A bus driver received a significant fine and penalty from the Bern public prosecutor's office. The driver operated a coach on the A1 highway without the required license, visa, or work permit. The incident involved multiple violations of Swiss law, including the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act and the Road Traffic Act.
Key Takeaways
- A 35-year-old Serbian national faced fines for driving a coach without proper authorization.
- Violations included lacking a valid driving license (Category D), a visa, and a work permit.
- The driver swapped places with a colleague on the highway entrance to avoid police detection.
- The Bern public prosecutor's office issued a total fine of 2,160 Swiss francs, plus an additional 300 franc penalty and 800 francs in procedural fees.
Unauthorized Driving Led to Legal Consequences
The incident occurred in early July across several Swiss cantons, including Geneva and Bern. The 35-year-old Serbian national entered Switzerland to relieve a colleague. His role was to take over driving duties for a coach traveling from Geneva towards Prizren in Kosovo. However, he did not possess the necessary legal documents to do so.
According to the penal order, the driver violated multiple Swiss laws. These included the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act, which governs entry, residence, and employment for non-Swiss citizens, and the Road Traffic Act, which regulates vehicle operation.
Key Facts
- Driver's Nationality: Serbian
- Age: 35 years old at the time of the incident
- Route: Geneva to Prizren (Kosovo)
- Location of Detection: A1 highway entrance, Bern-Neufeld
- Controlling Authority: Bern Cantonal Police
Driver Swapped Places During Highway Entry
Authorities first noticed the coach on the A1 highway entrance at Bern-Neufeld. The Bern Cantonal Police then directed the vehicle to the Heavy Vehicle Competence Center in Ostermundigen for a detailed inspection. Before the police stop, the accused driver attempted to evade detection.
During the highway entry, he swapped seats with his colleague while the bus was still in motion. This maneuver caused a temporary distraction from the traffic situation, as stated in the penal order. This action highlighted a disregard for traffic safety protocols.
"Through this driver change, his attention was temporarily distracted from the traffic," the penal order stated, emphasizing the safety risk involved.
Multiple Legal Violations Uncovered
At the Heavy Vehicle Competence Center, officials identified several significant legal breaches. The driver did not have a valid visa for Switzerland. Furthermore, he lacked a residence permit and a work permit. This meant he had entered the country illegally and was residing and working without authorization.
Crucially, the driver was also operating a public transport vehicle without the required Category D driving license. This license is mandatory for driving large passenger vehicles like coaches. The penal order indicated that the man was aware he did not possess this essential qualification.
Legal Context
Swiss law strictly regulates who can drive commercial vehicles and who can work in the country. The Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (FNIA) outlines requirements for visas, residence permits, and work permits for non-Swiss citizens. The Road Traffic Act (RTA) sets standards for driving licenses and vehicle operation, ensuring public safety on Swiss roads.
Violations of these laws can lead to severe penalties, including fines, deportation, and imprisonment, depending on the severity and nature of the offense.
Financial Penalties Imposed by Prosecutor
The Bern public prosecutor's office imposed a substantial financial penalty on the driver for his multiple offenses. He received a total monetary fine of 2,160 Swiss francs. In addition to this, he must pay an extra penalty of 300 Swiss francs. The procedural fees for the case amounted to another 800 Swiss francs.
These fines reflect the seriousness of operating a commercial vehicle without proper licensing and legal status. The Swiss authorities maintain strict controls to ensure road safety and compliance with immigration and employment laws.
- Total Monetary Fine: 2,160 Swiss francs
- Additional Penalty: 300 Swiss francs
- Procedural Fees: 800 Swiss francs
- Grand Total: 3,260 Swiss francs
The case serves as a reminder of the strict regulations governing professional drivers and foreign workers in Switzerland. Authorities regularly conduct checks to ensure all individuals comply with national laws, protecting both public safety and the integrity of the country's legal framework.