How To Add Speed Cameras To Google Maps Iphone

Getting a speeding ticket is downright frustrating, not to mention that it can cost a pretty penny. Since paper maps are, for the most part, a thing of the past, today's drivers rely on GPS services to get directions and speed limit information.

How To Show Speed Limit on Google Maps

Let's be real, it is so much more convenient to have your display up and just see the map constantly. Having the speed limit on the screen as well negates the risk of "Oh shoot! I was going 50 mph in a 30! It LOOKED like a highway!" Thankfully Google maps offer this feature now.

Unfortunately, the speed limit option is only available to Android users. Those with iPhones may have to wait a bit longer for this new feature or use another application that we'll discuss in this article.

While most GPS devices and apps offered to display the speed limit from the get-go, Google Maps was late to catch on. As of recently, though, this useful feature is available on Google Maps as well.

What About the Speed Limits?

Although the feature is widely available on the app as of early 2019, speed limits are not entirely a new thing on Google. By this point in the article, you can probably guess that the journey began with an acquisition.

In 2013, Google spent about $1 billion to get Waze, the hugely popular navigation software known for its detailed road information. We'll talk more about Waze in a moment for iPhone users but ultimately, the acquisition of this app led Google to release a speedometer update for Android users.

Much to the annoyance of the county treasuries, the update includes speed camera icons to help you avoid traps and speeding tickets. Besides the U.S., this neat feature is also available in Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Russia, and a few other countries. So, if you're about to embark on a road trip to Cancun, you can do so with complete peace of mind.

How to Enable Speed Limit

To enable the Speed Limits option in Google Maps, open the Google Maps app on your phone and follow these instructions:

Tap on your profile icon in the upper right-hand corner

Tap 'Settings'

Tap 'Navigation Settings'

Toggle 'Speed Limits' on

Now that your Speed Limits are turned on you should be able to hear Google Maps' speed trap alerts as well. When you're in an area where the speed limit drops, Google Maps will let you know that there is a speed trap ahead.

While you're in the settings, be sure to turn on the Speedometer as well. Coupled with the Speed Limit sign in the bottom left-hand corner of your map, you will also see your own approximate speed. Google states that it does it's best to show your actual speed, but it's still a good idea to check the speed on your vehicle as well.

Speed Limits Aren't Working?

Google Map's speed limit notifications are, unfortunately, not available in all areas. If you've followed the instructions above but have yet to see the Speed Limits on your device's screen it's likely because the navigation feature is unavailable to you.

Some users have reported success with updating the Google Maps language to English if you aren't receiving your notifications so it may be worth a try.

Other Useful Features

Google Maps is a genuine navigation powerhouse. There are a bunch of customization options, hidden features, and geospatial search tools. Here are a few you are bound to find useful.

Offline Maps

Like most users, you probably access Google Maps on your smartphone. But what happens if there's no coverage? No problem, Google's got you covered.

Select your destination and tap the bottom of the screen. Hit Download in the pop-up window and you'll be able to access the map (directions and businesses included) from the download section.

Ride Sharing

Google Maps allows you to see ridesharing options from Lyft and Uber within the app. Select your destination and tap on the ride-hailing icon or the mass transit icon.

You are immediately shown all the available vehicles in your area including fare and time estimates, though this service may vary depending on your exact location and your internet or data connection.

Time Travel

The massive collection of images in Street View allows you to see how streets have changed over time. Want to see what your neighborhood looked like before? Now you can. This special time machine is now available in all locations, and you can access it by clicking on the "stopwatch" icon.

Wheelchair-Accessible Routes

To find wheelchair-accessible routes, hit Directions after you select your destination.

Then, tap the public transportation icon and select Options.

From there, you'll be able to see Wheelchair accessible under Routes.

This feature was first available in New York, Boston, London, and a few other cities around the globe. However, more information is being added, so feel free to check it out. Updates keep rolling out so make sure you are always using the latest version in order to get the latest features.

Location History

Depending on how long you have been using Google Maps, you may have received an email in January of 2020 with a link to see your location history. Basically, the app can track you throughout the year and during your rides and it reminds you of where you have been.

Some may think that this is a cute way to remember trips, or maybe even a useful way to track gas mileage. You can see this information in the "Location History" tab in the app.

Speed Limits for iPhone Users

As stated above, Google Maps doesn't have an option for iPhone users to view the speed limits within the application. Although Google Maps has a lot of features and it's pretty accurate if your heart is set on this feature you should check out Waze.

Once the application is downloaded to your phone, you can set up an account with your familiar places, preferences, and more. Turn on the Speedometer by following these instructions:

Tap on the 'Search' option at the lower left-hand corner of the app

Tap on the settings cog located at the upper left-hand corner of the pop-out window

Scroll down to 'Speedometer'

Toggle the option on so that it's green

This application allows you to interact with other drivers. Whether you see debris in the road or a police officer, you and others can update that information and alert other drivers. This app is also available to Android users as well.

Once you've set up your account you can earn a crown by warning other drivers and getting waves or thanks! If you're curious about a traffic jam, you can check or add comments.

I don't see the option for Speed Limits, what gives?

Speed limits are only available in some regions. If you're not seeing the option to turn on the feature it's likely that it isn't available.

Which is better, Waze, or Google Maps?

It really depends on the user. Google Maps has been in use for years and it's incredibly reliable. Not to mention, you can Google search a location and immediately pull it up in Maps. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eWaze is more customizable for multiple platforms. In recent years it has become more reliable, and due to its ability to alert you of debris in the road, cars on shoulders, and law enforcement, it's definitely an app everyone should at least try once.