Where Are Radar Detectors Illegal? Laws by Country & State

Radar detectors—devices that alert drivers to police radar or laser guns—are banned in many countries and some U.S. states. If you’re planning to drive abroad or across state or country lines, knowing where these devices are illegal can save you from fines or worse.

France & Australia's Speed Cameras Under Attack

Angry drivers in France took out a half-dozen speed cameras last week while motorists hurl objects at Australian photo radar vans.

How Fast Can Speed Cameras Issue Tickets?

Speed cameras are a global tool for traffic enforcement, used to promote safer roads and reduce speeding. But if you’ve ever been caught by one, you’ve probably asked: How quickly can a speed camera issue a ticket? The answer depends on where you are in the world.

This guide covers the typical ticket timing in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, including legal deadlines and what to do if your ticket arrives late.

📸 How Speed Cameras Work

Speed cameras detect when a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit using technologies such as radar, lidar, or induction loops. Once triggered, the camera captures the license plate, speed, time, and location. This data is then processed—either automatically or manually—and a citation is issued.

The Timeline:

1. Violation Detection – Real-time

2. Photo & Data Capture – Instantaneous

3. Review & Verification – Minutes to Days

4. Ticket Generation & Mailing – Days to Weeks

🕒 Speed Camera Ticket Timing by Country

🇺🇸 United States

State	Typical Delivery Time	Legal Time Limit
New York	5–10 business days	14 days
California	7–21 days	15 days
Illinois	5–14 days	30 days
Texas	10–30 days	30 days
Washington DC	5–7 days	30 days

Most speed camera tickets in the U.S. are mailed. Cities often outsource processing to third-party vendors or police departments.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Region	Typical Delivery Time	Legal Time Limit
England & Wales	2–14 days	14 calendar days
Scotland	2–14 days	14 calendar days
N. Ireland	2–14 days	14 calendar days

Speeding tickets in the UK begin with a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP). This must reach the registered keeper within 14 calendar days. If it arrives late, you can challenge it in court.

🇨🇦 Canada

Province	Typical Delivery Time	Legal Time Limit
Ontario	7–21 days	23 days
British Columbia	7–14 days	30 days
Alberta	7–14 days	30 days

In most Canadian provinces, citations are sent by mail and include a photo of the violation. Review is typically handled by law enforcement or private contractors.

🇦🇺 Australia

State/Territory	Typical Delivery Time	Legal Time Limit
New South Wales	7–10 days	28 days
Victoria	5–14 days	28 days
Queensland	7–14 days	28 days
Western Australia	7–21 days	28 days

Australian speed camera fines are mailed to the vehicle owner and usually include time-stamped images. In most states, the penalty notice must be served within 28 days of the violation. If not, it may be considered invalid.

📬 Will I Be Notified Immediately?

No matter the country, while the violation is recorded instantly, the ticket is never issued on the spot (unless it's a live police stop). Instead, the system processes the data and sends the citation by post—often days later.

⚖️ Can I Fight a Speed Camera Ticket?

Yes, and the steps are similar across countries:

• Check the dates – If the ticket arrives beyond the legal window, it may be invalid.

• Verify the image – Confirm that your vehicle and license plate are correctly identified.

• Look for system errors – Mistakes in time, location, or registration can help you challenge the citation.

• File a formal appeal – Each country offers a traffic tribunal, court, or online portal for contesting tickets.

🌍 Summary: Speed Camera Ticket Timelines Worldwide

Country	Delivery Time Range	Legal Time Limit
USA	5–30 days	14–60 days (varies)
UK	2–14 days	14 calendar days
Canada	7–21 days	23–30 days
Australia	5–21 days	28 days

🚗 Conclusion

Speed cameras are fast—but your ticket isn’t always. While the violation is captured instantly, the actual citation takes time to be reviewed, approved, and mailed. Understanding how quickly tickets are issued in your country can help you act quickly or challenge mistakes before deadlines expire.

Whether you're driving in Los Angeles, London, Toronto, or Sydney, being aware of these timelines helps you stay informed—and prepared.

Seat Belt Cameras: Where They’re Being Used and What You Need to Know

With advancements in technology, automated enforcement of traffic laws is becoming more common. One significant development is the use of AI-powered seat belt detection cameras. These cameras are designed to catch drivers and passengers who are not wearing their seat belts, helping improve road safety.

Where Are Seat Belt Cameras Being Used?

New South Wales, Australia

New South Wales (NSW) has implemented seat belt detection cameras since July 1, 2024. These cameras, initially designed to catch mobile phone use while driving, now also detect seat belt violations. Within the first three weeks of enforcement, more than 11,400 penalties were issued, with around 75% related to seat belt non-compliance. Fines for not wearing a seat belt in NSW can reach $410, and offenders receive at least three demerit points. (Source)

United Kingdom

The UK has been trialing AI-powered seat belt and phone detection cameras in several regions, including Greater Manchester, Durham, Humberside, and Cornwall. These cameras, developed by Acusensus, analyze vehicle interiors and flag violations. In Greater Manchester, a five-week trial recorded over 3,200 offenses. Offenders receive a notice, and penalties vary based on the violation. (Source)

How Do Seat Belt Cameras Work?

These cameras use AI technology to scan vehicles and identify whether occupants are wearing seat belts. High-resolution images are analyzed, and potential violations are flagged for human review before fines are issued. This ensures accuracy and reduces false positives.

Penalties for Not Wearing a Seat Belt

Penalties vary by location, but they typically include:

• Fines: Ranging from $100 to over $400 in some areas

• Demerit Points: Accumulating points can lead to license suspension

• Driver Responsibility: In many regions, drivers are responsible for ensuring passengers are buckled up

Why Is This Important?

Seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injuries by up to 50% in car accidents. Automated enforcement ensures compliance and enhances road safety by discouraging reckless behavior.

Final Thoughts

With AI-powered seat belt cameras becoming more common, it’s essential to always buckle up. These cameras are already in place in Australia and the UK, and more regions may follow suit. Staying informed and adhering to seat belt laws can help you avoid fines and, more importantly, save lives.

For more details, check out the full reports on NSW’s seat belt camera enforcement and the UK’s AI camera trials.

Australia’s Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Cameras: How AI is Revolutionizing Road Safety

Australia is leading the way in road safety enforcement with cutting-edge mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras, powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These AI-driven systems automatically identify drivers using their phones illegally or not wearing seatbelts, helping to reduce accidents and save lives. If you drive in Australia, it’s crucial to understand how AI is being used in these cameras, where they are deployed, and the penalties for violations.

How AI Powers Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Cameras

How AI Cameras Are Catching Drivers Doing Things They Shouldn't Be

The use of AI-powered cameras in traffic enforcement is on the rise, and for a good reason. These smart cameras are designed to detect dangerous driving behaviors, helping authorities improve road safety and reduce accidents. From spotting distracted drivers to identifying those not wearing seat belts, AI cameras are becoming an essential tool for law enforcement worldwide.

How Do School Zone Speed Cameras Work & Where Are They Used?

School zone speed cameras are essential tools in enhancing safety for children, parents, and school staff. Verra Mobility, a leader in smart mobility technology, provides advanced speed enforcement solutions tailored to school zones. Here's a detailed look at how these cameras operate, where they are currently used, and why they are crucial for community safety.

Where Are Average-Speed Cameras Used?

Many countries use average-speed cameras, including:

Casinonic Australia - The Ultimate Betting and Gaming Destination

Entering the dynamic world of online gambling, Casinonic Australia appears as a cutting-edge platform intended to fulfill the unique demands of both casino game players and sports betting aficionados. Established to set new standards for online gaming, it offers a seamless combination of thrill and strategy, all inside a sophisticated and secure online environment. At its foundation, Casinonic is dedicated to providing its players with an unrivaled experience, including a diverse range of gaming alternatives to suit every taste and desire. From the thrill of live casino tables to the strategic depths of sports betting markets, Casinonic Australia presents itself as a one-stop shop for all types of online gambling fun.

Queensland, Australia Is Increasing Speeding & Red Light Fines

The penalties are as follows:

Offense	Penalty
1-10km/h over the speed limit	$287 and one demerit point
11-20km/h over the speed limit	$431 and three demerit points
21-30km/h over the speed limit	$646 and four demerit points
31-40km/h over the speed limit	$1078 and six demerit points
Over 40km/h above the speed limit	$1653, eight demerit points, and a six-month license suspension
Running a red light	$575 and three demerit points

The number of road safety cameras continues to increase in Queensland, and they’ve been busy in the last 12 months.

Based on the number of infringement notices issued, the top five fixed and mobile speed camera locations are all located in the most populous part of the state, the south-east, and all but one is located in Brisbane.

As of March 2022, Queensland’s camera network includes the following:

• 21 fixed speed cameras
• 48 fixed speed and red light camera locations
• 113 fixed red light cameras
• 9 point-to-point cameras

The history of crashes in a location is a major determining factor in where speed cameras are deployed.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads looks at the number and severity of crashes within a five-year period and conducts risk analysis, providing the data to the Queensland Police Service.

Other factors that influence where a speed camera is placed include areas where motorists commonly exceed the speed limit or run red lights, and where road workers, pedestrians and other road users are vulnerable.

The Queensland Government says at least two speed-related crashes need to have occurred in an area in the past five years for the location to be chosen for mobile speed camera enforcement.

The Queensland Government also advises there are 3038 active mobile camera sites and 485 parked mobile camera sites.

A map of Australia camera locations can be found here.

We contacted the Department of Transport and Main Roads to find out which locations racked up the most offenses.

Below is a list of the top five fixed locations in 2021 by the number of infringement notices issued:

Location	Type	Number of notices issued
Pacific Motorway, Loganholme	Speed	16,295
Intersection of Mt Gravatt-Capalaba Road and Gateway Motorway, MacKenzie	Red light and speed	14,440, including 396 red light notices
Intersection of Smith Street and Kumbari Avenue, Southport	Red light and speed	13,881, including 151 red light notices
Main Street, Kangaroo Point	Speed	13,694
Intersection of Lutwyche Road and Kedron Park Road, Kedron	Red light and speed	12,824, including 578 red light notices

Many of these locations also appeared in our 2020 round-up, and most had a fairly similar number of notices issued.

The first-place finisher for 2021, however, was off by 12,227 notices issued compared to the location with the most issued in 2020.

The top five mobile locations were:

Location	Number of notices issued
Hale Street, Petrie Terrace/Paddington	11,213
Ipswich Road, Annerley	8432
Southern Cross Way, Eagle Farm	4967
Mt Gravatt-Capalaba Road, Upper Mount Gravatt	4139
Herston Road, Kelvin Grove	4078

Double demerit points apply if you are caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 21km/h more than twice during a 12-month period.

Here are Queensland's top-earning speed cameras in 2021

For another year, Hale Street was the number one mobile location, though by not quite as large a margin as in 2020.

Located on an extension of Brisbane’s Inner City Bypass (ICB), the combination of a downhill slope and a lower speed limit than the rest of the ICB manages to catch out thousands of inattentive drivers.

From July 1, 2022, the Queensland Government is increasing speeding fines.

It’s also changing some of the thresholds, with the first bracket changing to 1-10km/h instead of 1-12km/h over the speed limit, and the second bracket changing to 11-20km/h from 13-20km/h.

AI Cameras Being Used to Detect Phone Usage In Cars

The use of AI cameras to detect phone usage in cars is an emerging technology that aims to address the issue of distracted driving. These cameras are designed to monitor and analyze driver behavior, specifically focusing on detecting when drivers are using their mobile phones while operating a vehicle.

AI-based camera systems utilize computer vision and machine learning algorithms to analyze real-time video footage and identify signs of distracted driving, such as drivers holding and using their phones while driving. These systems can distinguish between different activities, like making a phone call, texting, or using social media, and can trigger alerts or notifications when a violation is detected.

The deployment and use of AI cameras for detecting phone usage in cars can vary depending on local laws and regulations. Some jurisdictions have implemented or are considering implementing these systems as a means of improving road safety and enforcing distracted driving laws. However, it's important to note that the implementation and acceptance of such technologies can differ between regions, and privacy concerns may also be a factor to consider.

As with any emerging technology, it is advisable to refer to local laws, regulations, and official sources in your jurisdiction to understand the current status and legality of using AI cameras to detect phone usage in cars. Additionally, monitoring developments in this field and staying informed about the latest advancements can provide a more accurate understanding of how this technology is being utilized.

Australia put up the first phone-detecting cameras in New South Wales over the weekend. The move is part of a broader plan to reduce roadway fatalities by 30 percent by 2021 — especially as new technologies continue to exacerbate the issue of distracted driving. “It’s a system to change the culture,” NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy told Australian media las week.

There’s nothing incredibly new about the cameras themselves. But they’re networked to an artificial intelligence that determines whether or not someone behind the wheel is using their phone. Suspect images are then forwarded to authorized personnel to be verified as truly criminal.

New South Wales wants to put up 45 portable cameras over the next three years, moving them occasionally to keep people on their toes. For the first three months, starting now, offending drivers will only receive warning letters in the mail. The penalty then becomes a $344 AUD ($233 USD), which gets a bit higher in school zones, and some points on their license (again, more in a school zone). Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole said the program will progressively expand to perform an estimated 135 million vehicle checks on NSW roads each year by 2023.

Critics of the plan are worried that the cameras sacrifice privacy for negligible safety gains. There have also been fears that the courts could become overwhelmed by drivers disputing bogus claims if the system isn’t spot on with its detection.

While numerous outlets are calling this a world’s first, the Netherlands recently put a similar system in place to catch distracted drivers. China also has a system like this (a rather expansive one) and intends on connecting it to its social credit score program early next year.

“The NSW Government is serious about reducing our state’s road toll and rolling out mobile phone detection cameras is another way we will do this,” explained Minister for Roads Andrew Constance. “As we enter a notoriously dangerous time of the year on our roads I want all drivers to know that if you use your mobile phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle in NSW you will have a greater
chance of being caught, anywhere at anytime … Some people have not got the message about using their phones legally and safely. If they think they can continue to put the safety of themselves, their passengers and the community at risk without consequence they are in for a rude shock.”

5 tips to stay safe when driving abroad

Before getting behind the wheel, you should know some important tips to stay safe when driving abroad. Many families decide to take to the road on vacations to travel by car in some tourist destinations; unfortunately they are often negligent in safety.

In this article, we would give you 5 tips to keep your driving abroad safe as well as some interesting road safety statistics. The 5 tips in this article certainly can be applied in general in various countries. A waiver of the following may cause your trip abroad unsafe.

1. Prepare documentations for traveling abroad

You must always include the original documents of the driver's license, vehicle's technical sheet and last paid receipt of the circulation as well as insurance tax. All with effective date!

2. Prepare an international driver's license

In the case of driving abroad, you must obtain an international driver's license. And depending on the country you travel to, you may also need the Passages Card, for which we advise you to report to the corresponding embassy. In some countries you will also be required to have the International Insurance Certificate or Green Card to be covered in case of an accident.

3. Know the rules of circulation in foreign countries

Legislation, signals or fines may vary from one country to another, just as not all countries circulate on the right. In the United Kingdom, India, Cyprus, Ireland, Malta, Indonesia, Australia, South Africa or Japan you drive on the left. There are regulations that do not differ with the one we have in our country. For example, in all countries of the European Union it is forbidden to drive while using the mobile phone or after having consumed alcohol or drugs. It is also mandatory to use seat belts, child seats for children, etc.

4. Understand traffic fines in foreign countries

Foreign drivers are vulnerable to fines. For example, foreign drivers account for 5% of European road traffic but their offenses represent 15% of the total. This is because many drivers 'skip the rules' because in many cases, if the country's authority does not stop you, the fine stays in the bin, something that is already changing by the will of the different countries to allow the cross-border exchange of information on traffic infractions. In any case, our recommendation is that you always comply with the rules, to avoid the fine but above all for your safety.

5. Prepare prescribed medications

Pack enough and even some more in case your plans change. Take copies of medical prescriptions. And if the medication is unusual, confirm that it is legal and that it is easily found in the country of destination. Ask the doctor to issue you a note with your letterhead for controlled substances and injectable medications. All medications are allowed in carry-on baggage, with the exception of liquids, but must be presented to the inspection officer separately from carry-on baggage. If you have a large number of medications, use the safety row for families with special needs. Don’t forget that car insurance for young drivers is something you might need!

Of course doing the above 5 tips does not make you completely free of the risk but at least you can minimize insecurity, discomfort and unwanted problems while driving abroad.

Australia Red Light & Speed Camera Locations

Speed and Red Light Camera Locations in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Australia

Which states allow speed cameras?

Tracking Cyclist Who Run Red Lights

Apparently, cyclists in Australia are deliberately flouting road rules by running red lights and endangering other road users. Most escape prosecution because they cannot be identified.  There is no number plate or similar form of identification on a bicycle and facial recognition is not possible because the traffic safety camera takes photographs from the rear.

Red light camera photographic evidence provided by Police shows cyclists are snapped running through red lights but avoid any penalty - otherwise incurred by motorists - unless police are on the scene.  Cyclists in Australia have a greater chance of being picked up for not wearing a helmet, with 14,798 fines handed out in the past five years. In the same period, 2207 were booked for not having the correct lighting and equipment. Police issued 690 fines to cyclists ignoring traffic signals from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2011, but many more escaped the law.  Read full story.