Speed ​​camera warning apps are very popular with German drivers – despite the ban

Created: 07/09/2022, 14:42

By: Sebastian Oppenheimer

The use of radar detectors is prohibited in Germany.

But a survey now shows that many motorists in this country don't care.

Berlin – Experience has shown that tempers quickly boil over when it comes to speed cameras.

Sure, one or the other speed trap may be placed nasty - and sometimes speed cameras are wrong, as a case from France shows.

But in many places speed limits are important for the safety of all road users - especially in front of schools or kindergartens.

And speed cameras are certainly right there too.

Nevertheless, some contemporaries develop a downright hatred of speed traps: in North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, unknown persons recently poured gasoline on a speed camera and set it on fire, and a speed trap was even blown up on the A4.

And in order to avoid a ticket for speeding, many Germans don't take the law very seriously:

According to a survey, many Germans use radar detectors despite the ban.

(Iconic image) © Michael Gstettenbauer/Imago

Speed ​​camera warning apps are very popular with German drivers – despite the ban

According to the ADAC, any automated warning of speed measurement systems is prohibited in Germany.

You are not allowed to operate the corresponding technology (e.g. radar detectors) or carry them ready for operation.

And navigation systems that display speed cameras and speed camera warning apps on smartphones may not be used either.

According to the automobile club, violating the ban could result in a fine of 75 euros and a point in Flensburg.

On the other hand, general speed camera reports on the radio are permitted.

According to a survey, 49 percent of German drivers use radar detectors

But according to a survey commissioned by the IT industry association bitkom, 49 percent of German drivers use radar detectors despite the ban.

Around a quarter (27 percent) uses speed camera warning apps on their smartphones, 14 percent use a special radar warning device and 13 percent have speed cameras displayed by their navigation system.

Incidentally, in Germany there are clear regional differences when it comes to speeding violations.

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Only a quarter of speed camera detector users find their devices reliable

Interesting: Only around a quarter (26 percent) of those who use a radar detector also say that the warning works reliably.

Nevertheless, a third (36 percent) uses the speed camera detector on every journey.

Around half (46 percent) of those who use the relevant technology have already avoided traffic fines as a result.

However, you should think twice about taking your radar detector with you abroad: In many European countries at least, it is already forbidden to take it with you - and the penalties can be many times higher than in Germany.