Swiss road traffic offices are experiencing substantial backlogs in mandatory vehicle inspections, with approximately 780,000 vehicles currently uninspected across the country. This represents 11.2 percent of Switzerland's nearly seven million registered vehicles. The Federal Roads Office (Astra) has urged cantons to address these delays, highlighting major discrepancies between regions.
Key Takeaways
- 780,000 vehicles in Switzerland are overdue for inspection.
- This backlog affects 11.2 percent of the country's total vehicle fleet.
- The number of uninspected vehicles has risen by 30 percent since spring 2023.
- Cantons like Schaffhausen, Aargau, and Zurich show the highest inspection delays.
- The federal government has issued warnings to cantons with significant backlogs.
Growing Inspection Backlog Across Switzerland
The requirement for regular vehicle inspections is outlined in the federal Ordinance on Technical Requirements for Road Traffic (VTS). These inspections check critical components such as brakes, lights, steering, and emission levels. However, compliance with these regulations is currently faltering.
According to Sven Britschgi, Managing Director of the Association of Road Traffic Offices (ASA), the number of overdue vehicles has increased rapidly. In spring 2023, approximately 600,000 vehicles were uninspected. This figure has now climbed to 780,000, marking a 30 percent increase.
Key Statistic
The total number of vehicles in Switzerland has increased by over 40 percent since the year 2000. This growth contributes significantly to the current inspection challenges.
Reasons for the Delays
Several factors contribute to the growing backlog. One primary reason is the overall increase in Switzerland's vehicle population. Since 2000, the total number of registered vehicles has grown significantly. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role, as fewer inspections were conducted during that period, exacerbating existing delays.
Furthermore, the average age of the Swiss vehicle fleet has risen to 10.5 years. Older vehicles require more frequent inspections, putting additional strain on inspection capacities. The used car market has also seen increased activity, leading to more older vehicles needing regular checks.
"The average age of the vehicle fleet in Switzerland has increased disproportionately," stated Sven Britschgi, emphasizing the impact on inspection demands.
Cantonal Disparities in Compliance
The extent of the inspection backlog varies significantly among Switzerland's cantons. Data from the Federal Roads Office (Astra) shows a wide range of performance.
Cantons with Low or No Backlog
- Fribourg
- Neuchâtel
- Both Basel cantons
- Central Swiss cantons (Schwyz, Uri, Obwalden, Nidwalden)
These cantons demonstrate better management of their inspection schedules.
In contrast, several cantons are facing substantial delays:
- Schaffhausen: 25.5 percent of vehicles uninspected
- Aargau: 19 percent of vehicles uninspected
- Zurich: Approximately 18 percent of vehicles uninspected
- Glarus: Approximately 18 percent of vehicles uninspected
- Ticino: 16 percent of vehicles uninspected
- Jura: 15 percent of vehicles uninspected
In Aargau, the backlog was partly caused by the renovation of an inspection hall after the pandemic. The canton is now using a second, provisional hall and delegating some inspections to the automotive trade association to reduce the backlog.
Bern canton, with an 11 percent backlog, adopts a risk-based approach. Stephan Lanz, head of the Bern Road Traffic and Navigation Office, confirmed that safety-critical vehicles like taxis, trucks, and buses are inspected on time. The office plans to request 20 additional traffic expert positions by 2029 and adjust recruitment to replace departing staff more quickly.
Federal Government Intervention and Safety Concerns
The Federal Roads Office (Astra) has taken action to address the mounting delays. In October 2023, Astra reminded cantons to comply with inspection regulations. In early July, Astra sent letters to 14 cantons with over a five percent backlog. The letters underscored that "only properly registered and inspected vehicles are permitted on Swiss roads." Cantons were also asked to identify suitable measures and inform the federal government of their plans and timelines.
Impact on Road Safety
Astra states that vehicle owners and drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are always safe and meet emission and noise standards. Statistics indicate that only one percent of accidents are attributed to technical defects or poor maintenance. This suggests a relatively high level of self-responsibility among Swiss drivers.
However, Sven Britschgi warns that the impact on accident statistics could emerge with a delay. He believes the increasing inspection backlog will likely affect road safety in the medium term, even if current statistics do not yet show this. While voluntary maintenance discipline among Swiss vehicle owners is high, there are signs it might be decreasing. Concrete data on this trend is still pending.
Political Perspectives on Inspection Intervals
Politicians hold differing views on the severity of the inspection backlog.
Gabriela Suter, an SP National Councillor from Aargau, describes the situation as concerning for road safety. She warns of cars with hidden technical defects on the roads. Suter emphasizes the importance of regular inspections for older vehicles and those driven many kilometers annually. She also suggests that controls should include safety-relevant assistance systems, such as automatic distance control, given the increasing digitalization of modern cars. Suter is considering submitting a parliamentary motion on this issue.
"It would be particularly important for older cars and those that drive many kilometers a year to be regularly inspected," Gabriela Suter stated, highlighting the need for updated inspection guidelines to cover modern vehicle technology.
Conversely, Christian Imark, an SVP National Councillor from Solothurn, believes that extended inspection intervals are not a problem. He argues that current inspection processes are often excessive. "I see it with my vehicles; all are in very good condition and do not need unnecessary inspections in a short cadence," Imark said. He views each inspection notice as bureaucratic and costly, suggesting a "control frenzy" driven by financial motives.
Imark also points out that many identified defects are not safety-relevant. He advocates for greater personal responsibility among Swiss drivers, stating, "Mr. and Mrs. Swiss have their vehicles under control." He questions the need for Switzerland to be a "model student" in vehicle inspections compared to other countries where vehicle standards might be lower.