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Speed camera detector laws

Speed cameras may be the bane of many drivers’ lives, but they’re in place for a reason – to promote safer driving. Speed camera detector devices can also help you become more aware of how fast you’re travelling.

We explore speed camera rules and speed camera detector laws so you can monitor your driving habits safely.

Speed cameras may be the bane of many drivers’ lives, but they’re in place for a reason – to promote safer driving. Speed camera detector devices can also help you become more aware of how fast you’re travelling.

We explore speed camera rules and speed camera detector laws so you can monitor your driving habits safely.

Written by
Julie Daniels
Motor insurance comparison expert
Last Updated
12 SEPTEMBER 2023
8 min read
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What is a speed camera detector?

A speed camera detector is a device that can be mounted on the dashboard of your car. Also known as a speed trap detector, it’s designed to help you stay within the legal speed limits by alerting you to fixed and mobile speed cameras while you’re driving.

Mobile speed camera detectors are easily installed and moved between vehicles, and some detectors are available as smartphone apps. The most modern devices can also detect speed laser guns and traffic light cameras.

Used correctly, speed camera detectors can help you monitor your speed, tell you to slow down when you’re going too quickly and encourage safer driving habits overall.

However, some people argue that speed limit warning devices enable reckless drivers to get away with speeding, safe in the knowledge that they’ll be alerted before they get caught.

How do speed camera detectors work?

A speed camera detector works by:

  • Providing you with a speed camera warning
  • Warning you about accident blackspots and congestion zones
  • Reminding you of the legal speed limit.

Types of speed camera detector

There are a few different types of speed camera detector available:

  • GPS detector – uses a database that contains the locations of fixed speed cameras, accident blackspots and even schools. It will let you know if you’re approaching any of these using your GPS position and warn you of potential dangers.
  • Radar and laser detector – picks up on radar or laser transmissions from police speed-detection devices to warn you of their location.
  • Laser jammer – used to detect and block radar and laser signals from police speed cameras so they won’t be able to register a driver’s speed.

Are speed camera detectors legal in Europe?

Speed camera detectors for cars are illegal in most EU countries including France, Spain and Italy. You could end up with a heavy fine just for having one in your car.

France, in particular, is very strict about speed camera checkers. It’s illegal to have a speed camera detector in your car, even if you’re not using it. This includes your sat nav if it’s displaying fixed speed camera positions.

Penalties are high – you risk a fine of up to €1,500, having your vehicle seized and even getting your UK driving licence confiscated by French police.

GPS systems are allowed in some European countries though, including Spain. It’s important to check the specific rules for each country you’re travelling in to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law.

If you’re driving to Europe and have a speed camera detector, it may be a good idea to leave it at home, even if it’s legal to use in the UK. And make sure you turn off all fixed speed camera warning alerts on your sat nav. The law varies between countries, but in some, all speed camera detection technology is illegal.

Did you know?

Even if you do 31mph in a 30mph zone, you’re breaking the law. Although most drivers think they’ll get away with a 10% leeway, it’s up to the police to decide whether to penalise or not.

What are the speed camera laws in the UK?

Driving faster than the speed limit is an offence under section 89 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

To combat speeding drivers, speed cameras were introduced in the UK in the early 1990s and are now a permanent fixture on our roads.

Authorities operating fixed speed cameras are expected to follow these guidelines set out by the Department for Transport:

  • Speed camera housing must be yellow so the cameras can be seen easily.
  • The housing shouldn’t be obscured by trees, bushes or signs.
  • Speed cameras should be visible from 60 metres away in a zone of 40mph or less, or 100 metres for all other zones.
  • Camera sites should be reviewed every six months to make sure cameras are visible and properly signposted.

Be aware that if you’re caught by a camera that doesn’t meet these rules, you can’t use it as a defence for speeding.

Types of speed camera

Fixed speed cameras

Fixed speed cameras light up the car, number plate and the white lines painted on the road. They take two photos to compare the car’s position relative to the white lines, which show how quickly the distance between them was travelled.

There are two main types of fixed speed camera:

  • Gatso cameras are rear-facing so the flash won’t dazzle drivers and, ironically, cause an accident.
  • Truvelo cameras are forward-facing, with an infra-red flash that drivers can’t see. Unlike Gatso cameras, Truvelo cameras capture the person who is driving.

Average speed cameras

Average speed cameras like the SPECS camera, which was introduced in 1999, use a technology called Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to record the date and time you pass between two cameras. From this, the computer can work out your average speed.

Variable speed cameras

Similar to average speed cameras, variable speed cameras are normally found on motorways where the speed limit has been reduced in response to hazards or congestion. These cameras are typically not in constant use.

Traffic light cameras

Traffic light cameras detect when a car passes through a red light. They turn on when traffic lights switch to red and photograph any car which continues driving.

Mobile speed cameras

Mobile speed cameras can be mini-Gatso cameras, laser guns or handheld radar equipment, but they all perform the same purpose.

They’re designed to catch people speeding in areas where accidents have consistently happened over a period of three years or more.

They’re often run by local police forces and are situated in cars or vans parked off the road. These vehicles can be marked or unmarked.

Two-way speed cameras

A new type of speed camera was introduced in Devon and Cornwall in June 2023, with plans to roll it out across the UK.

Bi-directional digital cameras have been installed on roads notorious for accidents and speeding drivers. They’re mounted on a tall yellow pole with a camera facing in opposite directions so they can photograph motorists on both sides of the road.

How to monitor your speed

Thanks to car safety technology, it’s easy to monitor your speed without the need for a speed camera detector.

Dash cams

A dash cam is an in-car camera that records the road ahead during your journey. This footage can be used as video evidence if you have an accident or need to settle a car insurance claim. Many dash cams also include GPS, which can show your vehicle’s speed and alert you to fixed speed cameras in the area.

Sat navs

Many modern vehicles are now equipped with sat nav features via smartphone apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Android Auto uses Google Maps, which gives alerts for speed limits and fixed speed cameras.

Black box telematics

Telematics devices or apps are particularly useful for young drivers. The black box monitors how well you drive. If you drive safely, you may get a discount on your car insurance premium. Monitoring your driving habits can encourage you to stick to the speed limit and improve your general road awareness.

Speed limiters

A speed limiter, also called Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), is a safety feature that’s now mandatory on all new vehicles sold in the EU from July 2022. Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, most cars made in Europe are sold in this country too. So, if you buy a new vehicle, there’s a good chance it will have a speed limiter fitted.

Speed awareness

Although a speed camera detector could help you monitor your speeding, the best way to stay safe and avoid a fine and penalty points is to drive responsibly and be aware of your speed at all times.

Safe driving habits and no driving convictions to declare could also help keep your car insurance premiums down, as there’ll be less risk of you having an accident and making a claim.

Frequently asked questions

What is the law on making speed cameras visible to the public?

Although speed limits must be clearly marked and visible to be lawful, there’s no law officially stating that the position of a speed camera, whether fixed or mobile, should be marked by a sign that alerts motorists to its presence.

This is up to the discretion of the local police force, although it’s often considered best practice to avoid blindsiding drivers.

What happens if I get caught speeding by a speed camera?

If you’re found speeding 1-9mph over the speed limit, you’ll normally get a letter within 14 days informing you that you were caught speeding and of the intention to prosecute.

You’ll then receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). At this point you can choose to either accept the fine and three points on your licence or agree to go on a speed awareness course. If you dispute the penalty, you’re likely to have to go to court to argue your case.

If you were caught speeding 10mph or more over the speed limit, you could face more points on your licence or even a driving ban, plus a much larger fine.

Is it illegal to warn people about a mobile speed camera?

It’s an offence to warn others about the location of mobile speed cameras, either by flashing your lights to alert other drivers or posting about where they are on social media.

You could be found guilty of police obstruction, which carries a fine of up to £1,000 and a one-month jail term.

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