Waze: why the last radar function is prohibited in France

If it is became easier to designate radar areas since the beginning of 2024the new Waze update, which allows drivers to report the position of mobile radars in real time, will not see the light of day on French roads. In question, a law of 2012 still in force, which formally prohibits the use of any system capable of precisely locating the speed control devices. Faced with this unchanged legal framework, Waze prefers to block this option in France rather than risking illegality.

A French law still hostile to radar warnings

Waze continues the evolution of its service by introducing unique functionality: the detailed report of mobile radars. On iOS, Android, Android Auto and Carplay, users can now alert the community for the presence of these temporary cabins, so far much more discreet than fixed radars. An advance greeted in many countries … but impossible in France.

And for good reason: the French Highway Code, modified by decree n ° 2012-3 of January 3, 2012, expressly prohibited “The detention, transport and use of devices to point out the presence of radars”. This prohibition also concerns the features integrated into navigation applications. Consequently, reporting precisely a radar via Waze becomes an offense liable to € 1,500 fine and a withdrawal of 6 points on the driving license.

To stay in the nails, Waze therefore deactivates this function in the French version of its application. Instead, motorists will continue to see extensive “danger zones” without precise indication. A legal compromise, Gradually established in 2012which allows the application to stay on our smartphones without breaking the law.

This legislation has not changed since then. The only exception: a provision of 2021 authorizes the police to temporarily block the reports during certain sensitive controls (blood alcohol, drugs, terrorism). But classic speed radars remain protected by the initial rule. And Waze, as a good student, complies strictly.

Waze – GPS, Maps & Traffic

Waze is the reference community GPS, it allows you to establish a route and navigation by knowing the traffic and the dangers of the road. The ultimate application for drivers!

• Downloads:
  1170
• Release date:
  04/28/2025
• Author :
  Waze Navigation
• License:
  Free license
• Categories:
  

  Leisure – Travel

• Operating system:
  

  Android, online service, iOS iPhone / iPad