Waze speed camera detection: how to enable alerts

As roadside checks become more frequent and new-generation speed cameras appear across the road network, many motorists are looking for lawful ways to adjust their driving. Waze has become a valuable tool for this purpose, provided that users know how to make the most of it. Contrary to popular belief, speed camera detection is not enabled automatically: several settings must be adjusted for it to work properly.

Waze is far more than a standard sat-nav app. The undisputed market leader in France, it stands out by delivering live updates on traffic conditions, crashes, roadworks and, naturally, enforcement zones. Its strength lies in its collaborative approach: millions of users add information every day, creating a genuine mutual-support network for drivers.

The contrast with Google Maps, its fellow Alphabet-owned app, is clear. Waze retains an advantage through dedicated features, including reports of danger zones, live fuel and toll-price updates, and alerts about roadside checks.

Enabling Waze speed camera detection

However, a specific setting must be enabled before you can receive speed camera detection alerts. To set it up:

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 toggles for the alerts you want to receive.

To get the best experience, remember to set up audio notifications too. Tap the speaker icon at the bottom right of the home screen, then choose either “Alerts only” or “Sound on”. This level of customisation can make a real difference during a journey.

Take part in the Waze community

Waze works effectively because of its active community. You can also become an informed “Wazer” by reporting events you encounter while driving. Have you spotted a stopped vehicle on the emergency lane, a loose animal or an especially slippery road? It takes only a few seconds to alert other motorists. To submit a report:

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

Danger zones and responsible driving

Please note that, under current legislation, the precise locations of fixed speed cameras are no longer displayed directly. Only danger zones are reported, while alerts relating to 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 certainly not to encourage dangerous driving; quite the opposite. Whether speed camera detection is enabled or not, your anticipation and attention remain your best allies for driving safely.