Can I use a radar detector?
No for a radar detector, yes for a driver-assistance app. Article R413-15 of the Highway Code bans holding, carrying or using any device meant to detect a speed camera or precisely locate checks, or to jam their signals. However, driver-assistance apps (GPS-type) stay allowed as long as they only flag "danger zones" without giving the exact position of cameras — a framework set by decree. The nuance matters: Waze or a "danger zones" GPS are legal; a radar detector is not.
📋 The rules
- Radar detector / warning device: banned (holding, carrying, use)
- Radar signal jammer: banned
- Driver-assistance app flagging "danger zones": allowed
- Banning the precise location of a check
- A plain "danger zones" GPS stays legal
🔓 Exceptions
- Apps flagging danger zones (without exact camera position): allowed
- During checks with interception, these apps may have to hide the flag
- Official signs and warnings aren't affected
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Holding or using a radar detector is punished by a fine of up to €1,500 (up to €3,000 on a repeat offence), 6 points lost, a possible licence suspension up to 3 years and confiscation of the device (and even the vehicle in some cases). The device need not be switched on: its mere presence in the vehicle is enough to establish the offence.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Radar detectors and warning devices →
- Road safety · Radar warning devices →
- Légifrance · Article R413-15 of the Highway Code →
❓ Frequently asked
Are radar detectors legal?
No. Holding, carrying or using a radar detector or warning device is banned by article R413-15 of the Highway Code, even if it's switched off. The penalty is heavy: €1,500 and 6 points.
Is Waze allowed?
Yes. Driver-assistance apps like Waze stay allowed as long as they flag "danger zones" without giving the precise position of cameras. That imprecision is what separates a legal GPS from a banned detector.
What's the penalty for a radar detector?
Up to €1,500 (€3,000 repeat), 6 points lost, a licence suspension of up to 3 years and confiscation of the device. In some cases the vehicle itself can be confiscated.
Does the device have to be working?
No. Simply having a radar detector in the vehicle is enough to constitute the offence, even off or not installed. Better not to own one at all.
And a radar jammer?
That's also banned, and even more serious. Jamming a camera's signal blocks a lawful check and exposes you to the same heavy penalties, even further prosecution. These devices are entirely illegal.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “radar detector banned fine”
- “waze legal radar”
- “radar detector 1500 euros points”
- “driver assistance danger zone”
- “radar detector confiscation”
- “radar detector law r413-15”