Section controlWorldwide
Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.
445. Section control
Section control, also called average-speed enforcement, measures a vehicle’s average speed over a defined road section instead of at a single point. Cameras record the vehicle at two or more locations, and the travel time between the measurement points is used to calculate its average speed. If the average exceeds the applicable speed limit, the system can record a speeding offence. Section control encourages drivers to maintain a legal speed throughout a longer section of road rather than slowing down only near a fixed speed camera.
Wikimedia.org • Nxr-at • CC BY-SA
What is section control?
Section control is an automated enforcement system that calculates a vehicle’s average speed between two or more measurement points.
How does section control calculate your speed?
The system records when the vehicle passes the entry and exit measurement points. Using the known distance and travel time, it calculates the vehicle’s average speed over the section.
What is the difference between section control and a speed camera?
A conventional speed camera measures speed at one specific location, while section control measures the average speed over a longer distance.
Can slowing down just before the second camera avoid a section-control fine?
Not necessarily. The system uses the average speed over the entire measured section, so briefly slowing down near a camera does not erase excessive speed earlier in the section.
Does section control use number-plate recognition?
Many systems use automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) to identify the same vehicle at different measurement points. The exact technology varies between countries.
Can section control be mobile?
Yes. Although many systems are permanently installed, mobile average-speed systems can also be used temporarily, for example around roadworks.

Traffic rules
Worldwide