At a glance
What are the different types of speed cameras in Belgium and abroad? Is it allowed to use a detection system?
What are the different types of speed cameras you might encounter on the roads, and is it allowed to detect them?
In every country, the authorities use various means to check the speed of road users and to warn or fine them if they exceed the maximum permitted speed.
The primary goal of these checks is, of course, to reduce the number of road casualties.
What types of speed cameras are used?
Fixed cameras:
These are the most common cameras, both on our roads and abroad.
As they don't change location, their position is known and sometimes even listed on local authorities' websites. These cameras can calculate a vehicle's speed as it approaches or moves away from the camera and flash the vehicle if it's in breach.
Among fixed cameras, there are also cameras that can calculate the speed of vehicles on very busy roads, where several vehicles can be flashed simultaneously. The sophistication of these cameras allows them to distinguish between the speeds of the different vehicles visible in the photo.
Mobile cameras:
Cameras can be temporarily placed along the road for a one-off speed check. These checks are not always announced by the authorities and can be moved easily. Temporary cameras can also be used to measure the speed of vehicles along a roadworks site.
Unmarked/vehicle-mounted cameras:
These cameras are mounted in police vehicles (marked or unmarked). They are used either in the vehicles carrying out the checks, or outside them, and are not announced.
Police forces can also use a laser radar (radar gun).
There are also cameras mounted in police vehicles or unmarked vehicles that blend into traffic. These allow vehicles travelling in the same direction or coming the other way to be checked. You may therefore be checked by a vehicle following you or ahead of you without realising it.
Section cameras:
This type of camera is becoming increasingly common on motorways. It calculates a vehicle's average speed based on the time it takes to travel between the entry and exit of the section. These cameras are usually announced in advance.
Fixed traffic-light cameras:
These flash vehicles that run red lights. On the same principle, there are also cameras used to flash vehicles that run red lights at level crossings.
Preventive cameras/speed indicators:
These are the ones that show a vehicle's speed on a large sign (often with a green or red smiley face depending on the result). They serve only to inform drivers and raise their awareness of their speed.
Separately from all this, fake cameras can also be set up along roads to deter potential offenders.
It goes without saying that the systems used by the police must be approved and calibrated, and must comply with certain standards.
As a general rule, a margin of 5 km/h is subtracted from the speed recorded by the camera if the vehicle is travelling under 100 km/h. This margin is 5% when the vehicle's speed exceeds 100 km/h.
Are radar detectors allowed?
More and more GPS units or similar systems can locate speed cameras or the areas where they are installed. Radar detectors (i.e. systems that can spot cameras, or that even interfere with camera signals to disrupt them) are banned everywhere. If you have one installed in your car, besides having it confiscated, you risk a heavy fine or even having your licence withdrawn, even if the device is switched off.
What about radar warning apps?
As for warning or indication systems used in mobile navigation apps such as GPS units, the rules differ from country to country:
Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Norway and Sweden allow their use.
In France and Germany, these systems cannot indicate the exact location of a camera, but only an at-risk area where a speed check is possible. Most of the time, the GPS will automatically adjust to comply with this rule.
In Austria, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Turkey and Cyprus, it is forbidden to use any kind of radar warning system whatsoever. It is therefore recommended to disable any such app when driving in these countries.
"A driver forewarned is worth two...!"
Flashed for speeding? Read our article: "Traffic offences committed abroad"
