Fined $7,390 for buying pink water pistols online: “they could be confused for real firearms due to their appearance”
A Swiss politician got a hefty fine for buying water pistols online. Authorities said they could be confused with real weapons even though they are pink.
Water fights are just one of many fun summer activities that kids love to partake in. While squirt guns have improved greatly over the years, simple ones will suffice. However, if you’re planning on traveling to Switzerland or send a gift to someone you know there, beware of their weapons laws lest you want to incur a steep fine.
That’s what happened to a Swiss politician who wanted to buy some pink water pistols for his godchildren. Marc Jaisli, who is a member of the local council in Buchs near Zurich ordered the toys through Temu, an ultra-low-cost retailer, in August reports the Aargauer Zeitung newspaper.
However, that purchase ran a foul of the Alpine nation’s gun laws. Even though they were imitations, and pink is not the typical color of a firearm, prosecutors said, “they could be confused for real firearms due to their appearance.”
Jaisli got slapped with 6,500 francs ($7,390) fine even though he was unaware that he had violated any laws. However, he did not contest the decision and paid the fine reported the outlet.
As for in the United States, since 1992, it’s been illegal to manufacture, sell or ship toy guns unless they come in bright colors or have an orange tip. The idea is so that they aren’t mistaken for real guns. However, with the advent of 3D printing the ability to distinguish may once again become a problem.
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