Bellinzona reduced serious accidents among its drivers by 30% after implementing a road safety training program and the importance of regular breaks.

📊 Operational checklist for cross-border workers:

• Verify Swiss regulations on driving and mandatory breaks.
• Use devices to record driving times to monitor working hours.
• Participate in road safety training courses offered by the employer.
• Maintain open communication with the employer to report any pressure or unsustainable working conditions.

What to do in case of violation of regulations

If a driver is caught violating driving regulations, they may be subject to penalties. First, it is important that the driver cooperates with the authorities, providing all necessary information. In some cases, it may be useful to consult a lawyer specializing in labor and road law to better understand their options. For example, a driver from Chiasso received a fine of 5,000 CHF for driving for 18 consecutive hours but managed to reduce the penalty to 2,000 CHF thanks to legal assistance.

For cross-border workers, it is fundamental to be aware of Swiss laws and the procedures to follow in case of violation. This may include filing an appeal against a fine or requesting legal assistance. Furthermore, it is important to maintain open communication with the employer to avoid stressful situations that could lead to violations of regulations. For example, a driver from Mendrisio avoided a license suspension after proving to the court that they had suffered unjustified pressure from the employer to meet unrealistic deadlines.

⚠️ Comparison of practical scenarios:

• Scenario 1: A driver from Lugano drives for 12 consecutive hours without breaks. They risk a fine of up to 10,000 CHF and a 3-month license suspension.
• Scenario 2: A driver from Bellinzona drives for 9 hours with regular breaks. They comply with the regulations and do not risk penalties, also improving their own safety and that of other road users.

"Road safety is an absolute priority. Professional drivers must be aware of the regulations and the risks associated with violations." - Federal Office for Roads (FEDRO)

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Key points

To avoid incurring penalties, it is crucial that drivers comply with driving regulations. Here are some concrete steps that can be followed:

1. Route planning: Before embarking on a journey, it is important to plan the route and anticipate the necessary stops. Use navigation tools that indicate rest points and driving times. For example, a driver traveling from Lugano to Zurich might plan stops in Bellinzona and Lucerne to comply with driving times.

2. Compliance with driving times: Ensure that the maximum driving times set by law are respected. In Switzerland, Regulation (EU) No 561/2006 stipulates that drivers cannot drive for more than 9 hours a day and 56 hours a week. Use a stopwatch or an app to monitor the time spent driving. For example, a driver who starts work at 6:00 should take a break after 4.5 hours of driving, around 10:30.

3. Mandatory break: Every 4.5 hours of driving, a break of at least 45 minutes is required. Use this time to rest, eat, or take a walk. For example, a driver traveling from Chiasso to Bern might take a break in Lugano or Zurich.

4. Documentation: Keep an accurate record of driving hours and breaks. This can be useful in case of a check by the authorities. In Switzerland, penalties for lack of documentation can amount to up to 10,000 CHF.

5. Legal consultation: In case of doubts or need for legal assistance, consult a lawyer specialized in labor and road law.

📊 Operational checklist:

• Plan the route with navigation tools.
• Monitor driving times with a stopwatch or an app.
• Take mandatory breaks every 4.5 hours.
• Keep an accurate record of driving hours and breaks.
• Consult a specialized lawyer in case of doubts.

💡 Practical example: A driver traveling from Mendrisio to Geneva might plan the route with Google Maps, monitor driving times with an app like Tachograph, take a break in Bellinzona, and keep a record of driving hours and breaks. In this way, the driver can avoid penalties and contribute to a safer working environment.

⚠️ Comparison of practical scenarios:

• Practical scenarios:
• A driver traveling from Lugano to Zurich without taking breaks might incur a fine of up to 10,000 CHF.
• A driver traveling from Chiasso to Bern with regular breaks and an accurate record of driving hours can avoid penalties and contribute to a safer working environment.

"Compliance with driving regulations is fundamental to ensuring road safety and preventing accidents." - Canton Ticino Police

For further information and to calculate driving times and mandatory breaks, you can use the driving calculator. This tool can help plan trips better and comply with current regulations.

In conclusion, compliance with driving regulations is fundamental to ensuring road safety and preventing accidents. Professional drivers, including cross-border workers employed in Switzerland, must be aware of the laws and penalties for non-compliance. By following the steps indicated and using tools such as the driving calculator, it is possible to avoid penalties and contribute to a safer working environment.

Source: ilgiornaledelticino.ch