Am I allowed to use a speed-camera app while driving?
While driving, no. Under §23(1c) of the road traffic act, a driver may not operate or carry ready-to-use a device designed to warn of traffic enforcement — that expressly covers radar detectors and speed-camera apps. Breach: €75 and a point in Flensburg. The passenger's smartphone also may not have the app active if the driver benefits (hears or sees it). Installed but not used while driving is not punishable. A 2026 full ban was discussed but not enacted.
📋 The rules
- Operating speed-camera apps and radar detectors while driving is banned (§23(1c))
- Even carrying it ready to use (app open/active) is prohibited
- The passenger's phone may not have the app active if the driver benefits
- Installed but not used while driving is allowed
- Outside driving (e.g. route planning while stopped) the use is not covered
- Built-in radar warning devices may also not be installed/carried in the vehicle
🔓 Exceptions
- Pure navigation apps without a speed-camera warning function are allowed
- Having the app on your phone is fine as long as it is not active while driving
- General fixed-camera notices on road signs or radio are not banned "devices"
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Using a speed-camera app or radar detector while driving costs €75 and one point in Flensburg. On suspicion, the police may require you to delete the app or switch it off. The same applies if the driver receives the warnings via the passenger's phone.
📎 Official sources
- ACE · radar detectors & speed-camera apps →
- Bußgeldkatalog · speed-camera app →
- § 23 road traffic act · driver duties →
❓ Frequently asked
Is a speed-camera app banned in Germany?
While driving, yes. §23(1c) bans operating or carrying ready-to-use a device that warns of speed cameras. Breach: €75 and a point. Merely having the app installed, without using it while driving, is allowed.
Can my passenger use the speed-camera app?
No, if you as the driver benefit — i.e. you hear the warnings or see the screen. Then the offence applies just the same. If the passenger uses it purely for themselves without you noticing, the situation differs, but it is hard to separate in practice.
What does using it cost?
A €75 fine and one point in Flensburg. During a check the police can require you to close or delete the app. A general ban demanded by the upper house was not enacted in 2026.
Can I use the app while stopped?
Yes. The ban concerns driving the vehicle. Before setting off or while parked you may open the app — it just has to be deactivated while driving.
Are normal navigation apps affected?
No, pure navigation is allowed. Only the active speed-camera warning function is banned. Many navigation apps let you turn the camera warning off — then the use is unproblematic.
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