“The DGT has not changed anything and there is nothing planned for next year.” With these words confirmed to WorldOfSoftwarethe organization tells us that the information that points to a change in the margin of error of the radars that we find on our road is false.
It doesn’t matter if we talk about fixed or mobile radars, nothing has changed and nothing will change in 2025. Despite everything, and as it is likely that we will continue to see this type of information, it is important to take into account how the radar error margin works and why different criteria are applied.
The margin of error of radars
Normally, when talking about the margin of error of radars, reference is made to what is known as the rule of 7. According to this rule, fixed radars will not penalize in the following cases:
- Below 100 km/h: those who travel between 0 and 7 km/h above the legal maximum allowed
- Above 100 km/h: those who drive up to 7% above the legal maximum allowed.
That is, when this applies, a vehicle traveling on a secondary road will not be penalized until exceeding 97 km/h. On a highway limited to 120 km/h, you will not be penalized financially until you exceed 128.4 km/h.
But this is just staying with a part of the norm. As we explained a few months ago in WorldOfSoftwarewhen driving we can apply the rule of 3, 5 and 7. This supposed change is not such. It has been applied since 2020 when the Order ICT/155/2020, of February 7which regulates the State’s metrological control of certain measuring instruments.
This regulation clarifies all the assumptions that apply to the radar error margin, as you can see in the image below.
As specified in this regulation, the margins of error vary depending on the type of radar that is activated (fixed or mobile) and whether it is new or has already been reviewed. Taking this into account, the following apply margins in each situation:
- If the radar is new and fixed: the margin of error is 3 km/h below 100 km/h and 3% if the road has a limit greater than 100 km/h.
- If the radar is new and mobile: the margin of error is 5 km/h below 100 km/h and 5% if the road has a limit greater than 100 km/h.
- If the fixed radar receives a periodic review: the margin of error is 5 km/h below 100 km/h and 5% if the road has a limit greater than 100 km/h.
- If the mobile radar receives a periodic review: the margin of error is 7 km/h below 100 km/h and 7% if the road has a limit greater than 100 km/h.
However, the DGT insists that its intention is for drivers to always drive within the maximum permitted limits. Although this time they have not confirmed or denied anything in relation to what specific margins are applied in each case, in April 2023 the DGT did rule on this in a consultation carried out by WorldOfSoftware.
Then, the organization confirmed to us that it always works with the most favorable margin of error for the driver and that, therefore, by default they apply 7% or what is known as the rule of 7.
What is certain is that the radars have different margins of error depending on the type of speedometer that monitors the speed and whether it is new or has already been reviewed. That and there is nothing like complying with the maximum permitted speed limits to avoid fines that can reach up to 600 euros.
Photo | Adrianna CA
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