Estonia Now Requires Warning Signs Ahead of Mobile Speed Cameras
Estonia now requires police to place advance warning signs before mobile speed cameras. Officials disagree on what happens if signs are missing or damaged.
New regulations that took effect on August 1 in Estonia require police to place warning signs before mobile speed cameras. The signs must be posted 150–300 meters ahead of cameras within town limits, and 300–600 meters on highways.
Taavi Kirss, head of traffic enforcement at the Police and Border Guard Board, said officers will set up the signs and record their positions before beginning speed checks. However, he acknowledged that signs cannot be monitored continuously; if one is blown over or stolen, the camera operator may not be aware. Kirss argued that drivers would still be liable for fines because the police have met their legal obligation by installing the signs.
The Interior Ministry expects legal challenges before the issue is clarified in court. Legal adviser Rina Sillandi said disputes would likely depend on the evidence in each case and acknowledged that it is difficult to predict how things will work in practice.
Attorney Indrek Sirk described the new requirement as unnecessary, calling it a propaganda measure that brings no benefit to traffic safety or the rule of law.
The article also notes that mobile speed cameras have been vandalized three times this year, with each repair costing €20,000.
