In today's fast-paced world of road travel, staying informed about traffic regulations, speed cameras, and radar control systems is essential for safe driving in Spain. The DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) now operates over 2,000 radar devices nationwide, including more than 1,300 mobile radars, around 800 fixed speed cameras, and 92 section-control systems.
Living in Spain Licence and road rules
The Apps You Need To Download On Your Mobile Phone To Avoid DGT Speed Cameras In Spain
To complicate matters further, many Autonomous Communities manage their own radar systems independently of the DGT, and town halls also maintain municipal radar controls on urban roads. With such a vast network of enforcement points, many drivers rely on radar apps and speed camera alert tools to help navigate Spain’s increasingly automated traffic environment.
Types of Speed Cameras Used in Spain
Fixed Speed Cameras
Fixed radars are permanently installed devices located on motorways, dual carriageways, and high-risk accident zones. Their locations are publicly listed by the DGT.
Mobile Speed Cameras
These are mounted on Civil Guard patrol cars or deployed on tripods. Mobile radars can operate in different sections each day, and their exact kilometre point is not public.
Section-Control Cameras (Punto a Punto)
These measure your average speed between two points, calculating your speed over a distance rather than at a single moment. Spain has nearly 100 of these installed nationwide.
Urban Radar Systems
Local councils often deploy municipal radars, photo-red traffic lights, and radar-equipped bollards on busy urban roads.
Radar Apps Commonly Used in Spain
Coyote
Coyote is one of the most popular radar-alert apps in Spain. It warns of DGT radars, mobile radar zones, traffic lights with cameras, and crowd-sourced hazards.
Radar Bot
Radar Bot provides extensive alerts, speed warnings, and voice notifications. A premium tier unlocks extra features.
Fixed and Mobile Radars App
This free app shows publicly listed fixed cameras and community-reported mobile radar zones.
Social Drive
Social Drive broadcasts user-reported radars, accidents, police checks, and traffic news across the country.
Waze and Google Maps
Waze integrates real-time radar reporting, road closures, and delays. Google Maps provides verified alerts for fixed speed cameras and radar zones.
Road accidents are normally excluded
Pick up your Sanitas quote
Most health policies will not treat you if you are hurt on the road or at work. Top Quantum and Professional plans include it free.
Your saved quote is ready whenever you are. Compare plans and finish in minutes.
- Free on Top Quantum
- Free on Professional plans
How to Enable Radar Alerts in Google Maps
Step-by-step Activation
Open your profile icon in Google Maps, select settings, go to navigation preferences, and enable “security alerts” and “speed camera notifications”. This activates warnings when approaching fixed DGT cameras or section-control systems.
Legal Rules Around Radar Reporting in Spain
What Is Legal
Sharing the exact location of fixed speed cameras is legal. Their placement is publicly listed by the DGT.
What Is Illegal
Sharing the precise kilometre point of a mobile radar is a punishable offence. The Civil Guard may announce general areas, but citizens can be fined €200 for publishing precise locations.
Why These Rules Exist
Spain considers real-time mobile radar pinpointing to be interference with traffic enforcement. Apps comply by showing “mobile zone” areas rather than exact locations.
Autonomous Community Radar Differences
Regions such as Catalonia and the Basque Country have their own traffic authorities. Their radar systems are separate from the DGT and may follow slightly different publication practices. Municipalities also deploy photo-red lights and small-format urban radars, especially in Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, and Madrid.
Useful Internal Guides
Get Affordable Health Insurance in Spain
If you're driving regularly in Spain, having the right cover matters. Private healthcare ensures faster treatment after road accidents or emergencies. Compare options now on our Affordable Sanitas health insurance page.
More in Driving licences and road rules 38 guides and 1 article
When You Can Use Your Car Horn in Spain
Cycling In Spain: 80 Euro Fine For Not Using A Bell
Handling A Speeding Ticket In Spain Without Photo Evidence: Your Rights Explained
The Dangers Of Driving A UK Car In Spain
Driving With The Wrong Licence In Spain: Understanding The Consequences And Risks
Read next
Reviewed by Sean Guy, authorised Sanitas agent (agent code 22395) and DGSFP-registered insurance mediator (C0320X5769518Z), Marbella.
Written by the HealthPlan Spain team: English-speaking Sanitas health insurance specialists, helping expats in Spain get the right cover since 2011. Authorised and regulated by the DGSFP.