Speed camera apps: legal or not?
Speed camera apps are undoubtedly practical. In this article we show you whether they are legal.
Speed camera apps are a legal gray area
Section 23 (1) of the road traffic regulations prohibits devices that warn of speed cameras. The exact wording of the StVO reads: "The driver of a motor vehicle is prohibited from operating or carrying along a technical device that is intended to indicate or disrupt traffic monitoring measures."
- Experts argue whether the installed speed camera app automatically turns a smartphone into a technical device with this provision. Strictly speaking, opponents of the ban argue that it is still a mobile phone, albeit with an additional function.
- Nevertheless, if you are caught with a speed camera app, you face a fine of 75 euros and up to 4 points in Flensburg.
- The practical implementation is difficult, however, because police officers are not allowed to search or confiscate your cell phone without further ado.
- Nothing can be blamed for you as the driver if only your co-driver uses a speed camera app like Blitzer.de.
You should be particularly careful with speed camera apps abroad. Countries such as Switzerland, the Netherlands or the Czech Republic punish speed camera apps with fines between 200 and 7, 800 euros. In Sweden and Serbia, this can even go to prison.