Helvetic Administration Nightmare (Part II)

Back to my plate story. Last Monday 29 I called again to know what the procedure is, which you better follow in Switzerland. I went first to my insurance company and got rather easily a specific document in which my car plate should not appear (since the Swiss authorities would not only give me new plates but also new NUMBERS). I then went proudly with that document to the "navigation" thing (in another town) and was already prepared to queue a bit, but then to get my new plates/numbers, which I would clip: case closed, move on! The reality turned out to be slightly different, sadly for me. After queueing for an hour or so, I gave all the required document as well as the front plate. When they asked me for my living permit. I then explained my case, that I had one (obviously actually, since without it I wouldn't have gotten the Swiss plates in the first place!), had just quit my job but still had not asked yet for a new one. Then the answer came as a bombshell, categoric: no plates for you, sir. In short, I live in Geneva perfectly legally (at least till Nov 31st, before which I need to ask for another permit), and I drive a car legally. But as soon as my plate is stolen: baby you can't drive your car.

All I had to do was going to another town, Onex, where the "Office Cantonal de la Population", OCP, is. Funnily enough, OCP became "Office de Contrôle de la Population" for the lady at the counter, which is even scarier to what it actually is (even though I must admit that's close to it). Back home after 2 1/2 hours. Still plateless. After several phone calls and lots ofcontradictory information, I finally got all the documents required to submit my living permit request. After getting there and queueing for 1 1/2 hour, I gave that guy all my documents and asked for a certification letter (25 CHF i.e. 16 EUR!). It was 5pm, perfect time to enjoy the traffic jam and go home.

On the next day, I went again to the "Service de la Navigation" with my expensive letter and hoping they would agree to give me my plates. No way. I asked for the permit, but they still don't know whether my request will be accepted. No plates. I insist politely, explained that I've lived and driven legally until this plate loss, that I submit my application within the 3 months, and that I DESPERATELY NEED THE PLATES TO GO TO WORK! My only fault is that someone had the funny idea to steal my plate. In a vibrating excess of zeal, the lady tells me she can only give me temporary plates. Sure, perfect, makes sense! After 1 1/2 day, I knew the story was close to its end, and my car close to its plates. Just one thing to do: "please call your insurance and tell them to fax me immediately a document for temporary plates". OK, no problem. I rushed to the first telephone, filled with excitement. To listen to this: "we don't do temporary plates". What? No way! Don't do this to me!!! Went back to the lady who was not surprised, and who suggested me to ... change my car insurance company (seriously).

Basically, it's hopeless. I just need to wait for the Helvetic Confederation to take a (positive) decision and give me this %@$%^# living/working permit. It should take 3-4 weeks. During which I should not use my car. And therefore not go to work. Because in Switzerland plates are not screwed. But I am, definitely. Let's see this positively: I decided to go for vacation till Nov 11th. God only knows what I'll do when I'm back!