A man who took an e-foil out on Lake Geneva has had his fine upheld by the Federal Court after arguing the law did not ban them.
E-foils are small surfboards equipped with a hydrofoil and driven by an electric motor.
The man was stopped by police in April 2020 and fined CHF 300.
He fought the decision, through several different courts, before ending up at the highest in the land.
He argued there is no specific law banning the devices. But judges disagreed. They pointed out the regulations outlaw small leisure devices with a motor – which is why there are no jet-skis on the lake.
He also claimed French rules did allow them. But judges said that had no impact on the Swiss part of the lake, where the man was.
He will have to pay the original fine of CHF 300 – but now with CHF 3,000 court costs.
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