47 Vehicles in One Tunnel—and Immediate Consequences
On August 30, 2025, a British rider decided the best way through the Swiss Gotthard Tunnel—a vital link connecting northern and southern Europe—was by overtaking. And not just one or two cars: he overtook two trucks and a jaw-dropping 45 cars, all in a stretch notorious for its strict traffic rules. As soon as he exited the tunnel, police from Uri canton were waiting. The outcome? A lifetime driving ban in Switzerland, alongside a fine likely to total around €13,000 (roughly £11,000 or $14,000 USD at current rates). Not exactly the kind of souvenir most travelers expect from a trip through the Alps.
Why Are the Swiss So Strict in the Gotthard Tunnel?
So, what makes the Gotthard Tunnel different from other busy stretches of European road? Simply put: tragedy, and hard lessons learned. In October 2001, disaster struck when two lorries collided head-on inside the tunnel. The result was an inferno with temperatures soaring above 1,200 degrees Celsius—comparable to an erupting volcano. Eleven people lost their lives, and the tunnel was closed for months. Since then, Swiss authorities have operated a zero-tolerance policy: absolutely no overtaking allowed. None, zip, nada.
As the Swiss authorities emphasize, these penalties aren’t about raking in money: they’re about saving lives. In a sealed tunnel with no escape routes, even a single accident can set off a domino effect resulting in dozens of casualties.
Your Wallet—and License—on the Line
The size of the fine isn’t plucked out of thin air in Switzerland. Instead, it’s calculated based on the offender’s income—making sure everyone, no matter their pay grade, feels the sting. Each overtaking maneuver can bring a penalty of around €270. On top of the ban and fine, legal proceedings are now underway against the rider for reckless driving and possible ‘incapacity to drive safely’.
- Lifetime driving ban in Switzerland
- Estimated fine: €13,000 (£11,000 / $14,000 USD)
- Punishment calculated based on income
- Additional criminal case for dangerous behavior
And if you’re thinking these are just empty threats, think again. Each year, millions of Europeans use the Gotthard Tunnel as a gateway to Italy or southern France—turning it into one of the busiest (and riskiest) traffic arteries in Europe. This incident serves as a loud and clear caution for anyone planning a road trip: overtaking, or even tailgating, can cost you thousands of euros, your license—or worse.
Rules Born from Tragedy—And Here to Stay
Swiss authorities make no exceptions, and with the memory of the 2001 catastrophe still fresh, it’s hard to blame them. The Gotthard Tunnel is not only crucial for European traffic but also among the continent’s most dangerous stretches of road. Here, strict rules aren’t just red tape—they’re essential safeguards. So next time you’re tempted to overtake while winding through the Alps, remember: in Switzerland, the rules really are—for everyone’s safety—not negotiable.
