If you have received a letter or a call from the police, this usually relates to a refuelling that was not or only partially paid.
This article explains why you were contacted and what steps you can now take.
⚠️ Reasons for receiving a report
There are two main reasons why we have to file a report with the police in such cases:
🔒 1. Blocked owner data
As the vehicle owner, you have registered a data disclosure block with the road traffic office.
In some cantons (e.g. Vaud), no owner information may be passed on to third parties for data protection reasons.
➡️ This means:
We cannot send you an invoice or reminder directly.
After the payment deadline has expired, we have no choice but to file a report with the police.
The police will then investigate the driver or owner data to officially clarify the matter.
💰 2. Non-payment of the refuelling amount
The most common reason for a report is that the refuelling was not paid.
This can have various causes – from a technical problem at the pump to a misunderstanding or a forgotten payment.
➡️ This means:
The incident was recorded by the petrol station operator.
After unsuccessful invoicing or reminder, the case was forwarded to the police.
The police will contact you to review the matter and obtain your statement.
💡 Important:
Even if it is an oversight, the case is legally considered a non-payment of a provided service.
However, a prompt response can help avoid unnecessary proceedings and costs.
🕊️ Is it possible to withdraw the report?
In certain cases, a withdrawal of the report is possible – provided the deadline at the police or public prosecutor’s office has not yet expired.
📋 Important notes:
A withdrawal is only permitted before a penal order is issued.
Once you have received a penal order, the procedure is no longer within our responsibility.
Depending on the case, processing or administrative fees may be incurred upon withdrawal.
➡️ Procedure:
Contact us immediately as soon as you receive the police letter.
Provide us with your license plate number and the date of the refuelling.
We will check whether a withdrawal is still possible and inform you about the next steps.
💡 Recommendation:
A prompt response is beneficial – often the case can still be settled out of court by subsequent payment.
🚫 Already received penal order
Once you have received a penal order from the competent authority, a withdrawal of the report is no longer possible.
In this case, the procedure is already concluded or is in the judicial phase.
➡️ In this case, you can only check directly with the competent authority whether you wish to file legal remedies (e.g. objection).
🧭 Overview of possible steps
| Situation | Measure | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| 🔒 Blocked owner data | Report via the police required | Respond immediately upon contact to initiate clarification |
| 💰 Unpaid refuelling | Report after unsuccessful payment | Make contact and settle payment |
| 🕊️ Before issuance of a penal order | Withdrawal of report possible | Contact Beppo immediately |
| ⚖️ Penal order already issued | No withdrawal possible | Check legal remedies according to instructions |
💡 How to avoid similar cases in the future
Check after each refuelling whether the payment was successfully completed.
Keep receipts or transaction proofs – especially for card payments or technical malfunctions.
- Report technical problems or misunderstandings to the petrol station staff immediately.
Settle outstanding amounts promptly as soon as you are informed.
Respond quickly to letters or calls to avoid unnecessary proceedings.
📝 Summary:
Contact by the police usually means that you refuelled but did not (fully) pay.
The most common causes are blocked owner data or outstanding payments.
A withdrawal of the report is possible as long as no penal order has been issued.
Please contact us immediately in any case so that we can check whether the case can be settled out of court by subsequent payment or withdrawal.