Trailer radar: advanced DGT technology for speed control

Towing radars are autonomous and mobile devices, making them highly flexible for installation at different points along the road network. These radars do not need to be connected to the electrical grid, as they operate on autonomous power. They use laser technology to detect vehicle speed and can dynamically track vehicles, determining their speed even across multiple lanes.

What differentiates these radars from traditional ones is their ability to operate without the need for a traffic officer present. Thanks to their internet connection, towing radars can manage violations in real time, allowing the DGT to act more quickly and effectively.

Trailer radars offer multiple advantages over traditional radars:

• Mobility and autonomy: They can be moved to different points on the road network and remain installed for several days, without the need for connection to the electrical grid.
• Precise detection: They use laser technology, which allows them to dynamically track the vehicle and detect excessive speed in several lanes simultaneously.
• Efficient violation management: The internet connection allows violations to be managed immediately, without the need for direct human intervention, which speeds up the process and improves the response to traffic violations.

With the introduction of towing radars, the DGT aims to strengthen road safety and improve the effectiveness of its speed control system. According to the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the implementation of these devices is part of a strategy to modernize the radar network and ensure safe driving on all Spanish roads.

Throughout 2025, the DGT plans to install 122 new speed control points in different locations across the country. These radars will be added to the six radars already operating in Andalusia (Almería, Málaga, and Granada), the ten radars in Galicia and Asturias, and the eight radars in the Valencian Community. This aims to cover different areas of the country and combat excessive speed, which continues to be a key factor in 21% of fatal accidents.

Since the first radars were implemented 20 years ago, the number of traffic fatalities has decreased by 75%. However, the challenge remains significant, and speeding remains one of the main causes of accidents. Therefore, the DGT continues to invest in new technologies and control systems to further reduce risks on the roads.

The implementation of towing radars is just one of the many measures the DGT is taking. The modernization of the radar network, along with the installation of section radars, which calculate the average speed of vehicles over several kilometers, is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that all drivers respect speed limits and contribute to a safer road environment.

The addition of towing radars to the speed control network in Spain marks a milestone in the modernization of traffic and speed control infrastructure. These devices, with their flexibility, autonomy, and ability to handle violations quickly and efficiently, represent a key tool for improving road safety. With the installation of 122 new radar points by 2025, the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic) is taking another step in its strategy to reduce road accidents and ensure safer mobility for all.