Watch your indicators at roundabouts
Watch your indicators at roundabouts
"Mum-in-law was stopped by the police for failing to turn left on a roundabout! She was fined CHF 150, which she had to pay in cash on the spot when she was stopped. I'm really surprised. Is this really legal?
Hugo, Vaud
Public fines are governed by the Public Fines Act (LAO) and the Public Fines Ordinance (OAO). The LAO contains a general description of the types of behaviour that may be subject to a fine, while the OAO lists in detail all the offences for which a fine may be imposed. An orderly fine is in fact a simplified procedure that allows penalties of up to CHF 300 to be imposed without taking into account the offender's background or personal situation.
In Switzerland, under Article 41b of the Road Traffic Ordinance (RVO), it is compulsory to signal right when leaving a roundabout, but not left when entering one. However, when changing lanes within the roundabout, the driver must indicate this. Under the OAO, failure to indicate a change of direction is punishable by a fine of CHF 100.
Offenders who receive a fine may pay it immediately or within 30 days. Cash payment to a police officer is therefore possible against a receipt. It is, of course, possible to lodge an objection to a fine. In this case, the ordinary procedure is initiated.
In France, it is also compulsory to put on the indicator when exiting a roundabout, but it must also be put on the left if the driver intends to make more than one U-turn, which amounts to turning left in relation to the point of entry. Offenders can be fined up to €135, depending on the circumstances.
Under the French Highway Code, motorists caught committing an offence must pay the fine immediately, or risk having their vehicle immobilised or impounded, particularly if they do not live or work in France.
In all likelihood, your mother-in-law's misadventure took place on the other side of the border, where not only the procedure, but above all the regulations in force are different. Tribune readers who will be spending Christmas Eve in neighbouring France should remember this, so that the only yule log on the menu is the Christmas one! Happy festive season to you all.
