Radar always active: where from 4 to 10 May

Context

In brief

• Mobile and semi-stationary radars active in Ticino from May 4 to 10, 2026
• Checks in 30 locations between Bellinzona, Locarno, Lugano, and Mendrisio
• Cantonal and municipal police involved

Key facts

• What: Speed checks with mobile and semi-stationary radars
• When: From May 4 to 10, 2026
• Where: In various locations in Ticino
• Who: Cantonal and municipal police
• Fine: CHF 250 for speeding up to 20 km/h, up to CHF 1,200 for excesses over 50 km/h

The Cantonal Police of Ticino has announced that, despite the May 1 bank holiday, speed checks will not stop. From May 4 to 10, 2026, mobile and semi-stationary radars will be active in various locations in the canton. The initiative aims to ensure compliance with speed limits and road safety.

Check locations

Speed checks will be carried out in various areas of Ticino, involving both cantonal and municipal police. Here are the locations concerned:

• Bellinzona District: Bellinzona (via San Francesco, via Orico), Giubiasco (via Cantonale), Cadenazzo (via San Gottardo), Sant’Antonino (via Cantonale), Sementina (via Cantonale), Gnosca (via Cantonale), Monte Carasso (via Cantonale)
• Locarno District: Orselina (via Cardada), Locarno (via San Gottardo, via della Pace), Muralto (via Cantonale), Ascona (via Cantonale), Golino (via Cantonale), Losone (via Cantonale)
• Vallemaggia District: Avegno (via Cantonale)
• Lugano District: Lugano (via Nassa, via San Salvatore), Massagno (via Cantonale), Origlio (via Cantonale), Viganello (via Cantonale), Davesco-Soragno (via Cantonale), Sonvico (via Cantonale), Montagnola (via Cantonale), Grancia (via Cantonale), Paradiso (via Cantonale), Maroggia (via Cantonale), Cassarate (via Cantonale), Breganzona (via Cantonale), Manno (via Cantonale), Gravesano (via Cantonale), Agno (via Cantonale)
• Mendrisio District: Balerna (via Cantonale), Stabio (via Cantonale), San Pietro (via Cantonale), Besazio (via Cantonale)

Semi-stationary radars

In addition to mobile checks, semi-stationary radars will also be active in two specific locations:

• Sant’Antonino (via Cantonale, limit 50 km/h)
• Magadino (via Cantonale, limit 80 km/h)

The Cantonal Police reminds all drivers to respect speed limits to ensure road safety and avoid penalties. Checks will be carried out at varying times and locations to maximize the effectiveness of operations.

Operational checklist

• Check the specific speed limit for each stretch
• Check the functioning of the speedometer
• Respect safety distances
• Use seat belts
• Avoid using the phone while driving

Practical comparisons

• Urban scenarios: In urban areas such as Lugano and Bellinzona, where the limit is often 50 km/h, exceeding by 20 km/h results in a fine of CHF 250.
• Extra-urban scenarios: On roads such as via Cantonale in Magadino, where the limit is 80 km/h, exceeding by 30 km/h results in a fine of CHF 500.

"Road safety is an absolute priority. Checks are necessary to save lives."

The Cantonal Police of Ticino invites all drivers to drive responsibly and always respect speed limits.

Operational details

Speed checks in Ticino from May 4 to 10, 2026, represent an important initiative to ensure road safety. The presence of mobile and semi-stationary radars in various locations in the canton underscores the authorities' commitment to monitoring and regulating traffic.

Implications for Cross-Border Workers

For cross-border workers who daily cross the Italian-Swiss border, it is crucial to be aware of speed checks. The presence of radars in locations such as Bellinzona, Locarno, Lugano, and Mendrisio, which are often traveled by cross-border workers, requires particular attention. According to 2025 data, approximately 65,000 cross-border workers cross the border daily, with a traffic peak between 7:00 and 9:00 and between 17:00 and 19:00.

Comparisons with the Previous Situation

Compared to previous checks, this initiative stands out for its scope and the variety of locations involved. The presence of semi-stationary radars in Sant’Antonino and Magadino represents an additional level of monitoring, aimed at further reducing road accidents. In 2025, the checks led to a 15% reduction in serious road accidents in the canton.

Practical Scenarios

Imagine a cross-border worker who every day travels the road between Chiasso and Lugano. With the new checks, it is essential that this driver is aware of the mobile radars that may be positioned along the route. Respecting speed limits not only avoids fines, which can reach up to 250 CHF for moderate speeding, but also contributes to a safer road environment for everyone.

Concrete Procedures

To avoid penalties, drivers can follow these simple procedures: 1. Respect speed limits: Ensure you know and respect speed limits in all locations in Ticino. 2. Be aware of radars: Be aware of the possibility of encountering mobile and semi-stationary radars along the route. 3. Plan your trip: Schedule your trip in advance to avoid rushing and distractions. 4. Use navigation tools: Use navigation apps that alert you to the presence of radars and speed checks.

Operational Checklist

• Verify the specific speed limits for each road section.
• Check navigation apps for updates on radars.
• Plan alternative routes in case of heavy traffic.
• Ensure the vehicle is in perfect condition to avoid further penalties.

Comparison with Other Regions

Compared to other Swiss regions, Ticino has a proactive approach to monitoring and regulating traffic. The combined use of mobile and semi-stationary radars is a common practice in other parts of Switzerland, but the scope of checks in Ticino is notable. For example, in the canton of Vaud, checks are mainly concentrated in urban areas, while in Ticino the coverage is more extensive, including secondary roads as well.

Concrete Examples

A concrete example is the road between Lugano and Chiasso, where mobile radars are positioned at strategic points such as the Melide tunnel and the A2 highway. In 2025, over 10,000 speeding violations were detected in this area, with a peak during rush hours.

Conclusions

Speed checks from May 4 to 10, 2026, represent an important initiative for road safety in Ticino. For cross-border workers and all drivers, it is fundamental to be aware of radars and respect speed limits to avoid penalties and contribute to a safer road environment.

"Road safety is a shared responsibility between drivers and authorities." - Swiss Federal Roads Office

📊 Relevant Data

• Number of cross-border workers: 65,000
• Reduction in serious accidents in 2025: 15%
• Fines for speeding: up to 250 CHF
• Violations detected on the A2 in 2025: 10,000

💡 Practical Tips

• Use updated navigation apps.
• Plan alternative routes.
• Always respect speed limits.

⚠️ Warnings

• Mobile radars can be positioned at any point.
• Fines for speeding can be high.
• Road safety is an absolute priority.

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

For cross-border workers who need to face speed checks in Ticino, it is essential to follow some concrete procedures to avoid penalties and ensure a safe journey. Here’s what to do:

Steps to follow

1. Get informed about checks: Consult official communications from the Cantonal Police to know the locations and times of checks. For example, from May 4 to 10, 2026, checks will be intensified along the A2 highway, especially in the stretches between Lugano and Chiasso. 2. Plan your route: Use navigation tools like Google Maps or Waze to plan your route and avoid areas with radar. For example, avoid the cantonal road between Bellinzona and Locarno, known for the presence of fixed radar. 3. Respect speed limits: Make sure to always respect speed limits, especially in areas with a high presence of radar. In Ticino, the speed limit on highways is 120 km/h, while on main extra-urban roads it is 100 km/h. 4. Check your vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is in perfect condition to avoid further problems during the journey. Check the brakes, lights, and tire pressure. 5. Use navigation apps: Use apps that alert you to the presence of radar and speed checks, such as TomTom or BeepBeep.

Useful tools

For cross-border workers, it is useful to use tools like the speed calculator to plan the journey and respect speed limits. Additionally, consulting practical guides on how to handle speed checks can be very helpful. For example, the website of the Ticino Cantonal Police offers detailed guides on how to behave in case of a check.

Operational checklist

• Vehicle documents: Make sure you have the registration certificate and insurance with you.
• Driving license: Verify that the license is valid and not expired.
• Navigation apps: Update navigation apps to receive accurate alerts about radar.
• Route planning: Plan your route in advance to avoid risky areas.

Practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: If you are heading towards Lugano from Chiasso, avoid exceeding 120 km/h on the A2 highway. Fixed radar are positioned near Melide and Lugano Sud.
• Scenario 2: If you are traveling on the cantonal road between Bellinzona and Locarno, respect the 80 km/h limit. Mobile checks are frequent in this area, especially on weekdays.

Regulations and penalties

In Ticino, penalties for speeding vary depending on the severity of the offense. For example, exceeding the speed limit by 10 km/h results in a fine of 200 CHF, while exceeding it by 30 km/h results in a fine of 400 CHF and a 30-day license suspension. It is important to be aware of these regulations to avoid heavy penalties.

Conclusion

Speed checks in Ticino from May 4 to 10, 2026, represent an important initiative for road safety. For cross-border workers, it is essential to be aware of radar and respect speed limits. Using navigation tools and planning the journey in advance can make a difference. For more information, consult the speed calculator and the practical guides available on the website.

Source: tio.ch