How to spot private radar cars on French roads in 2026

Tired of racking up speeding fines?

If you have ever been caught by a speed camera flash despite believing you knew every fixed camera location on your route by heart, you may have encountered a radar car - unless it was a Vélolaser or a Parifex Nano. Operated by private companies, these inconspicuous vehicles, fitted with an automated speed-monitoring system, have been travelling across France since 2013.

While some are driven by public-sector officers, most have been entrusted to private firms since 2018, whose methods are occasionally challenged. As reported by Capital, a former driver recently criticised the poor condition of radar cars and alleged that colleagues committed offences including running red lights and making dangerous overtakes. Such behaviour nevertheless conflicts with the requirements set by French Road Safety.

Unmarked radar cars

Radar cars are unmarked, with no external feature identifying them as such. Spotting one therefore means paying close attention to small details. Look at the dashboard: it may reveal a black box containing the speed-measurement equipment. This can be seen through the vehicle’s windscreen and, where the rear window is not tinted, from behind as well. You may also notice the two small cameras positioned on the windscreen, which are used to record offences. Their LEDs shine in the dark.

The private radar car models used in 2026

Le Journal du Geek has listed the 12 models most commonly used as private radar cars in 2026:

• Renault Captur
• Citroën C5 Aircross
• Dacia Sandero
• Dacia Duster
• Peugeot 308
• Peugeot 508
• Ford Focus
• Ford Mondeo
• Volkswagen Golf
• Volkswagen Passat
• Seat Leon
• Skoda Octavia

Dexter radar cars on French roads

Last year, we covered the French Government’s initiative known as Dexter. It is a new generation of radar cars that travels discreetly on roads throughout mainland France. Run by private companies, these vehicles use infrared speed cameras that can capture offences without producing a visible flash. They are therefore almost impossible for drivers to detect.

Over the past five years, they have been introduced in nearly every region, with the exception of Île-de-France and Corsica. We hope this information proves useful. In any event, drivers should always observe speed limits and travel calmly, whether commuting to work or setting off on holiday.