Speed cameras in France: how far from warning signs are they?
The authorities use these signs to inform drivers they are approaching a speed camera
Not all speed cameras have signs alerting their presence
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Reader Question: I occasionally see warning signs alerting me that a speed camera is coming up. However I am not always sure how far away it is. Is there a standard distance a sign must be placed from the cameras?
Drivers in France are encouraged to understand the standard rules around speed cameras to prevent sudden breaking near signs indicating their presence.
Traffic jams and even accidents can be caused by drivers heavily reducing their speed when spotting a sign indicating an upcoming camera.
Many drivers assume the camera is immediately after the sign and therefore quickly drop their speed to avoid being penalised – however this is not the case.
There are no laws in France requiring the position of speed cameras to be notified to drivers.
However, the government uses these signs to inform drivers of their presence to reduce the risk of accidents and complaints about areas where the cameras are installed.
The rules impact cameras on roads with higher speed limits.
Around 15 seconds to reduce speed
On a road with a speed limit of 70 km/h, signs are placed around 300 metres away, rising to 400 metres for roads with a limit of 80 km/h or 90 km/h.
On motorways (where speeds of up to 110 km/h to 130 km/h are permitted), signs are 600 metres away.
This allows drivers around 15 to 17 seconds to reduce their speed before the cameras, ensuring there are no cases of sudden breaking.
Note that depending on the environment and road conditions (turns and bends, changes in altitude etc) this may vary by up to 50 metres.
In cities and built-up areas where limits are lower but speed cameras in place, signs will be posted at the start of the lower speed limit zone or when the urban area begins, informing drivers of the presence of speed cameras.
Each individual camera in such an area is not notified by its own sign.
Not all cameras affected
Note that these rules only apply to fixed speed cameras on major roads.
Cameras at red lights, as well as moveable radars set up by police vehicles and mobile radars on both police cars and unmarked vehicles do not require advance signage to warn drivers of their presence.
This means you may still be caught speeding by these cameras even if there are not any warning signs of their presence.
