As speed checks increase and next-generation cameras pop up on roads everywhere, many drivers look for legal tools to help them drive smarter. Waze, the top GPS app among drivers, stands out thanks to its powerful real-time data, provided you set it up correctly. Here’s exactly how to unlock Waze’s radar detection features to stay informed and drive safely.
Waze isn’t just another GPS
Waze thrives on its real-time updates from a vast community of drivers. Unlike its cousin Google Maps, Waze offers advanced traffic alerts, fuel and toll price updates, and most importantly, clear notifications for speed camera zones. But these warnings aren’t automatic—you need to switch them on.
Step-by-step guide to enabling radar alerts
To ensure Waze notifies you about radar checks, follow these simple steps:
- Open Waze and tap My Waze.
- Tap the Gear icon (Settings).
- Choose Alerts & Reports.
- Select Reports.
- Switch on all relevant alerts, including speed cameras and hazards.
Don’t forget audio alerts
To truly benefit from Waze’s radar detection, customise audio alerts:
- Tap the speaker icon at the bottom right of your screen.
- Choose Alerts only or Sound on based on your preference.
Clear audio cues ensure you’ll never miss an important warning.
Join the Waze community
Waze’s effectiveness relies on user participation. You can help fellow drivers by quickly reporting incidents, such as stopped vehicles, stray animals, or hazardous conditions:
- Tap the orange triangle icon at the bottom right.
- Select the relevant type of incident.
- Confirm your report.
Your input helps keep Waze accurate and beneficial for everyone.
Important legal note
Due to legal restrictions in many countries, Waze doesn’t directly pinpoint the exact location of fixed speed cameras, only general “danger zones”. Alerts for mobile cameras may also be temporarily restricted during special police operations.
Remember, radar alerts exist to prevent common driving oversights—not to encourage reckless behaviour. Your attention and responsible driving habits remain your best tools for safe journeys.