A19 under observation: Mobile speed cameras warn of speed traps!

A19 under observation: Mobile speed cameras warn of speed traps!

On November 4th, 2025, the time has come again on the A19 in Brandenburg: mobile speed cameras are on the agenda. Especially in the Wittstock/Dosse region, not far from Papenbruch, the speed limit is 120 km/h. Drivers are well advised to keep an eye on their speed, as the risk of receiving a fine or even a driving ban is high. However, according to news.de, the exact location of the speed cameras had not yet been confirmed at the time of the report.

The Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) determine the penalties for exceeding the speed limit. However, many drivers are still careless or ignore speed limits. The use of mobile radar devices helps prevent accidents in dangerous places. These devices are not only flexible, but also versatile, because they use a wide variety of technologies: from radar and laser-based systems to black light speed cameras. They usually only flash in one direction, forward, which makes it difficult for some drivers to see.

The technology behind speed traps

Speed ​​traps have evolved greatly since they were introduced in Germany in 1957. The first test radar measurement probably took place in January, and today there are already around 4,400 permanently installed radar measuring devices across the country. According to bussgeldkatalog.org, mobile and stationary speed cameras are the main means of speed monitoring and work using the Doppler effect. Radar waves that are emitted are reflected by the vehicle and the speed can be measured based on the changes between the transmitter and receiver. If the limit is exceeded, the speed trap takes a photo of the vehicle and the driver.

The existence of such controls is essential for road safety. The mobile version is often preferred because it is less visible and therefore more difficult for many drivers to recognize. Tolerance values ​​for exceeding speeds are regulated by law: There is a deduction of 3 km/h for speeds up to 100 km/h and a deduction of 3 percent for higher speeds. With the aim of increasing road safety and raising driver awareness, the use of new technologies such as Section Control, which measures the average speed over longer sections, is also being considered.

Finally, it remains to be said that the use of speed traps is not without criticism. There are always discussions about data protection issues, especially in Section Control, which must ensure that the data of drivers who are likely to be compliant are deleted. Regardless of the technology, the goal remains de facto the same: more safety on our roads.