France has over 4,700 speed cameras, with an increasing number of unmarked speed camera vehicles expected by 2025. By then, there will be 110 such vehicles operating, mainly to allow law enforcement to focus on other checks. These vehicles can capture speeding violations while in motion and have specific margins of error depending on the speed limits. They are typically unmarked, utilizing common car models and distinctive onboard technology, making them difficult for drivers to identify.
Speed Cameras: The Rise of Unmarked Vehicles on French Roads
As many are aware, France currently boasts over 4,700 active speed cameras scattered across its roadways. This network includes a variety of devices beyond the conventional fixed cameras, such as speed limit-specific discriminating cameras, section cameras, red light cameras, and mobile or onboard units.
Increased Presence of Speed Camera Vehicles in 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, while the quantity of fixed speed cameras may not see a significant surge, the deployment of speed camera vehicles is anticipated to grow substantially, as per recent announcements from road safety officials. Starting in the spring of 2025, these discreet vehicles, which can capture speeding violations without a visible flash, will be operational in three key regions of France:
Also check out: The updated speed camera map for 2024—where is the highest surveillance?
By 2025, France will have a total of 110 active speed camera vehicles. According to authorities, 50 of these will be operated by law enforcement personnel, while 60 will be managed by private companies authorized by the state. This initiative aims to “allow authorities to focus on drug and alcohol checks” by outsourcing this monitoring responsibility. Furthermore, these vehicles will be active seven days a week, including holidays, with an average patrol time of 6 hours daily.
It is essential to note that these speed camera vehicles can only monitor cars they pass (provided there is no central divider) and those overtaking them. Additionally, they must “drive at a speed suitable for the regular flow of traffic.” This means that they cannot flash while stationary.
Understanding the Margin of Error for Speed Camera Vehicles
Every speed camera is equipped with a technical margin of error that affects the recorded speeds. In essence, the speed captured will always be lower than the actual speed. This margin of tolerance varies based on the camera type and the speed limits imposed on the roads. For instance, a fixed camera on roads with speed limits under 100 km/h deducts 5 km/h from the recorded speed, favoring the driver. Therefore, on a road with a 90 km/h limit, you would be considered speeding at 96 km/h.
However, the situation is slightly different for speed camera vehicles. According to road safety guidelines, these vehicles have a technical margin of error of 10 km/h on roads with limits below 100 km/h. On highways, this margin expands to 10%. Hence, on a road with a 130 km/h limit, vehicles traveling at 146 km/h will be deemed speeding, while on an expressway, it would be 124 km/h or 61 km/h in urban settings.
How to Identify Speed Camera Vehicles
Speed camera vehicles are often unmarked and lack distinctive signage, making them notoriously hard to detect for most drivers. Furthermore, they are not included in popular navigation apps such as Waze. However, there is a collaborative platform, Radar-privé.fr, that tracks privatized speed camera vehicles (operated by state-authorized companies) across different departments.
As highlighted by the site, these vehicles frequently change departments, complicating efforts to track them consistently. Nonetheless, here are some strategies to help you recognize them on the road.
Common Vehicle Models
To maintain discretion, private operators typically avoid luxury vehicles like Aston Martins or Ferraris. Instead, they choose to equip their speed cameras in very common car models found on French roads. According to Radar-privé.fr, certain models frequently appear in their fleet:
Notable Onboard Equipment
While there may not be visible radar systems on the roof or flashing lights, speed camera vehicles can be identified by the technological equipment within. Typically, a large photo sensor is mounted on the central dashboard, flanked by two cameras on either side of the cabin.
At the rear, if the window isn’t tinted, you might notice a black square positioned on the upper part of the rear window. This section houses onboard cameras that analyze signs on opposing lanes and capture images of drivers coming from the opposite direction. Additionally, two sensors are usually affixed to the sides, in the area where the headrests of the rear seats are located.
License Plate Variations
Sometimes, the license plates on speed camera vehicles differ at the front. Generally, the characters tend to be narrower and rounded compared to standard plates used for private vehicles. Moreover, these plates are typically mounted on a reflective and retractable plastic holder to facilitate access to the radar concealed behind.