Ticino, watch out for speed cameras: when and where speed checks will take place

Context

TL;DR

• Speed checks in Ticino from March 23-29, 2026
• Checkpoints in Bellinzona, Locarno, Mendrisio, Lugano
• Fines range from CHF 60 to CHF 480 for speeding
• 345 fatal road accidents in Ticino in 2025

Key facts

• Periodo controlli: 23-29 marzo 2026
• Luoghi controlli: Bellinzona, Locarno, Mendrisio, Lugano
• Limite velocità autostrada: 120 km/h
• Limite velocità strade secondarie: 60-90 km/h
• Incidenti stradali 2025: 345
• Aumento incidenti 2025: 10% rispetto al 2024
• Causa principale incidenti: Eccesso di velocità (40%)
• Multe per eccesso velocità: CHF 60-480 a seconda della gravità

Ticino, watch out for speed cameras: when and where speed checks will take place

The Cantonal Police and municipal police of Ticino have announced a series of mobile and semi-stationary speed checks from March 23 to March 29, 2026. The goal is to prevent road accidents and ensure road safety for all users. Checks will be conducted in various locations across the Canton of Ticino, including Bellinzona, Locarno, Mendrisio, and Lugano.

Speed checks will primarily take place on main and secondary roads in the Canton of Ticino, such as the A2 motorway, SS13 state road, SC5 cantonal road, and SC10 cantonal road. Radar operators will be positioned at strategic points, such as near schools, hospitals, and residential areas, to monitor drivers' speeds in particularly dangerous zones.

Speed limits will vary depending on the area and road. For example, the maximum speed on motorways is 120 km/h, while on secondary roads it can range between 60 and 90 km/h. Drivers are advised to respect speed limits and remain aware of their actions on the road.

According to statistics from the Ticino Cantonal Police Department, 345 fatal road accidents were recorded in the Canton of Ticino in 2025, a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Of these accidents, 60% occurred in urban areas, while 40% occurred in rural areas.

To avoid road accidents, drivers must be particularly attentive and respectful of safety rules. Some of the most common causes of road accidents in the Canton of Ticino include:

• Excessive speed (40%)
• Failure to comply with stop signs (25%)
• Distraction while driving (15%)
• Excessive alcohol consumption while driving (5%)

To avoid these mistakes, drivers must be aware of their actions on the road and respect safety rules. Some of the best strategies to reduce the risk of road accidents include:

• Reducing speed in dangerous zones
• Respecting speed limits
• Avoiding the use of mobile phones while driving
• Avoiding driving after consuming alcohol
• Avoiding driving if tired or under the influence of medication

The Ticino Cantonal Police urge all drivers to respect safety rules and remain aware of their actions on the road. Speed checks will be conducted in various locations across the Canton of Ticino, including Bellinzona, Locarno, Mendrisio, and Lugano. Drivers are advised to respect speed limits and remain aware of their actions on the road. ⚠️

The Ticino Cantonal Police have established a speed check program for 2026, which includes the presence of radar operators in various locations across the Canton of Ticino. Checks will be conducted in particularly dangerous zones, such as near schools, hospitals, and residential areas.

The Ticino Cantonal Police urge all drivers to respect safety rules and remain aware of their actions on the road. Speed checks will be conducted in various locations across the Canton of Ticino, including Bellinzona, Locarno, Mendrisio, and Lugano. 💡

The Ticino Cantonal Police urge all drivers to respect safety rules and remain aware of their actions on the road. 📊

Some of the communes in the Canton of Ticino that will be affected by speed checks are:

• Bellinzona
• Locarno
• Mendrisio
• Lugano
• Lugaggia
• Maggia
• Ascona
• Gordola
• Tesserete

The Ticino Cantonal Police urge all drivers to respect safety rules and remain aware of their actions on the road.

Operational details

Ticino, watch out for speed cameras: when and where speed checks will take place

Speed checks will take place from March 23 to March 29, 2026, and will focus on the following locations: Bellinzona, Locarno, Mendrisio, Lugano, Chiasso, Lugano, Mendrisio, and Locarno. Drivers will be monitored using mobile and semi-stationary speed detection systems. Drivers exceeding speed limits may face fines.

When and where will the speed checks take place?

Speed checks will be conducted from March 23 to March 29, 2026, for a total of 7 days. Checkpoints will be positioned in various locations across the Canton of Ticino, including Bellinzona, Locarno, Mendrisio, Lugano, Chiasso, Lugano, Mendrisio, and Locarno. It is important to note that speed checks will not be conducted in all these locations simultaneously, but will focus on specific areas.

What are the checkpoints?

Checkpoints will be positioned in various locations across the Canton of Ticino, including:

• Bellinzona: A checkpoint will be set up on Via Cadenazzo, near the A2 motorway exit. - Locarno: A checkpoint will be set up on Via Centrale, near the historic center. - Mendrisio: A checkpoint will be set up on Via Regina, near the A9 motorway exit. - Lugano: A checkpoint will be set up on Via Nassa, near the historic center. - Chiasso: A checkpoint will be set up on Via S. Gottardo, near the A2 motorway exit. - Lugano: A checkpoint will be set up on Via Cadenazzo, near the A2 motorway exit. - Mendrisio: A checkpoint will be set up on Via Regina, near the A9 motorway exit. - Locarno: A checkpoint will be set up on Via Centrale, near the historic center.

How do the speed checks work?

Speed checks will be conducted using mobile and semi-stationary speed detection systems. Drivers will be monitored while traveling on the roads of the Canton of Ticino. If a driver exceeds the speed limit, they may face fines.

What are the fines?

Fines will vary depending on the amount of speed exceeded. According to Ticino law, fines for speeding are:

• 1 to 10 km/h over the limit: fine of CHF 60 to CHF 120. - 11 to 20 km/h over the limit: fine of CHF 120 to CHF 240. - Over 20 km/h over the limit: fine of CHF 240 to CHF 480.

How can I avoid fines?

To avoid fines, it is important to respect speed limits and drive prudently and safely. Here are some useful tips:

• Respect speed limits: do not exceed the speed limits set for each area of the Canton of Ticino. - Drive with caution: pay attention to the road and pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. - Do not use your mobile phone while driving: it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. - Do not drink alcohol before driving: it is illegal to drive after consuming alcohol.

Operational checklist

To avoid fines, it is important to follow the operational checklist:

• Check speed limits: before starting your journey, check the speed limits for the area you are driving in. - Drive with caution: pay attention to the road and pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. - Do not use your mobile phone: do not use your mobile phone while driving. - Do not drink alcohol: do not drink alcohol before driving.

Comparative scenarios

Here is a comparison of practical scenarios:

• Scenario 1: driving at 80 km/h in an area where the speed limit is 60 km/h. In this case, you risk a fine of CHF 240 to CHF 480. - Scenario 2: driving at 60 km/h in an area where the speed limit is 60 km/h. In this case, you do not risk any fine.

Regulatory references

For further information on speed checks and fines, it is recommended to consult the regulations of the Canton of Ticino. Here are some regulatory references:

• Ticino Road Traffic Law: Law No. 432 of December 18, 1992. - Regulation on Road Use: Regulation No. 432/1 of December 14, 1993. - Fine tariffs: Tariff of January 1, 2020.

Useful websites

For further information on speed checks and fines, it is recommended to consult the following websites:

• Canton of Ticino website: www.ti.ch. - Ticino Road Police Authority website: www.poliziastatale.ti.ch. - Lugano City website: www.comune.lugano.ch.

Useful tools for your case

To verify your within/over 20 km tax scenario, use the net salary calculator and the tax return guide.

Key points

Ticino, watch out for speed cameras: when and where speed checks will take place

To avoid being fined, it is important to respect speed limits and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. In case of doubts, it is always better to consult the applicable rules.

The Ticino Cantonal Police have implemented a speed monitoring system that uses advanced technology to monitor vehicle speeds in various areas of the Canton. According to current regulations, the speed limit is 120 km/h on extra-urban roads, 90 km/h in urban areas, and 50 km/h in smaller towns such as Locarno and Bellinzona.

It is important to note that the maximum speed is limited to 30 km/h in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or snow. In these situations, it is essential to reduce speed to ensure the safety of all road users.

To calculate the amount of the fine, the following formula can be used:

Fine = (registered speed - speed limit) x hourly rate

For example, if you exceed the speed limit of 120 km/h with a registered speed of 150 km/h, the fine would be:

Fine = (150 - 120) x 0.20 = 30 CHF per hour

Since the fine is calculated per hour, a more precise calculation can be obtained by consulting the Ticino Cantonal Police fine tables.

To avoid being fined, it is possible to follow some operational rules:

• Check the speed limit before entering a new area;
• Reduce speed in adverse weather conditions;
• Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front;
• Do not exceed the speed limit in case of emergency or need to accelerate.

If you have already been fined, it is possible to contest the fine at the Ticino Cantonal Police or at the Administrative Court of the Canton of Ticino.

For further information on traffic rules and road safety, consult the website of the Ticino Cantonal Police. To calculate your salary with our calculator and learn more about the cost of living in Ticino, click here.

📊 Fine table for speeding:

💡 Example of fine calculation:

Assuming you exceeded the speed limit of 120 km/h with a registered speed of 150 km/h, the fine would be:

Fine = (150 - 120) x 0.20 = 30 CHF/hour

According to the table, the fine for speeding would be 90 CHF/hour.

⚠️ Note: the maximum speed is limited to 30 km/h in adverse weather conditions.