Estonian MPs push bill to ban hidden mobile speed cameras
A group of Estonian MPs has put forward a new bill to change how mobile speed cameras operate. The proposal would force police to place warning signs before any speed checks. Without these signs, speeding fines would no longer be valid.
Three coalition MPs—Valdo Randpere and Madis Timpson from the Reform Party, along with Marek Reinaas of Eesti 200—are leading the push. They argue the move would help calm drivers and reduce speeding.
The bill's backers claim that warning signs would make roads safer by giving drivers time to adjust their speed. If passed, the law would invalidate any fines issued where no sign was visible before a mobile camera.
Opposition to the plan has come from multiple sides. Lauri Läänemets, leader of the Social Democrats (SDE), called it unnecessary and problematic. He warned it would create extra work for police and fail to address real traffic issues. The Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) also criticised the proposal. Officials argued it was driven by emotion rather than expert advice. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats labelled the bill as populist, claiming it would weaken traffic enforcement. Support, however, has come from Isamaa. Helir-Valdor Seeder, the party's parliamentary group chairman, backed the idea, saying secret surveillance for speeding was unacceptable in a law-governed state. He insisted that informing drivers in advance was the right approach.
The bill now faces further debate in the Riigikogu. If approved, it would change how mobile speed cameras are used across Estonia. Police would need to place signs before any checks, or risk having fines overturned.
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