Red light and speed measuring instruments
METAS ensures that the red light and speed measuring instruments used by the police for traffic control complies with legal requirements at all times.
Red light and speed measuring instruments in everyday life
Red light and speed measuring instruments are omnipresent in road traffic. Many simply call them “speed cameras,” “radars” or even “speed traps”. They have been proven to help the police make traffic safer and prevent accidents. These measuring instruments detect speed offenders and vehicles crossing the intersection at a red light.
In order for the measurements to be fair and accepted in court, the measuring instruments must measure correctly, work reliably and comply with legal requirements. In Switzerland, METAS ensures that this is guaranteed and that the measurements are carried out correctly and fairly for all parties involved.
Typical applications of red light and speed measurements
While red light measurements are practically exclusively used for road checks by police authorities, there are many additional fields of application for speed measurements in road traffic:
- Speed display or recording in the vehicle (speedometer, tachograph, telematics devices, event data recorder, etc.)
- Driver assistance systems at various levels of automation (SAE Level 0-5) up to autonomous vehicles
- External speed indicator devices (“Your speed”)
- Sensors for real-time traffic control and counting systems for traffic statistics
- Research and development in the automotive sector
Our services in the field of red light and speed measuring instruments
Our focus is on legally regulated measuring instruments that are subject to the Speed Measuring Instruments Ordinance, i.e.:
- Measuring instruments for speed controls and red light monitoring
- Measuring instruments for official testing of speedometers in vehicles
Approvals and type examinations
In order for red light and speed measuring instruments to be placed on the market, they require national approval. This refers to the type (device type). At METAS, we carry out the sometimes extensive type examinations for national approval.
Verifications
The verifications concern the individual-piece-dependent properties. During initial verification, we check that the measuring instrument in question complies with the approved type and with the legal requirements. We check the measurement stability as part of periodic reverifications.
Other industrial inspections
In addition to official activities, we also offer commercial checks for manufacturers and developers of red light and speed measuring instruments. Our testing infrastructure can be used by interested companies at an early stage of development, for example in order to align products efficiently and in a well-founded manner with regulatory requirements.
The measurement data collected in this process supports in particular:
- the optimisation of measurement algorithms and sensors
- early identification of deviations and sources of error
- the targeted preparation for future type examinations
On request, we also prepare test reports in which we assess the measuring instruments based on the requirements of OIML R91:2025. In doing so, we systematically apply the error limits and test procedures specified therein.
Support for authorities
On behalf of legal authorities, we prepare expert reports on speeds and safety distances in road traffic. We also pass on our expertise to interested parties through consultations and courses.
Is the service you are looking for not listed on the website? Please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can work together to find a customised solution to your problem.
Measuring methods and technologies
We test red light and speed measuring instruments, both in real road traffic conditions and in the laboratory under simulated conditions.
We use high-precision stationary and mobile reference systems in the field. We use these to test measuring instruments directly under real operating conditions.
In the laboratory, we test systems under reproducible conditions. In this way, different technologies can be compared in a targeted manner and critical traffic situations can be simulated realistically.
Our simulation focal points:
- Radar (24 GHz, 60 GHz, 77 GHz)
- Lidar (1D/2D)
- Induction loops
- Light barriers
Additional tests in the laboratory:
- Climate tests
- Beam characterisation
- Image interval times
- Red light functionality
Quality and expertise
You can find more information on the quality of our services on the “Integrated Management System” page.
Enquiry and contact
Traffic metrology
Federal Institute of Metrology METAS
Lindenweg 50
3003 Bern-Wabern
T +41 58 387 07 07
verkehr@metas.ch
FAQ
More information
Index
National approval for measuring instruments in Switzerland
The national approval based on Article 16 of the Measuring Instruments Ordinance (SR 941.210; MIO) confirms compliance with binding requirements for measuring instruments and thus enables the legally compliant placing of your measuring instrument on the market. The application for national approval is usually submitted by the manufacturer or the Swiss distributor.
Verification
Our verifications ensure that measuring instruments subject to verification carry out measurements in compliance with legal requirements. A verified measuring instrument can be recognised by its verification mark, which indicates the validity of the verification and, by extension, fosters trust in its measurement results.
Testing of measuring instruments
METAS tests ensure the accuracy, reliability and conformity of your measuring instruments. We carry out independent tests of measuring instruments, systems and methods, as well as of chemical properties, in accordance with national and international requirements.