Driving aids and speed camera warnings: rules country by country

To safeguard

Written by Olivier Duquesne on 07/31/2023

Coyote and applications to warn of the presence of radar or “danger zones” are sometimes tolerated, or even banned altogether. Here is an overview of authorizations in Europe.

Coyote as well as the radar functions of GPS and navigation applications are not authorized everywhere in Europe. They are sometimes even completely prohibited with heavy fines and confiscation. Also be sure to deactivate the radar alert function in smartphone applications (Flitsmeister, Waze, etc.) in countries where the use of such a service is sanctioned. In this table, here is the authorization level country by country*.

Coyote offers the scout function in the following countries (those with the double asterisk ** nevertheless prohibit the use of the service): Germany**, Belgium, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, United Kingdom, Slovakia**, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland** and Czechia.

What to do in countries where it is prohibited?

• In the case of a specific box, it must be unplugged, deactivated and stored out of reach. Except in Switzerland where even transport is strictly prohibited ( see below ).
• For applications, simply uninstall them before crossing the border to reinstall them once you leave the country. Note that Waze automatically deactivates “police check” alerts at the border.
• As part of a GPS or navigation application, you must deactivate the Speed ​​Camera Alert function before crossing the border (in principle the software does this automatically).
• The systems integrated into the car’s navigation are in theory programmed to deactivate in countries where their use is prohibited. However, it is more prudent to turn off the “radar alert” function before crossing the border.

What to do for Switzerland?

Since even carrying a radar detector is prohibited (i.e. switched off in the glove compartment, in the trunk or even in a suitcase), it is strongly recommended not to take it with you in Swiss. Customs can search your vehicle and your smartphone. If she finds such a system, the fines are heavy (minimum 200 CHF, up to more than 600 CHF). Additionally, the device will be confiscated for destruction. With a smartphone, you must uninstall the application. For the case, the easiest thing is to leave it at home and not be distracted to avoid speeding. However, there are a few solutions for taking your device with you while traveling or passing through Switzerland: luggage storage and the post office. Here’s how to avoid problems in Switzerland with your Coyote or radar detector.

* This information has been collected with the greatest care, but is given for information purposes only. It is advisable to check with local authorities.