Latest Radar GPS News & Updates

Welcome to the official Radar GPS News page from Lufop.net ️. Here you’ll find all the latest published articles: monthly radar updates, personalized alerts, mobile applications, POI tutorials, legal updates, and more. This page is regularly updated to provide you with reliable, useful, and up-to-date information for safer driving.

Free Speed Camera Update for Mercedes-Benz MBUX GPS Navigation

️ Published on 7 August 2025 by Lufop

A fantastic step-by-step tutorial generously shared by ravax, a member of the Lufop community. A big thank you to him for this great contribution!

This complete guide will walk you through the process of updating your Mercedes GPS navigation system with the latest Speed Camera POI files from Lufop.net. Follow the instructions and enjoy a free speed camera update including fixed and mobile radars for several countries: France, Spain, UK, Belgium (Wallonia), Switzerland, Poland, Sweden, and more across Europe.

📥 Download the Speed Camera Files for MBUX

https://lufop.net/wp-content/plugins/downloads-manager/img/icons/mercedes.png

Téléchargement : Zones de danger Mercedes Comand/MBUX (EU) 432.34KB
Nombre de téléchargements : 17022
Date de mise à jour : 10/08/2025 à 07:06:04.
Description : Les zones de danger Europe pour les GPS Comand qui équipent les véhicules de marque Mercedes.

🔧 Installation Instructions for Mercedes MBUX GPS (Speed Camera POI)
1 – Prepare your USB stick

Format a USB key in FAT32.

Copy the downloaded folder to the root directory.

Alternatively, create a new folder and only include the countries you’re interested in.

The essential requirement: a folder named “PersonalPOI” must be at the root of the USB stick.

2 – Plug into your Mercedes

Insert the USB stick into the armrest port, especially if the main USB port is used for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

You can keep your music and video files on the same USB – it won’t interfere.

3 – Go to your navigation settings

Open the map view and select the gear icon (⚙️) to access settings.

Mercedes GPS settings menu
4 – Activate Personal POIs

Go to:
Settings > Advanced > Map Content > Special Destination Symbols > Personal POIs

Personal POI Settings Enable Speed Camera POI Speed camera alerts Mercedes MBUX POI setup Radar POI activation Mercedes
If everything is done correctly, you should see the POI category displayed — in this case, “Speed Cameras”.

5 – Configure your alerts

Click on Speed Cameras and choose your preferences:

Display on map

Visual warning

Sound alert

Speed camera alert options
✅ Final Result
Speed Camera icon on Mercedes GPS
⚠️ Important Note
Your USB stick must remain plugged into the car — it’s not possible to copy the POI files into the internal memory of the Mercedes MBUX system.

Urban Speed Cameras in France: How They Work and What to Expect in next year ?

️ Published on 26 July 2025 by Lufop

Urban radar photo

A new face for urban traffic enforcement

Over the past few years, France has been modernizing its urban traffic enforcement tools. The main goal: to better protect vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, children) and improve safety at hazardous intersections. It is within this context that urban speed cameras have been introduced — a new generation of devices that are more discreet, more mobile, and more intelligent.

What is an urban speed camera?

Unlike traditional fixed speed cameras, urban radars are designed to blend into the urban landscape without being easily noticeable. Installed on lamp posts, traffic lights, or other street furniture, they are typically signaled by a small discreet sign placed only 20 to 30 meters ahead. Their goal isn’t to trap drivers, but rather to deter dangerous behavior in urban areas.

These devices can currently detect several violations: speeding, running red lights, and soon other risky behaviors such as mobile phone use while driving or encroaching on bicycle lanes.

Deployment of urban radars in France

The rollout began in 2021 with a pilot phase in several test cities. By January 2024, the system became fully operational. The first cities to be equipped included Marseille, Montbéliard, Sochaux, Toulouse, and the Territoire de Belfort.

Since then, many urban areas have followed. Urban radars can now be found in:

Montpellier
Marseille
Montbéliard
Belfort
Toulouse

Other cities like Metz, Lille, Bordeaux, and Dijon are on the list for 2025. In total, more than 500 additional urban radars are expected to be installed over the next two years.

A national system with high potential

In 2023, there were around 3,500 automatic traffic cameras installed in urban areas in France. Thanks to new legislation — especially the 3DS law — local authorities can now request and install their own radars under State supervision. This significantly accelerates nationwide coverage.

These devices are strategically positioned: accident-prone intersections, areas near schools, high-traffic roads, or zones with frequent citizen complaints.

Two main models

Two primary urban radar models are currently in use:

The Nomad by Parifex – mostly deployed in northern France
The Mesta Compact by Idemia – more common in the south

Both models share several features: compact size, advanced embedded technology, and the ability to operate as decoys (some units are inactive and rotate locations to confuse drivers).

Technology and how it works

These radars are equipped with Doppler sensors, infrared cameras, and sometimes intelligent image recognition systems. Unlike older models, they do not use a visible flash, making them much harder to spot.

They can monitor traffic in both directions. Each unit is currently programmed to detect only one type of violation at a time — either speeding or red-light running.

However, starting in 2025, some next-generation urban radars will be able to detect multiple infractions simultaneously:

Speeding
Running red lights
Phone use while driving
Seatbelt not fastened
Driving in bike lanes
Tailgating (unsafe following distance)
Failure to stop at stop signs

Violation processing

Once a violation is recorded, a timestamped image is automatically sent to the National Processing Center based in Rennes. The fine is then generated and mailed directly to the registered vehicle owner.

The entire process is automated, requiring no human intervention. This allows for faster processing and a scalable enforcement model.

A tool for safer cities

Urban radars are not just about punishment — they are part of a broader policy aimed at reducing road fatalities. In 2023, urban areas accounted for 68% of pedestrian deaths in France, according to the French Road Safety Authority (source).

By identifying hazardous areas, limiting speeding, and collecting traffic data, these radars also help local governments make better infrastructure and mobility decisions.

What about the fines?

The expansion of urban radars inevitably leads to an increase in fines. However, part of the revenue is reinvested in sustainable mobility initiatives:

Development of secure bike lanes
Expansion of pedestrian zones
Improved road signage and markings

These reinvestments are state-regulated and aim to make cities more accessible, greener, and safer for everyone.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can an urban radar detect multiple violations at once?: Not yet. Currently, each radar is limited to a single type of infraction, but this is expected to change in 2025.
Are these devices really invisible?: They’re extremely discreet — often integrated into street fixtures and using infrared instead of a visible flash.
How can I know where they’re installed?: You can check the national radar map or use updated GPS apps like Waze or Coyote.
Can local mayors install them?: Yes, under the 3DS law, municipalities can request radars to be installed in their jurisdiction with State coordination.

Conclusion: building calmer cities

Urban speed cameras are set to become a key part of road safety strategy in French cities. Thanks to their advanced technology, adaptability, and discreet design, they are helping transform urban spaces into safer, more fluid environments for everyone.

They’re not meant to trap — they’re here to protect. So drive mindfully, ease off the gas, and keep your eyes open. 😉

Vacation in Spain: Why You Must Update Your GPS Speed Cameras Before Hitting the Road

️ Published on 26 July 2025 by Lufop

Driving through Spain on vacation promises stunning coastlines, sunny skies, and unforgettable landscapes… but it can also come with unexpected surprises if you’re not prepared: hefty fines for speeding or entering restricted zones, thanks to an extremely well-developed radar enforcement system.

Since May 2025, Spain has tightened its traffic laws to a zero-tolerance approach. Go just 6 km/h over the limit on the highway, and you could get flashed. That’s why it’s essential to update your GPS with the latest speed camera data before hitting the road.

🚦 A country covered with radars – and they work

Spain is among the most advanced countries in Europe when it comes to automated traffic enforcement:

Highly accurate fixed speed cameras
Mobile radars hidden in unmarked patrol cars
Drones and helicopters monitoring major roads
Multidirectional radars and double sensor setups

All violations are automatically recorded and tracked, including those committed by foreign drivers. Thanks to European cooperation, the fine will find its way to your mailbox back home.

💸 Speeding fines in Spain (2025)

Speed Over Limit	Fine	License Points
Less than 20 km/h	€100	0
21–30 km/h	€300	2 points
31–40 km/h	€400	4 points
41–50 km/h	€500	4–6 points
Over 50 km/h	€600	6 points + possible criminal charge

⚖️ Speeds over 70 km/h above the limit may lead to criminal proceedings and license suspension.

📏 The new “3 and 5” rule: razor-thin tolerance

Since May 2025, radar tolerances have been significantly reduced:

+3 km/h for limits under 100 km/h
+5% for limits over 100 km/h

For example, at 90 km/h, you can be fined starting at 93 km/h. On a 120 km/h highway, 126 km/h is enough to get flashed.

📱 Keeping your GPS updated = driving stress-free

Using outdated GPS maps or apps increases your risk of getting fined:

You’ll miss newly installed fixed cameras
You might not see recent changes in speed limits
You risk losing license points without realizing it

🔍 And what about Waze?

Yes, Waze is very helpful for mobile controls and traffic incidents.
But it may not reliably display fixed speed cameras in Spain due to local regulations and limitations.

➡️ For best results, use a dedicated GPS device (TomTom, Garmin, Coyote) or apps that support official speed camera updates regularly.

📵 Other costly violations

Phone use while driving: €300 to €600
No seatbelt: automatic fine
Driving under the influence: criminal penalties apply

🗺️ Interactive radar map for Spain

Before you drive, explore this updated map of fixed speed cameras and radar zones in Spain:

🧳 Before your road trip: checklist

✅ Update your GPS or app with the latest speed camera data
✅ Learn about local speed limits and traffic laws
✅ Activate real-time voice and visual alerts
✅ Check if your license plate is linked to rental contracts
✅ Don’t rely solely on Waze or intuition

🧠 Reminder: Foreign drivers are fully liable

Thanks to pan-European agreements, speeding tickets are enforceable even if you’ve returned home. Spanish radars read your plate and share the data with your home country’s authorities.

🌞 Conclusion: travel smart, not fast

Spain’s goal isn’t to punish tourists, but to reduce accidents and road fatalities. Speeding is still a leading cause of deadly crashes.

So before your next trip to Barcelona, Valencia, or the Costa del Sol, do yourself a big favor: update your GPS. It only takes a minute—and can save you hundreds of euros.

🧭 When was the last time you updated yours?

Install Speed Cameras and Alerts on Your Garmin DriveSmart

️ Published on 29 May 2025 by Lufop

Have you just bought a Garmin DriveSmart GPS and want to add a speed camera or point of interest (POI) database? No worries! Even without technical skills, you can easily do it by following this step-by-step guide based on real feedback from the Lufop community.

Garmin DriveSmart GPS

Steps for a Successful Installation

Prepare the Required Files
You will need three types of files for each POI:
- A .CSV file (coordinates of the speed camera),
- A .BMP file (icon),
- A .WAV file (audio alert).
All files must have the exact same name (e.g., radar.csv, radar.bmp, radar.wav).
Install POI Loader and Sox.exe correctly
– Download POI Loader (preferably version 2.7.3) from Garmin’s official website.
– Download the correct version of sox.exe: sox-14.4.zip
– Extract the sox.exe file (not the installer!) and place it in the same folder as POILoader.exe, for example: C:\Program Files (x86)\Garmin\POILoader.
Start Installation with POI Loader
– Connect your GPS to your PC.
– Launch POILoader.exe, choose the “Custom Installation” mode and select the folder containing your CSV/BMP/WAV files.
– Make sure the .GPI file is successfully created.
Check on Your GPS
– Go to “Categories” on your Garmin device.
– You should see your POI with the icon and hear the alert when approaching (in simulation or during navigation).

Extra Tips

If the .wav file doesn’t affect the .gpi file size, it may not be processed correctly. Make sure it’s in PCM, 44.1 kHz, mono format.
To create custom alerts, use a text-to-speech service and convert the MP3 to WAV with this online tool.
Never place sox.exe inside the GPS device — only on your PC.
Garmin GPS devices don’t read CSV files directly — only GPI files generated with POI Loader.

Need mode ?

With a bit of method and the right tools, installing a speed camera database on a Garmin DriveSmart is totally doable. And if you prefer not to customize, you can simply download ready-to-use GPI files from GPS-SNE.

Bonus resource: The website Lufop.net offers free, regularly updated Garmin speed camera files — definitely worth bookmarking!

Lufop API – Access the Most Complete Free Speed Camera Database

️ Published on 28 May 2025 by Lufop

bitcoin, crypto, api, computing, integration, api, api, api, api, api
I’m excited to introduce the official Lufop API — or rather, a full refresh of the API platform. This free and open solution gives you access to a complete and up-to-date database of fixed speed cameras, mobile radars, construction zones, and danger zones across more than 20 countries. All of this is available for free, thanks to the amazing contributors of the Lufop community!

Why choose the Lufop API?

If you’re building a GPS app, embedded navigation system, or location-aware web service, this API is made for you:

️ The most complete radar database for France, updated regularly
International coverage: France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and more
Real-time data in JSON and XML formats
Access via your personal API key and user dashboard
CC BY-SA 4.0 license (commercial use allowed)

What data is available through the API?

For each radar entry, you get:

Unique ID
Name, type (fixed, mobile, construction…)
City, street, azimuth
Latitude, longitude, flash direction
Last update date

Get your free API key in just a few seconds

To start using the API, simply fill out the request form. Once approved, you’ll receive your personal key and access to a secure dashboard where you can track and manage usage.

Request your free API key for your project

User Dashboard

I also provide a secure personal space where you can:

See your API key
Track daily usage stats
And more features coming soon…

Simple and complete documentation

The API includes options to filter by country, GPS coordinates, update date, or number of results. All documentation is clear and directly accessible:

View all available parameters