Whether a speed camera app is legal depends on the country. Spain and the United Kingdom allow tools that only give information about camera locations, Germany prohibits drivers from using the function, and Switzerland bans warnings outright. In many other countries the law covers devices and does not name phone apps, so check the rules where you drive.
| Country | Position on warning apps |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Information-only tools are lawful; jammers are not |
| Spain | Warning mechanisms are excluded from the ban on detectors |
| Netherlands | Permitted according to ADAC; radar receivers are banned |
| Austria | Not settled by statute; an ÖAMTC expert says apps are allowed |
| Belgium | No specific rule found; detection devices are banned |
| United States | No specific rule found; radar detectors restricted in places |
| Canada | Unclear in Ontario; no specific rule found elsewhere |
| Australia | No specific rule found; detectors are banned |
| South Africa | No specific rule found; detectors are banned |
| Brazil | No specific rule found; anti-radar devices are banned |
| Mexico | No specific rule found; detectors are banned in Mexico City |
| United Arab Emirates | No rule found that bans them; radar detectors are prohibited |
| Saudi Arabia | No clear published rule found |
| Qatar | No specific rule found |
| Kuwait | No specific rule found |
| Oman | No specific rule found |
| France | Only danger zones; location warnings are prohibited |
| Italy | Devices that signal speed equipment are prohibited; apps unclear |
| Poland | Devices that inform of measuring equipment are prohibited; apps unclear |
| Turkey | Devices that warn of speed equipment are prohibited; apps unclear |
| Bahrain | Devices that warn of speed-measuring locations are prohibited; apps unclear |
| Germany | The driver may not use the warning function |
| Switzerland | Prohibited; Ghost gives no warnings here |
What is the difference between an app and a radar detector?
A radar detector senses police measuring equipment. An app that warns about known camera locations compares your GPS position with a list of places. Many countries ban the first and say nothing about the second, but some laws are written widely enough to cover any device that warns of speed cameras.
Where is it prohibited or restricted?
In Switzerland, Art. 98a of the Road Traffic Act makes warning of traffic controls an offence, and Ghost gives no warnings inside the country. In Germany, § 23 Abs. 1c StVO prohibits the person driving from using the warning function. In France, Article R413-15 of the Code de la route prohibits products that warn of the location of speed cameras, so warnings are limited to danger zones.
Where is the law unclear?
Italy, Poland, Turkey and Bahrain prohibit devices that warn of speed measuring equipment, and none of these laws names phone apps. Section 79 of Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act prohibits speed measuring warning devices and does not mention apps either. We found no ruling that settles the point in any of these places.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is our reading of published rules on 30 October 2026, and rules change. Each country guide names the law it relies on.
