Old radar cabins fading away

The so-called "second-generation" automatic radar cabins, first installed between December 2004 and October 2006, are nearly gone, with only 13 left in France. These large gray boxes, the first of their kind to be placed on central reservations, are being replaced by more discreet urban radars.

Urban radars taking over

For example, the second-generation radar on the RN301 in La Courneuve has been replaced by an urban radar, joining nine others that have undergone the same fate this year. Urban radars, which are easier to overlook, are multiplying across the country, with over 100 already in service to monitor speeds and intersections.

End of an era for the Mesta 210

The disappearance of these second-generation cabins also marks the end of the Mesta 210 speedometer, the model that originated automatic radars in 2003. This device was used in the first cabins, the last of which were removed from roadsides in 2018.

Mobile versions also retired

It also existed in a mobile version placed at the rear of Renault Megane, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra models, with that version retiring in 2016. These mobile radars were used to enforce speed limits in various locations across the country.

Radar numbers vs. road safety

France currently has 4,800 automatic radars, yet the number of road deaths has been rising for three years. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of the "all radar" approach in improving road safety.

Revenue from radar fines

In 2025, automatic radars generated 689 million euros from 21.8 million flashes, resulting in 15.2 million fines. Overall, traffic violations generated 2.13 billion euros last year, falling short of the expected 2.19 billion by 64 million euros.

Future expansion of radar use

Despite this, the state has not yet concluded its use of automatic radars, with plans to expand to nearly 10,000 radars by 2031, potentially leading to a significant increase in revenue from fines.