Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Red_Ferrari.jpgThe record-setting ticket was given to the driver of a red Ferrari Testarossa. Photo: SeeMonterey via Flickr.

It would be a red Ferrari, wouldn't it?

The Swiss courts just handed down the world's most expensive speeding ticket: 299,000 Swiss francs, or just under $290,000. According to the BBC, the motorist was barreling through a small village at 85 miles per hour: 35 mph over the speed limit. Because the Swiss, like many European countries, assess higher speeding penalties to those with a greater ability to pay and because he was a repeat offender, this millionaire had to part with a small fortune. In Switzerland, even the rich have a strong incentive to follow traffic laws.

Stateside, the fines for speeding are bit more lenient. Last August, an off-duty Ohio police officer was caught driving 147 mph down the highway and walked away with a $150 fine and a six-month suspension of his driver's license. For the rich, penalties for traffic crime amount to a pittance. Millionaire CEO Richard Anderson was driving at an estimated 60 mph on the streets of the Financial District when he struck and killed Florence Cioffi in January 2008. Despite refusing a Breathalyzer test and initially leaving the scene of the crash, Anderson was able to plea down to a 16-day jail sentence, 250 hours of community service, and a fine.

The amount? $350.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Staten Islanders May Sue Over ‘Risky’ Rushed Return of Cars in Park

A truly outrageous land grab by drivers and self-style "safety" advocates is playing out in Staten Island.

May 1, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Lander With a Transit Plan Edition

The Comptroller wanted to talk safe streets and better transit. Go on... Plus other news.

May 1, 2025

New $160M Davis Center Has No Bike Access For Harlem Riders

The Davis Center debacle is one of a string of anti-bike actions by the Parks Department since the spring season began, even as cycling grows each year.

May 1, 2025

‘Everyone’s Favorite New Yorker’: Norman Brown Leaves MTA Board After Two Decades

The labor leader and transit advocate retired after more than 20 years as a non-voting union representative on the MTA board.

May 1, 2025

ALERT: GOP Moves to ‘Permanently’ Cut Reconnecting Communities Funding

The House Transportation Committee wants to slash funding for one of America's most critical equity-focused grant programs — unless advocates speak out and get them to reverse course.

April 30, 2025
See all posts