How to know when fixed speed cameras in Spain are switched on

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Handy tips for spotting speed radars along your route in Spain

How to know when fixed speed cameras in Spain are switched on

As part of its safety plan for 2024, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) aims to install approximately 100 additional speed radars along Spanish roads, many of which will consist of section cameras.

Capable of tracking a vehicle’s average speeds throughout specific stretches of road, these devices typically have cameras and activation units at the start and endpoints. They’re usually found near information panels or in fixed boxes, so they’re not all that hard to spot.

To help drivers identify these camouflaged radars, here are a couple of helpful tips.

Recognising radars behind panels

To spot potential speed cameras hidden behind informational screens that are commonly seen on the sides of roads, focus your attention on the supporting pillars. If they are equipped with a ladder attached to the sides, odds are a radar is housed nearby. By casually glancing around, you could avoid costly penalties.

Is it possible to tell when a fixed radar is activated?

Determining whether a fixed radar is activated is quite simple. Take a close look at the speedometer box (it’s safer to ask your passenger to do this) and it should be quite clear which ones have radars inside.

As it happens, one in three boxes is usually empty, since there are a limited number of controller devices available across Spain.

What is the margin of error in fixed radars?

These speedometers do not trigger until there is a clear excess of speed. Therefore, the DGT has explained that they follow the rule of '5 and 7', that is, when the maximum speed is less than 100 kilometres per hour, the device will not be activated until it is exceeded by more than 5 kilometres per hour.

On the other hand, when the maximum speed on the road is more than 100 km/h, the radar will impose a penalty when the speed is exceeded by 7%, so on motorways limited to 120 km/h, drivers can get up to 128.4 km/h before they’re fined.

Although alternative radars like mobile or Pegasus models might differ, the minimum threshold will never be less than 3%.

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Image: Freepik

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