In 2020, around 3,800,000 fines were issued in Spain, two-thirds of them for speeding offences. And although on the roads controlled by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) there are more than 750 fixed devices and 545 mobile devices, speed cameras are one of the most feared elements by many drivers.
That is why, from Ralarsa, automobile glass workshop, we aim to clear up doubts about speed cameras, explaining to motorists the differences between a detector, a warning device, and a speed camera jammer. Remember that among our services you will find windscreen replacement, at-home glass repair, and approved tinted windows. Visit Ralarsa and choose excellent care for your car!
Radar detector
As its very name suggests, these are devices that detect the presence of speed cameras at a distance that depends on the performance of the device itself. These devices are designed to identify the presence of the DGT’s speed cameras by scanning the electromagnetic spectrum they use. They are placed inside the vehicle and can be portable or hidden. The alert signal is an audible warning when the camera is near.
Radar detectors are prohibited by the Dirección General de Tráfico. So, if a car with such a device is detected, the driver will be fined €200 and lose three points from their driving licence. It is also an offence to have a detector on board even if it is switched off.
Radar jammer
In addition to detecting the presence of a speed camera a certain number of kilometres away, a jammer can interfere with its operation by emitting a frequency that prevents it from working for a few seconds. For this reason, radar jammers are much more heavily penalised.
If an officer finds a radar jammer inside a car, the driver will automatically be fined up to €6,000 and lose six points from their licence. Likewise, any automobile glass workshop that installs such devices may face a fine of up to €30,000.
Radar warning device
In this case, its use is permitted for drivers. These are devices that notify the driver of the exact location of every radar, whether fixed or mobile. In the case of the latter, the approximate location is provided.
Radar warning devices are completely legal due to the fact that they are based on the Dirección General de Tráfico’s database. They may be applications installed on a mobile phone, such as sat nav systems, which alert the driver to the proximity of a speed camera as well as the speed limit not to be exceeded. However, speed cameras should not be underestimated, since so-called “cascade” speed cameras are sometimes strategically placed to detect vehicles that brake and speed up to pass the camera. In fact, the DGT will have 26 of these cameras in 2022 — 10 fixed and 16 section control cameras.
Approved tinted windows at Ralarsa
As an automobile glass workshop, by visiting our website you can find various services to keep your car in perfect condition at all times and extend its useful life. For example, windscreen replacement in case of a broken window, or at-home glass repair if it is impossible to travel to one of the Ralarsa centres located across the entire territory.
If you want to learn more interesting facts like this, visit our blog to learn more about proper driving, or book an appointment at your nearest Ralarsa automobile glass workshop to have your vehicle undergo top-quality services such as approved tinted windows, windscreen replacement, or at-home glass repair. We look forward to seeing you at Ralarsa!
