FAQ | Beat Speed Camera Tickets

I have a Garmin, TomTom and/or Magellan GPS. How do I get PhantomALERT?

Great, PhantomALERT is compatible with Garmin, TomTom and Magellan GPS devices. Just click here and pick the plan that best suites your needs.

Will PhantomALERT help me avoid traffic?

Yes. If you have a SmartPhone, PhantomALERT has a feature which lets you access live feeds from traffic feeds.

I have a new SmartPhone. Can I install PhantomALERT?

Absolutely. For a limited time, we’re offering the first month FREE. Just click here to get started with your SmartPhone.

What are the equipment requirements?

A GPS device or SmartPhone. You’ll also need a USB cable, an Internet connection, a Mac running OS 10.x or a PC Windows XP or Vista.

Do I need to be technically-inclined to use PhantomALERT?

No. You only need to know how to move some files around on your desktop. And we provide full support if you have questions about anything.

Do professional drivers use PhantomALERT?

Absolutely. To demonstrate its value, read this testimonial from a professional driver John Piazza.

“I am a professional motor coach driver and I use phantom alert on my Garmin Nuvi 465T GPS. Although I keep the voice volume low, some of my passengers hear the warnings given by phantom alert. Whenever they ask me about the warnings, I always give them the phantom alert name, and how to get it on their GPS. They are usually amazed at the existence of the program and when I explain how it works, they are even more interested. I tell them they can load it onto as many units as they have and can update it as often as they want. I drive all over New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and as far west as Ohio and other states along the East Coast. Your program has saved me a lot of money and, makes my job much easier. I have a lifetime subscription because this is a great product, Thanks for the good work.” John Piazza

For more testimonials, please click here.

Is it legal to use PhantomALERT on my GPS?

Absolutely! PhantomALERT is 100% legal in all states in the U.S.. In fact, Police, Sheriffs and other public safety organizations are among our customers and we have endorsements from law enforcement officers. Click here for law enforcement testimonials.

How accurate is the data?

PhantomALERT is the largest, most accurate compilation of GPS safety data available. Our data is compiled and verified through multiple audits by PhantomALERT. And every minute of every day, we get thousands of contributions from members of the PhantomALERT community who add and verify data. To maintain the accuracy of the database, we use an exclusive and proprietary ranking/accuracy algorithm.

What are the different subscription levels?

There are four: monthly, annual, three year, and life time. Monthly and annual subscriptions provide free updates to a single GPS device for an entire calendar year or for one month from the date of purchase. With a 3 year subscription you receive free updates for three years PLUS you can share PhantomALERT with up to five family members. You also receive valuable no-cost updates to new devices such as smart phones as they become available.

I have several GPS devices. Can I use one copy of PhantomALERT on all of them?

When you purchase our lifetime subscription, 3 Year or 1 year subscription, you can use PhantomALERT on multiple devices.

With the LifeTime account you can use it on 10 devices.
With a 3 year subscription, you can use it on 5 devices.
With a 1 year subscription, you can use it on one device.

Get Started Now!

How does the map work?

The PhantomALERT database application displays:

– Red light cameras
– Speed traps
– Point of Interest (POI) locations

You simply select a metro area then PhantomALERT shows you a series of icons alerting you to hazards.

I just purchased a PhantomALERT SmartGPS PIN card. What now?

First thanks for supporting our retailers and purchasing PhantomALERT SmartGPS PIN cards provide a convenient way to benefit from PhantomALERT. To access your PIN, simply scratch off the oval area on the back of the card and you’ll see your PIN number. Then go here and from the menu on the right choose your device.

Is my GPS compatible with PhantomALERT?

Most portable auto-based GPS devices from GARMIN, TomTom and Magellan are compatible. To see if your device is compatible, click here. Nextar, MIO, and other brands are not currently compatible.

Can I use PhantomALERT with handheld GPS?

While you can install PhantomALERT into some handheld navigation devices for general navigation, you might not see the same performance as you will from those specifically designed for automotive use.

How do I keep my GPS current?

Updating your GPS is easy. Connect your GPS to a computer through a USB so you can update the database then repeat the installation process. Simply follow the instructions from the initial installation. If you already know your PIN number or you have a SmartGPS pin card, go here and follow the instructions. Repeat the installation process and the file in your GPS will be replaced with the latest version. If you need to review the installation process, click on the following links depending on what device do you have: Garmin, TomTom or Magellan.

How do I get PhantomALERT?

It’s easy. Just click here for plans and pricing.

How do I get support or technical assistance?

Click here to contact our customer help desk. We provide support through an online ticket system which tracks and manages the issue resolution process quickly and efficiently. Please submit one ticket per issue, multiple tickets will result increased response times. Support hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday Eastern Standard Time. We provide limited support on weekends and holidays.

Why should I choose PhantomALERT?

The PhantomALERT database is the biggest and most accurate in the world. Our enforcement database contains over 500,000+ locations along all verified and checked. So you’re more likely to have the information you need to avoid expensive tickets. PhantomALERT also provides FREE tutorials, FREE instructions and FREE tech support with a call center staffed with live people to answer your questions. The first time you avoid a red light ticket or a speeding ticket, PhantomALERT has paid for itself.

Do you provide online help loading and using PhantomALERT?

Yes. We created a detailed online tutorial series which provides step-by-step instructions showing you how to download and install PhantomALERT onto your GPS device or SmartPhone. You can also discover how to add locations and trouble shoot. Just click here.

I clicked on the tutorial video link but it won't play. What should I do?

In order to view the tutorials, you’ll need a cable or DSL internet connection and one of these standard browsers: Safari, Internet Explorer, or FireFox; you will also need the Adobe Flash Plugin installed. If you need Flash, go here. Note: AOL will not support tutorial playback.

I saw a map of law enforcement locations on your site. Can I add a new location or verify existing ones?

Absolutely. We encourage you, as a member of the PhantomALERT community, to report speed traps, red light cameras, speed cameras, and other hazards. In fact we do more than encourage you, we give you points you can redeem for prizes through the PhantomALERT MVP Program. To learn how to add locations, go here.

I'd like to get voice alerts for my GARMIN. Are they available?

Yes. Depending upon your model, we have a new QuickDOWNLOAD file which has custom audio alerts and all the files to update your GARMIN. We support GARMIN models above series 600 and above. To download voice files for GARMIN, go here now. The following devices support our new QuickLOAD audio alert files: 600 ,610, 650, 660, 670, 680, 710, 750, 755t, 760, 765T, 770, 775T, 780, 785T, 850, 855, 860, 880, 885T, 900T, 1200, 1250, 1260T, 1300, 1340, 1350, 1350T, 1370T, 1390T, 1490T, 1690, 1820, 1860, 5000.

I've installed PhantomALERT and I get warnings but don't see different icons.

Depending upon the make and model of your device, you may receive audio plus an alert warning. If your device has text to speech capabilities you can configure your device and PhantomALERT files to alert you to different types of safety zones. If you have one of the GARMIN devices above, you can use voice alerts AND custom icons. If you have an older device, you’ll receive an alert bar and tone as the warning alert as you approach a POI like a speed trap, red light camera, or speed camera.

I've installed PhantomALERT but it only warns me when I'm near a school zone. What should I do?

Click on the link we sent you for your device type in your confirmation email and try to download the database again, you may have selected just school zones when configuring the download.

I see the waypoints and points of interest in my device but I'm not receiving alerts. What should I do?

Depending upon the make and model of your device, you may need to ensure that you have loaded the POIs as proximity POIs. Each device has a different check box during installation. Review the installation processes by clicking on your welcome mail for your device type. You may also need to review the settings in your device to ensure you have audio alerts enabled. Click here to watch the tutorials for additional information.

I tried entering my PIN and I get an error message. What should I do?

PINs are tied to your account and IP address (the address of your computer on the Internet). The system is designed to allow multiple downloads but you may have tried from other locations or otherwise triggered our fraud system. Contact our help desk and we’ll be happy to reset your PIN.

I plug in my GPS to my PC but it doesn't recognize my computer and I can't upload PhantomALERT. What next?

GPS devices transfer information and communicate with PCs through a USB cable. Usually just connecting your device will start the connection with your computer. You may need to switch your device on and off or plug and unplug it or perhaps try a rear USB port2.

What's a POI?

It’s a Point of Interest. Most GPS devices use POI as a frame of reference for navigation. In the PhantomALERT community, a POI is:

– Speed Traps
– Red Light Cameras
– Speed Cameras
– Railroad Crossings
– Dangerous Intersections
– Dangerous Curves
– Speed Bumps
– Speed Cameras
– Red Light Cameras
– School Zones
– Police Checkpoints

How do I submit a POI location?

Submitting a location or multiple locations is easy. Go here, zoom to street level and complete the brief pop-up form and rotate the arrow with your mouse to apply the correct direction of travel. If you’d like to add additional information such as time of day, traffic congestion, ticket experience or other facts add the information using the link provided in the pop-up.

Can I share your site's online map and locations?

We want all our users and the driving public world-wide to benefit from the efforts of the community. We ask that you help other drivers and contribute a location after you purchase the data and share the site’s URL. If you’d like to become an affiliate and display the database application on your site commercially, please send us a message.

How do I remove PhantomALERT from my GARMIN?

We regret to hear you want to remove PhantomALERT database from your GPS. If you want to remove PhantomALERT from your device, follow the directions below.

1. Connect your Garmin to your PC using the original Garmin USB cable that came with your device.

2. Open My Computer if you are using Windows XP or earlier, or Computer if you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, by pressing and holding down on the Windows and keys on your keyboard.

3. A Garmin drive is displayed in My Computer.

4. Double-click on the Garmin drive, and then open the GarminPOI folder. Delete the poi.gpi file.

My car came with navigation. What should I purchase?

We can’t load PhantomALERT into your in dash system. However, we can help you avoid red light cameras, speed traps, and speed cameras; we recommend the affordable and practical Cheetah C50 Speed Camera and Trap Detector. It’s only $99.99. It’s small, practical and accurate. You can also use PhantomALERT on your Android, iPhone, or Blackberry SmartPhone.

I have a Garmin, my wife has a TomTom, and my son has a Google Droid phone. What do you recommend?

We recommend a three year subscription which you can share across three different models for three years which provides an excellent value. It’s just $49.99 for three years (that’s just $5.55 per year, per device). Click here now to get started.