Speed camera detection devices use radar or laser technology to alert drivers to traffic cameras. Some of these devices are legal in the UK, but their use is the subject of a long-standing debate in Parliament. In this guide, we'll look at what radar or laser speed camera detectors are, and if they're legal to use.
What is a speed camera detector?
Speed camera detectors use radar or laser technology to alert you to areas where speed traffic enforcement is in operation.
You can mount a Detector on your dashboard or install one through an app. They then alert you if there's a fixed or mobile speed camera ahead.
On one hand, these devices can promote safer driving habits and encourage drivers to stay within set speed limits.
However, there is an argument that some drivers take advantage of detectors to slow down when necessary to avoid being caught speeding.
Types of detectors
There are several types of detectors, they each use different types of technology, including:
GPS detector
Devices using GPS, for example, navigation apps, use your GPS to alert you about fixed or mobile speed cameras nearby. These apps can access a database of speed enforcement information via the internet. Drivers can also enter information manually from their own experiences.
Radar detector
Radar or laser detectors pick up transmissions from police speed equipment devices. When they pick up the transmission, the device should alert you to the speed camera's location.
Laser jammer
Dubious by their very nature, laser scrambling jammers effectively use signals to block police speed enforcement devices, including cameras. In turn it prevents these devices from registering your speed.
Are speed camera detectors legal in the UK?
Yes and no. It really does come down to each type of detector, and exactly what they're used for.
GPS detector
You usually find this type of technology in navigation apps. The GPS system pulls information from a database relating to fixed speed camera locations. This information is public, so these detectors are legal in the UK.
Radar detector
Radar and laser detectors use transmissions from speed detection equipment used by the police. There's some concern surrounding this method as they're banned in many EU countries, but for now, these detectors are legal.
Laser jammer
When it comes to the law, it's pretty simple when it comes to laser scrambling devices. They're illegal to use in the UK, doing so could result in a prosecution and further hefty fines.
What are speed camera detector laws in Europe
The rules and laws surrounding speed camera detectors around the continent are slightly more restrictive than the UK. In countries such as Germany and France, using any type of speed detector is illegal. In France, you could be prosecuted for having a device in your car, even if it's switched off!
Italy and Spain have laws more in line with the UK in that GPS speed camera detectors are legal to use. However, both of these countries prohibit the use of radar devices.
If you use a radar detector or laser jammer in any of these countries you'll be handed a fine if you're caught. In some, you might also face driving penalty points.
As mentioned, the law can vary depending on the country you visit. But, as a rule of thumb, it's probably wise to avoid taking a speed detector of any kind while driving around Europe. Many countries have a more stringent stance against the use of these devices compared to the UK.
Is it illegal to warn others about speed cameras?
Yes, according to the Crown Prosecution Service, you could be jailed for 1 month and handed a £1,000 fine for police obstruction.
The key to this is the police obstruction element, this can include flashing other cars with your headlights to warn drivers of oncoming speed cameras.
How do I know if a speed camera caught me?
You might be thinking, well if I see a flash, then I've been caught. But contrary to popular belief, that isn't always the case. A flash could indicate that another driver has been caught, or flashed their headlights.
Otherwise there's no way to be 100% certain that you've been caught speeding, unless a police vehicle has pulled you over for speeding. If you have been caught, you'll be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days.
How to monitor your speed
Some speed detector devices alert you to the speed you're travelling at, but there are many other ways to monitor your speed, including:
Speed limiters
Speed limiters are devices where a driver can set a maximum speed, if a vehicle reaches this speed, the limiter will prevent further acceleration. In July 2024, the EU and Northern Ireland adopted a ruling that requires all new cars to be fitted with a speed limiter.
Telematics car insurance policies
Typically a great way for young drivers to lower their car insurance premiums, a telematics policy monitors your driving habits. An example of this is a black box policy, it'll measure how fast you drive, how quickly you accelerate and how sharply you brake. You should be able to access this data from your insurer to inform your driving habits.
Phone apps
There are several apps that use a GPS speedometer to track your speed, distance and offer navigation services. Depending on which app you use, some work offline without an internet connection. If you have a telematics car insurance policy, you may also have a dedicated app.
Dash cams
Dash cams are generally fitted on your dashboard or rear view mirror and record your journeys. There are a vast amount of models on the market, but some offer GPS services and can record your speed. In addition, some alert you to any speed cameras in your proximity. Dash cams can provide you with beneficial footage if you're involved in an insurance claim.
Speed awareness
Ultimately, the best way to avoid any type of speeding punishment is to remain vigilant and aware of your driving habits. This doesn't mean you have to continually check your speedometer every 5 seconds! But it's important to ensure you're not speeding, adjusting your driving approach to the environment you're in.
Some of the common reasons for speeding include speed limit ignorance and distractions. So, staying alert is half the battle in staying on the right side of the law.
Making a conscious effort to improve your driving habits can make it worth your while. Responsible drivers pose less of a risk to insurers, key to this is building your no claims discount. In turn, this can help reduce your car insurance costs over time, and who wouldn't want that?
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