A Swiss motorist has been fined $110,000 for driving too close to the car in front of him on the highway. That’s almost double the value of the BMW he was driving. Switzerland is notorious for its strict driving laws and staggering fines. It’s one of the few countries in the world where fines are calculated according to the taxable income of the offender to ensure they are felt by rich and poor alike. For example, a fixed $300 fine may bother someone earning minimum wage, but for a millionaire it’s pennies. In Switzerland, the wealthier you are, the more you pay, even for minor offenses. The 58-year-old attorney who was fined for tailgating knows that all too well. To add insult to injury, the plaintiff must now pay an additional $14,500 in court fees. He is currently contesting the fine.
