A tiny puck-shaped gadget promising to warn drivers about speed cameras and road hazards – I tested the OOONO Co-Driver NO2 to see if it really works
Modern cars are crammed with technology. Screens everywhere, navigation systems that want to talk to you constantly, lane-keeping assistants tugging at the wheel, and warning chimes that make you feel like you’re piloting a passenger jet rather than driving to Tesco. And yet, despite all that technology, there is still one thing many drivers worry about: speed cameras. Enter the OOONO Co-Driver NO2, a small Scandinavian gadget that promises to act like a silent passenger in your car – warning you about speed cameras, road hazards, and traffic issues ahead without distracting you with yet another screen. It’s an interesting idea. But does it actually work? Let’s give it a go!
What is the OOONO Co-Driver NO2?
The OOONO Co-Driver NO2 is essentially a screen-free traffic alert device designed to warn drivers about speed cameras and road hazards in real time. Instead of relying on radar detection like old-school speed camera detectors, it uses GPS data combined with a large community of drivers reporting incidents.
That means alerts for things like:
- Fixed speed cameras
- Mobile speed traps
- Red-light cameras
- Average speed zones
- Road hazards and accidents
- Congestion or stranded vehicles
The system works by connecting via Bluetooth to a smartphone running the OOONO app, quietly using the phone’s GPS and data connection to keep the device updated. Once set up, it starts automatically when the phone is nearby and the car begins moving.
The idea is beautifully simple: your phone can stay in your pocket, while the OOONO device gives clear audio and LED alerts when something important appears ahead.
Design and Installation
The first thing you notice about the Co-Driver NO2 is how small it is. It’s basically a puck-shaped device, roughly the size of a biscuit, with a glowing LED ring within the edge.
A magnetic mount with adhesive backing sticks to the dashboard, and the device simply snaps into place. It’s powered by a rechargeable battery charged via USB-C, which typically lasts around a month before needing a top-up.
There are no screens, no menus, and only a single button. That minimalism is intentional – OOONO wants drivers to keep their eyes on the road rather than on a phone screen.
How It Works in Practice
Once paired with your phone, the device works quietly in the background. As you approach a speed camera or hazard, the LED ring flashes and the unit emits a warning tone. If your car supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, those alerts can also play through the vehicle’s speakers – this confirms what I thought during the roadtest although I didn’t know this at the time! In theory, this creates something like a digital co-driver – a companion quietly watching the road ahead for problems.
Another interesting feature is the community reporting system. Drivers can report hazards with simple taps on the device. A single tap might confirm a speed camera, while other tap combinations report road hazards or incidents. With millions of drivers sharing data, the device is constantly updating its knowledge of what lies ahead.
The database itself already contains well over 150,000 known speed cameras, which means even without community reports the system has a strong starting point.
Does It Work on UK Roads?
In testing, the device does what it says on the tin. It reliably warns about fixed speed cameras and gives you plenty of time to check your speed before passing them.
The alerts are clear and noticeable – perhaps even slightly startling at first – but that’s probably the point.
Where things get a little more mixed is the live hazard reporting. Because the system relies on community input, coverage varies depending on how many other users are around. In some countries the community is extremely strong, while in the UK it’s still growing.
That means reports of things like broken-down vehicles or temporary speed traps may be less frequent than you’d see on apps like Waze. However, testing in it in the London area, it certainly reported accurately an accident up ahead.
Isn’t This Just What Waze Already Does?
Yes… and no. Navigation apps like Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps already warn drivers about speed cameras and hazards. But the OOONO device approaches the problem differently.
Instead of constantly glancing at a phone screen or dashboard display, you simply get clear audible warnings and LED flashes while you drive. It’s designed to be distraction-free, and that’s actually its biggest USP.
For drivers who don’t want to run navigation apps all the time, don’t like the distraction of screens in their car, or who drive classic cars without screens and phone connectivity – this little gadget could make a lot of sense.
Is It Legal?
Yes – devices like this are legal in the UK because they rely on GPS-based databases and publicly available information, rather than detecting police radar signals. That’s an important distinction.
However, some European countries do restrict these devices, so it’s always worth checking local laws before travelling abroad.
Price
The OOONO Co-Driver NO2 typically sells for around £55–£70 depending on retailer, making it a relatively affordable piece of car tech.
There are also no subscription fees, which is refreshing in a world where everything seems to demand a monthly payment.
Verdict
The OOONO Co-Driver NO2 does exactly what it promises. It’s simple, discreet, and genuinely useful.
However, if you already drive with Waze or Google Maps running all the time, you might not need it. But if you prefer a clean, distraction-free driving experience, this little device could be just the thing – and I’d particularly recommend it for drivers of classic cars that don’t want to clutter their dashboard with after-market screens or even phone cradles.
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