Traffic Psychologist: New Fine Threshold Should Not Be Seen as Permission to Speed

Starting July 1, Estonia has implemented changes to its mobile speed enforcement cameras: they now only trigger fines when the speed limit is exceeded by at least 6 km/h. Previously, a penalty was applied for exceeding by just 3 km/h. Police explain that nearly half of all fines were for minimal violations, often resulting from momentary inattention rather than deliberate rule-breaking.

Traffic psychologist Inna Gorislavskaya views the decision as a sign of trust in law-abiding drivers. She notes that many who received fines for minor overspeeding did not consider themselves offenders—including herself, who once felt aggrieved by such a fine. However, she warns that the new threshold could alter how people perceive speed limits.

According to Gorislavskaya, many drivers have their own idea of acceptable speed, which does not always align with official limits. They plan travel time and automatically accelerate if behind schedule, especially after being delayed by a slow vehicle. She fears some may interpret the new threshold as permission to drive faster, but reminds that mobile cameras are just one control method; the overall traffic situation must be assessed. Even a small speed increase significantly affects safety, lengthening braking distance and the distance traveled per second.

The psychologist attributes the rise in accidents in the first half of the year mainly to summer: drivers often use unfamiliar roads, traffic is lighter, and the feeling of control is heightened. Modern habits—distractions from phones, music, conversations—reduce concentration. If a driver does not even notice a traffic camera, their attention is misdirected, and instead of a camera, a child on a scooter might be the unexpected hazard. The primary goal of cameras is not to collect fines but to reduce speed in dangerous areas.

Gorislavskaya emphasizes that fines alone cannot change behavior long-term, especially for risk-prone individuals in constant hurry. True prevention begins much earlier—by fostering self-control and responsibility from childhood. Safety programs should thus focus not only on penalties but also on cultivating a culture of behavior, self-discipline, and respect for other road users.