‘King of Switzerland’ Wins Partial Victory in Armoured Vehicle Case
Self-proclaimed “King of Switzerland,” Jonas Lauwiner, has secured a partial legal victory in a dispute over his armoured vehicle in Switzerland.
The Bern Administrative Court ruled that authorities must reassess their decision to revoke the licence and number plates of Lauwiner’s vehicle. The court found that the withdrawal was ordered without a sufficiently detailed evaluation of roadworthiness and operational safety.
The ruling partially overturned a previous decision by the cantonal safety directorate. Judges stated that officials should have conducted a comprehensive technical review before taking action.
This decision means the case is not fully resolved, but it strengthens Lauwiner’s legal position. The case revolves around a decommissioned BRDM-2, which Lauwiner imported from Germany.
- Initially registered in the canton of Zug
- Later moved to the canton of Bern
- Licence revoked due to safety concerns
Authorities cited issues such as sharp edges and potential risks to road users. Lauwiner argued that the vehicle had already passed inspections and met Swiss legal standards when it was first registered. He claimed that Bern authorities relied on assumptions rather than verified technical assessments. The Road Traffic Office must now re-evaluate the case based on proper safety analysis. The final outcome will depend on whether the vehicle meets all regulatory requirements.