Where does Saphe get speed limit data from?

Saphe displays the speed limit on the road you are driving on. Here you can read where the data comes from and why it does not always match the signs at the location.

Saphe retrieves speed limit data from HERE, one of the world's largest providers of digital map data. We believe that HERE has the best speed limit data on the market. HERE is mainly owned by the German car manufacturers VW/Audi, Daimler and BMW, as well as Bosch. These companies themselves have a strong interest in ensuring that traffic data is as accurate as possible.

HERE is our starting point. In addition, we use reports from the community to provide you with the most useful data and contribute to greater road safety.

Why is the speed limit not always correct?

No data source is 100% up to date and accurate, and this applies to all providers.

When a speed limit is changed, the change must first be recorded before it is added to the digital maps. This typically happens when the road is mapped using cameras or when motorists report the change. Therefore, some time may pass from when a new sign is put up until it can be seen in HERE and therefore in Saphe. Discrepancies most often occur with speed limits that have recently been changed.

Speed limits that change with time and season

In some places, the speed limit depends on when you are driving. The limit may be time-based, meaning that it depends on the time of day or day of the week. It may also be seasonal, meaning that it depends on the time of year.

We have data on time-based and seasonal speed limits in a large number of countries. The speed assistant takes these into account and displays the limit that applies when you drive past. This means you do not need to keep track of when the limit changes yourself. This also applies when you are driving in a country where you are unfamiliar with the rules.

Time-based speed limits are most common in the Netherlands, Germany and Austria. Seasonal speed limits are found particularly in Finland, Sweden and Norway. Denmark also has seasonal speed limits, especially during the summer.

How you can help all motorists

We are constantly working together with HERE - and you - to improve our data foundation, and your help is important. If you see an incorrect speed limit, you can report it directly in the app. All reports are used in the work to improve the data, making it more accurate for everyone who drives with Saphe.

See how to report an incorrect speed limit here 

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