How to enable speed-camera detection alerts on Waze

As roadside checks become more frequent and next-generation speed cameras appear across the road network, many drivers are looking for lawful ways to adjust their driving. Waze has emerged as a valuable tool, provided you know how to use its full range of features. Despite a common misconception, speed-camera detection is not enabled by default: a few settings must be changed for it to work properly.

Waze is much more than a standard sat-nav app. As the clear market leader in France, it stands out by delivering live updates on traffic conditions, accidents, roadworks and, naturally, enforcement zones. Its key strength is its collaborative nature: millions of users add information every day, creating a genuine mutual-support network for motorists.

The contrast with Google Maps, its fellow Alphabet-owned app, is clear. Waze retains an advantage through dedicated features including danger-zone reports, real-time fuel-price and toll updates, as well as roadside-check alerts.

Enable Waze speed-camera detection alerts

However, to use speed-camera detection, you must enable one specific setting. Follow these steps:

1. Open the app and go to “My Waze”.
2. Find the cog icon for settings.
3. Choose “Alerts and reports”.
4. Then select “Reports”.
5. Turn on the switches for the alerts you want to receive.

To make the most of the app, remember to set up audio alerts too. Tap the speaker icon at the bottom right of the home screen to select either “Alerts only” or “Sound on”. This simple customisation can make a real difference during your journeys.

Play your part in the Waze community

Waze works effectively because of its active community. You can become an informed “Wazer” too by reporting events you encounter while driving. Is there a vehicle stopped on the hard shoulder? An animal loose on the road? A particularly slippery stretch? It takes only a few seconds to alert other drivers. To submit a report:

1. Locate the orange triangle icon at the bottom right.
2. Pick the type of incident from the available options.
3. Confirm your report.

Waze danger zones and road safety

Please note that, under current legislation, the precise locations of fixed speed cameras are no longer displayed directly. Only danger zones are shown, while alerts concerning mobile speed cameras may be temporarily limited during special operations.

In every situation, speed-camera detection is useful only for preventing the lapses in concentration that are particularly common on long journeys. Its purpose is not, under any circumstances, to encourage dangerous driving; quite the opposite. Whether or not you use speed-camera detection, your awareness and anticipation remain your best tools for driving safely.