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avoiding speed cameras in spain

The Apps You Need To Download On Your Mobile Phone To Avoid DGT Speed Cameras In Spain

Expat Tips

In today's fast-paced world of road travel, staying informed about traffic regulations, speed cameras, and radar control systems is essential for safe driving in Spain. The DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) now operates over 2,000 radar devices nationwide, including more than 1,300 mobile radars, around 800 fixed speed cameras, and 92 section-control systems.

To complicate matters further, many Autonomous Communities manage their own radar systems independently of the DGT, and town halls also maintain municipal radar controls on urban roads. With such a vast network of enforcement points, many drivers rely on radar apps and speed camera alert tools to help navigate Spain’s increasingly automated traffic environment.

Types of Speed Cameras Used in Spain

Fixed Speed Cameras

Fixed radars are permanently installed devices located on motorways, dual carriageways, and high-risk accident zones. Their locations are publicly listed by the DGT.

Mobile Speed Cameras

These are mounted on Civil Guard patrol cars or deployed on tripods. Mobile radars can operate in different sections each day, and their exact kilometre point is not public.

Section-Control Cameras (Punto a Punto)

These measure your average speed between two points, calculating your speed over a distance rather than at a single moment. Spain has nearly 100 of these installed nationwide.

Urban Radar Systems

Local councils often deploy municipal radars, photo-red traffic lights, and radar-equipped bollards on busy urban roads.

Radar Apps Commonly Used in Spain

Coyote

Coyote is one of the most popular radar-alert apps in Spain. It warns of DGT radars, mobile radar zones, traffic lights with cameras, and crowd-sourced hazards.

Radar Bot

Radar Bot provides extensive alerts, speed warnings, and voice notifications. A premium tier unlocks extra features.

Fixed and Mobile Radars App

This free app shows publicly listed fixed cameras and community-reported mobile radar zones.

Social Drive

Social Drive broadcasts user-reported radars, accidents, police checks, and traffic news across the country.

Waze and Google Maps

Waze integrates real-time radar reporting, road closures, and delays. Google Maps provides verified alerts for fixed speed cameras and radar zones.

How to Enable Radar Alerts in Google Maps

Step-by-step Activation

Open your profile icon in Google Maps, select settings, go to navigation preferences, and enable “security alerts” and “speed camera notifications”. This activates warnings when approaching fixed DGT cameras or section-control systems.

Legal Rules Around Radar Reporting in Spain

What Is Legal

Sharing the exact location of fixed speed cameras is legal. Their placement is publicly listed by the DGT.

What Is Illegal

Sharing the precise kilometre point of a mobile radar is a punishable offence. The Civil Guard may announce general areas, but citizens can be fined €200 for publishing precise locations.

Why These Rules Exist

Spain considers real-time mobile radar pinpointing to be interference with traffic enforcement. Apps comply by showing “mobile zone” areas rather than exact locations.

Autonomous Community Radar Differences

Regions such as Catalonia and the Basque Country have their own traffic authorities. Their radar systems are separate from the DGT and may follow slightly different publication practices. Municipalities also deploy photo-red lights and small-format urban radars, especially in Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, and Madrid.

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