From YouTube to jail

Between April and September 2007, a learner driver committed several traffic violations on a motorcycle, which he filmed and posted online. Aged 18 and residing on the Vaud Riviera, he was identified, arrested on September 11, and then brought before the investigating judge.

During a preliminary investigation, police discovered videos online depicting various traffic violations committed by a motorcyclist. They identified the offending driver and informed the investigating judge for the eastern canton of Vaud, who issued an arrest warrant and ordered a search. Computer equipment and a digital camera were seized from his home, providing evidence to incriminate him.

Among the offenses committed: in various locations in the canton, he exceeded the speed limit, for example, driving at 150 km/h on a road limited to 80 km/h; he crossed white lines, and drove on pre-selected lanes reserved for oncoming traffic. The footage also shows him letting go of the handlebars of his motorcycle at a speed of over 140 km/h. In unknown circumstances, he even lost control of his machine and fell onto the road, without being injured.

The images were taken using a camera or still camera operated by a passenger, attached to the driver's helmet or to another motorcycle.

The young apprentice will be convicted of a serious violation of traffic regulations. Furthermore, his learner's permit was immediately revoked.