When driving abroad, speed cameras and the laws surrounding speed camera detectors vary significantly from country to country. In some countries, possession of a speed camera detector is illegal regardless of whether it is switched on. This guide covers the rules for the most commonly visited countries by UK motorists. Always verify the current local laws before travelling as regulations can change.
In the UK, speed camera detectors are 100% legal to own and use. This is not the case in many other countries. If in doubt, disable or remove any detection device before crossing into another country.
Driving in France
Are speed camera detectors legal in France?
No. Speed camera detectors are illegal in France. This includes GPS-based devices, sat navs, and smartphone apps that display the locations of fixed speed cameras. The law applies whether or not the device is in use - mere possession in the vehicle is sufficient to attract a fine. Your vehicle may also be confiscated and the device seized.
Devices that warn of high risk zones in general terms, rather than pinpointing the exact location of a speed camera, are permitted under French law. Some GPS speed camera detectors can be configured to display only high risk zone warnings when used in France - check your device's settings before travelling.
Jamming speed cameras is also illegal in France. Speed limits are strictly enforced and average speed cameras are widely used on autoroutes.
Driving in Spain
Are speed camera detectors legal in Spain?
Speed camera detectors are illegal in Spain. GPS devices, sat navs, and apps that display the locations of fixed speed cameras are prohibited. Devices that provide general warnings of speed camera zones rather than specific locations may be permitted, but the law is strictly applied and devices are liable to confiscation.
Spain uses a wide variety of fixed and mobile speed cameras, and average speed enforcement sections are increasingly common on major roads. Speed limits are rigorously enforced, particularly on motorways.
Driving in Italy
Are speed camera detectors legal in Italy?
Speed camera detectors are illegal in Italy. Devices that display speed camera locations are also prohibited. Fines can be issued for possession of such devices and they are liable to confiscation. This applies to dedicated speed camera detector units as well as sat navs and smartphone apps configured to show camera locations.
Italy uses both fixed point cameras and tutor average speed cameras, particularly on motorways (autostrade). Average speed sections are common and strictly enforced.
Driving in Germany
Are speed camera detectors legal in Germany?
Speed camera detectors are illegal in Germany. Sat navs and apps that display fixed speed camera locations are also prohibited, even if the speed camera warning feature is disabled. Fines can be issued for possession of such devices. Germany has no national motorway speed limit on many autobahn sections, but fixed speed cameras are used on urban and rural roads and at roadworks.
Note that Germany's autobahn network does include sections with mandatory speed limits, particularly near urban areas, roadworks, and accident-prone stretches. Fixed cameras enforce these limits.
Driving in the United States
Are speed camera detectors legal in the USA?
The United States does not have a single national law governing speed camera detectors - regulations are set at state level. Radar detectors are legal for private vehicles in most states, but are prohibited in Virginia and Washington DC, and in all commercial vehicles nationwide. Laser detectors are legal in most states. GPS-based speed camera databases and smartphone apps are generally permitted.
Speed cameras are less widely used in the USA than in the UK and Europe. Fixed point cameras are found in some states, and red light cameras are common at junctions in many cities. Mobile speed enforcement by police officers using handheld radar and laser guns is the most common form of enforcement.
Always check the specific laws of each state you intend to drive through before travelling, as regulations vary and can change.
For information on speed camera types used on UK roads, see our speed camera types guide. For frequently asked questions about UK speed cameras, see our Speed Camera FAQs page.
Disclaimer: The information on this page represents our understanding of the laws in each country at the time of writing. Laws change and we cannot guarantee accuracy. Always verify the current local regulations before travelling abroad with any speed camera detection device. SpeedCamerasUK.com accepts no liability for any fines or penalties incurred while driving abroad.
