In Switzerland, the national rail system (SBB) operates on an "honor system" with no turnstiles, but ticket inspections are frequent and the penalties are severe. If you are caught without a valid ticket in 2026, you will be issued an immediate on-the-spot fine, known as a "surcharge." For a first-time offender, this fine is CHF 90 (plus the price of a standard ticket). If you are caught a second time, the fine increases to CHF 130, and a third offense costs CHF 160. Your personal details are recorded in a national database (Synserv) that is shared across all Swiss transport companies; these records remain for two years. If you provide false information or refuse to pay, the police may be called, and you could face criminal charges for "transportation fraud." It is important to note that "forgetting" to activate your digital ticket on the SBB app before the train leaves the station is treated the same as having no ticket at all. The only leniency shown is for those who have a valid personal pass but forgot it at home; in this case, you can present the pass at a ticket counter within 10 days and pay a reduced administrative fee of CHF 5.