Israel Police Deploy New TruCAM Speed Guns with Cameras

Israel's traffic police have introduced a new laser speed measurement device, the LTI 2020 TruCAM, which features an integrated camera. Unlike older laser guns, the TruCAM not only measures a vehicle's speed but also photographs it, allowing police to issue fines by mail without needing to stop the driver immediately. This upgrade is part of an effort to combat road accidents and improve driving culture. The new devices will initially be used alongside older LT 2020 laser meters, which are slated for gradual decommissioning.

The TruCAM operates similarly to previous laser devices by emitting a laser beam that reflects off the vehicle to calculate speed. The key innovation is the simultaneous photography, eliminating the need for officers to pursue and stop offenders. This allows a single officer to record significantly more violations in the same amount of time and from closer distances than before. While the TruCAM has a theoretical automatic mode, it is not currently used in Israel. The system can be deployed across the country, but its effectiveness can be limited by factors such as rain, fog, proximity to high-voltage lines, and the camera's effective range of approximately 150 meters. Challenges remain in disputing fines, particularly regarding the presence of other vehicles or identifying the actual driver.

Older LT 2020 laser guns, in use for years, will be phased out. These devices require officers to stop the vehicle to issue a ticket because they lack a camera. This often necessitates measuring speed from a greater distance (over 200 meters) to allow time for pursuit. They are used from a stationary position, typically roadside, and require proper calibration and documentation, with similar environmental restrictions as the TruCAM.

Another system in use is the "Dvora" radar (BEE 3 IL), mounted on police vehicles. It uses radar technology and the Doppler effect to measure speed, offering a longer range (over a kilometer) and the ability to operate while the police vehicle is moving. However, its less selective radar beam makes it less suitable for busy highways, being more effective on roads with lighter traffic. Like the older laser guns, it requires the driver to be stopped to issue a ticket.

Stationary A-3 cameras, installed since 2013, will remain operational until at least 2029. These cameras, often yellow or orange, use embedded road sensors to detect speed and can issue automatic fines, having already issued approximately 280,000 fines in 2026 alone. Future plans include new radar systems with cameras and, more significantly, average speed cameras. These cameras will measure a vehicle's speed over a set distance, making it harder to avoid fines by briefly slowing down. While police are preparing for average speed cameras, widespread implementation is not expected for several years.