Can I use a radar warning device or detector?
The warner yes; the detector and jammer, no. Three devices must be told apart. Warners (a GPS or app reporting the location of signed fixed cameras or risk zones) are legal and can be used. Radar detectors (which detect the signal a camera emits to locate it) are banned: using or merely holding one is fined EUR 200 and 3 points. And jammers (which block or cancel the camera's signal) are a very serious offence: up to EUR 6,000 and 6 points. In short: warning of a fixed camera is legal; detecting or blocking a camera is not.
📋 The rules
- Warners (GPS/apps for fixed cameras and zones): allowed
- Detectors: banned — EUR 200 and 3 points
- Jammers (block the signal): very serious — up to EUR 6,000 and 6 points
- Merely holding a detector is already sanctionable
- Fixed cameras are usually signposted
🔓 Exceptions
- Apps and navigators warning of fixed cameras or risk stretches are legal
- The detector need not be switched on to be sanctioned
- Handling the phone to check the warner does breach the phone-use rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Carrying or using a radar detector brings EUR 200 and 3 points, even switched off. A frequency jammer is a very serious offence: up to EUR 6,000 and 6 points, with confiscation. Warners of fixed cameras, by contrast, aren't sanctioned. That said, handling the phone with your hand to check any app while driving is another offence (phone use at the wheel).
📎 Official sources
- DGT · Radar detectors and jammers →
- BOE · Traffic, Circulation and Road Safety Law →
- Administración · Radar detection devices →
❓ Frequently asked
Is a radar warner legal?
Yes. Warners that report the location of signed fixed cameras or risk zones (like a GPS or app) are legal in Spain. What's banned is detecting or blocking the camera's signal.
What's the difference between a warner and a detector?
The warner reports the position of known fixed cameras or dangerous stretches, and is legal. The detector picks up the signal a camera emits to locate it in real time, and is banned: EUR 200 and 3 points.
What's the fine for a radar detector?
EUR 200 and 3 points, even if the device is off: merely holding it is sanctionable. So it's best not to carry detectors in the vehicle.
And radar jammers?
They're a very serious offence: up to EUR 6,000 and 6 points lost, plus confiscation of the device. A jammer blocks the camera's signal to stop the measurement, which is severely sanctioned.
Can I use the phone as a warner?
You can use a legal warner app, but not handle the phone with your hand while driving. It must be on a mount and operated by voice; touching it costs EUR 200 and 6 points for phone use.
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