Geneva's parking enforcement is strict. Wardens (agents de stationnement) patrol the city regularly. Understanding fine amounts and how to pay them quickly will save you time and stress.
Geneva Parking Fine Amounts
| Violation | Fine Amount |
|---|---|
| Exceeded time limit (white zone) | CHF 40 |
| Exceeded time limit (blue zone) | CHF 40 |
| No parking disc displayed | CHF 40 |
| Parking on yellow lines | CHF 60 |
| Blocking a fire hydrant | CHF 120 |
| Blocking a disabled parking bay | CHF 120 |
| Parking on a bus stop / tram stop | CHF 120 |
| Parking on a pedestrian crossing | CHF 120 |
| Vehicle towed | CHF 200-300+ (towing + storage) |
How to Pay a Parking Fine in Geneva
Parking fines in Geneva are issued as "amendes" (fixed penalties). You will find a pink slip on your windscreen. To pay:
- Online: Go to the Canton of Geneva e-payment portal (vd.ch/amendes or ge.ch/amendes) and enter the reference number on your fine slip.
- Bank transfer: Use the BVR/QR payment slip on the fine notice. Pay via e-banking or at a Swiss Post office.
- Cash at Post Office: Bring the original fine notice to any Swiss Post office and pay in cash or by card.
Pay within 30 days. Unpaid fines escalate and can become criminal offences after multiple reminders.
Can You Appeal a Parking Fine in Geneva?
Yes, but grounds for appeal are limited. You can appeal if: the sign was not visible or was missing, there was a genuine emergency (you have proof such as a medical document), or there was a technical fault with the parking meter and you have evidence of attempting to pay.
To appeal, write to the Service des Contraventions de la Ville de Genève within 10 days of the fine. Include your reference number and clear evidence supporting your appeal. Appeals based purely on "I did not realise" are almost never successful.