Nobody wants to be fined for speeding, but even the most conscientious driver can let their concentration slip and let that speedo creep up. However, the law is the law, and if you’re caught by a speed camera, you’ll no doubt be served with a hefty fine. And while you can appeal your fine, it is a long and laborious process you could really do without. So why take the risk in the first place when a radar detector can give you ample warning and allow you to safely adjust your speed?
Some modern cars come with cruise control that will make sure you don’t wander over the limit, but sometimes, with variable traffic density and flow, you can find yourself speeding up and slowing down too often to use the cruise control, so a radar detector can be there to keep you in check.
There are various different types of radar detectors: some will alert you to the position of fixed-speed cameras (some can also detect mobile ones). Some are GPS-based and will know when a speed camera is nearby, while others use radar to detect the signals coming from police speed detectors.
The best radar detectors shortlist:
Editor’s choice: Saphe Drive Mini – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best sat-nav detector: Garmin DriveSmart 55 MT-S – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best dash cam detector: Thinkware Q1000 Dash Cam – Buy now from Amazon UK
The best radar detectors
Editor's choice
Pros
- Easy to install
- No subscription
Cons
- Requires a smartphone
Best sat-nav detector
Rrp: £179.99
Rrp: £179.99
Pros
- Speed detection and sat-nav
- Built-in WiFi connectivity
Cons
- Updates can be slow
Best budget detector
Rrp: £49.99
Rrp: £49.99
Pros
- Compact and discreet
- No subscription is needed
- Good price
Cons
- No interface
- Lacks a laser detector
Best dash cam detector
Rrp: £359.00
Rrp: £359.00
Pros
- You get a dash cam as well
- Many other safety features besides speed camera detector
Cons
- Set-up can be time-consuming
Best detector with safety features
Rrp: £419.99
Rrp: £419.99
Pros
- Easy-to-read screen
- Lots of safety features
Cons
- Mounting can be difficult
What you need to know about radar detectors:
What features should I look for?
The best radar detectors will also detect lasers (but will not jam them). Aside from that, look at the general quality of the product; suspiciously cheap examples will not be as good as reputable ones.
Look for a clear display so you can read the information clearly without having to take your eyes off the road. Some will sound an alarm, too, which is a useful additional feature.
Because new speed cameras pop up regularly, your radar detector will need to be constantly updated. The very best models will offer automatic updates but may require a paid subscription. Mid-range models will need to be plugged into a computer and updated periodically, which is a bit of a pain.
Are they legal to use in the UK?
You are allowed to use a radar detector under UK law. There were mutterings from the government that they could be banned, but no legislation has been presented so far.
Some police forces consider using a laser jammer to be perverting the course of justice, which comes with a hefty fine and even jail time in severe instances.
If you’re planning a trip to mainland Europe or the Republic of Ireland, leave your radar detector at home; they’re illegal to use, and you will be fined and have the device confiscated.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.
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