Inforad's PhantomAlert spots speed traps and red-light cameras across the U.S. and Canada.

 June 23, 2008 | by Rachel Cericola

This little alien-like gadget affixes to your dashboard, and uses GPS to detect red-light cameras and speed traps. The unit receives continuous software/download updates, all of which come from your fellow motorists—yes, even the ones that give you the finger!

Of course, you’ll need to subscribe to a service to get all of those tasty nuggets. It’s free for the first 12 months. After that, you’ll need to shell out £24.99 ($49) per year or £49.99 ($98) for a lifetime of updates.

It would be even cooler if this GPS unit was a combo, well, GPS, and could spot the fuzz while guiding you to the nearest IHOP.

Is it totally bizarre that the device is listed in U.S. dollars, while the service is in English pounds? It doesn’t matter. Depending on your track record, it could save you coin in a variety of currencies. The PhantomAlert is available now for $200.