Don’t get caught! Google Maps will save you money on speeding tickets this summer

It’s a hot summer day, and you are about to drive the Spanish autoroutes in search for sun, sand, sangria, and other pleasantries.

You’re following the sat-nav, music’s up, windows down, life is good—until you get home and discover a hefty speeding fine in the post. Welcome to the classic holiday buzzkill.

But wait—before you start dreading that little white envelope, here’s a bit of news that could actually save your trip (and your wallet): Google Maps has quietly become the best travel companion you never knew you needed, and not just for directions. This summer, it’s your digital lookout for speed cameras—yes, even the sneaky ones!

Google Maps with speed camera alerts is your new travel companion

This feature is available in Google Maps. You can forget about relying on road signage or hoping that the driver in front of your car is a local who knows the way. Now, Google Maps pings you about upcoming speed cameras—fixed and mobile—right on your screen.

The app is easy to use. You can open the app and plot your route. (Maybe from Madrid to Valencia, or straight to Costa del Sol) Then tap on the layer button in the upper right corner. Choose “Traffic” and your map will be dotted with camera icons. Red for fixed cameras, and blue for mobile. You can touch the icon to see who reported it last and when. This is a great way to avoid those sudden flashbulbs.

What is the difference between fixed and mobile cameras?

Let’s not lie, the mobile cameras are the ones that catch us. Fixed cameras are old news—they’re bolted to poles, everyone knows where they are, and after a day or two driving, you’ll remember the regular spots. Mobile cameras are everywhere: behind a bush in a Guardia Civil van, in a random layby or even on a car approaching you. Google Maps relies upon other drivers to report them, so you can be sure that a patrol has been spotted nearby if you spot a blue-colored camera.

Why bother?

Nothing ruins your post-holiday spirit like a letter from the Spanish traffic authorities. The fines aren’t pocket change either—and it’s not just about money. A surprise ticket can put points on your license, affect your insurance and give you an embarrassing story to tell in the office.

Driving in Spain can be an adventure. But speed limits are subject to change much more frequently than you may think. This is especially true when you cross regions or head off the motorway and onto country roads.

Here are some tips for road trippers

• Google Maps should be updated prior to your trip. The more recent the app, and the more accurate will be the alerts.
• Don’t just rely on the speed limit. There are speed limits for a good reason. Sometimes, even Google is wrong.).
• If you see a cluster of blue camera alerts, take it seriously—that usually means a mobile patrol is about.
• Before you leave, check the traffic conditions. This is especially important in August. Spain’s holiday traffic is notoriously bad.

Remember: It’s not about avoiding the rules. Enjoy your trip without stress.

Google Maps can help you avoid speed traps so that you can spend your time enjoying the sights, stopping for churros or singing along to the playlist. Instead of worrying about hidden traps, you’ll spend your energy planning the next stop—or just deciding where to pull over for a swim.

Don’t forget to check Google Maps before driving off in the Spanish sunshine. Tap the traffic layer on Google Maps and you can drive confidently. You could return home with all of your holiday money, a tan and a smile.

Watch the speed limits and drive safely!