Message to drivers who use speed camera detectors on sat-navs

Millions of motorists use technology which alerts them to speed cameras

11:05, 25 Jun 2025

It's illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any handheld device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle, the RAC has warned.

There are no laws against speed camera detectors.

Millions of drivers use sat-navs while they are driving, either built in to car sat-navs or hooked up to their phones, which alert them to speed cameras on motorways and busy roads.

But many motorists may wonder if there are any laws against using these devices which allow those who break speed limits to slow down before reaching cameras, and avoid fines.

Police chiefs are likely to take a dim view of this technology, which could assist dangerous drivers in speeding along motorways and other busy roads.

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Many drivers use route planning apps or set up journey directions on Google Maps which will alert them to speed cameras.

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And people may question why these devices are allowed to alert drivers to locations of cameras.

Devices with speed camera detectors are banned in parts of Europe - but there are currently no laws against them in the UK.

Motoring organisation the RAC explained: "There are no laws banning speed camera detectors in the UK, although they are illegal (even as a built-in feature of your sat-nav) in many countries in Europe.

"Speed camera detectors let users know where speed cameras can be found as they travel.

"They tend to come in two forms; devices designed to sit on dashboards, or through route planning apps on smartphones.

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"The detectors use GPS technology to manually update speed camera locations through their own experience, or by downloading online data."

While speed camera detectors aren't illegal, the RAC warned: "Jammers that 'block' the signal from police speed cameras are against the law in the UK and many other countries, and using one could see you slapped with massive fines."

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References

^ State pensioners sent new triple lock update (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
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