I have heard that using a speed detection device in France/Spain is illegal.?

Question

Does anyone know whether this includes a normal sat nav with speed camera warnings?

Answer 1

jl geeson is correct about France.

You are allowed to have a machine which tells you where the fixed speed cameras are as part of a routefinding system (you can also find this info on the internet easily).

You are not allowed a machine which scans in front of the car to detect a radar beam.

The new toys that the French police have to play with are pretty good.

Their hand-held binocular speed cameras have an 800m range, so if you aren't watching all the bridges you WILL get caught. They also use these on the approach to a PEAGE (toll booths), so make an effort to reduce your speed as required, even if everyone else seems to be ignoring it. You see dozens of people getting told to pull over when leaving a peage when the police are doing this.

They also have cars with speed cameras in the boot/trunk. Basically, if you see a Renault or Peugeot parked at the side of the motorway or dual carriageway, drop back down to the speed limit quickly! They tend to use Renault Meganes and Peugeot 307SWs for this.

They still use the mobile stationary detectors too, usually under motorway bridges.

And don't forget the 1000 new cars with forward-facing cameras and all the bike patrols. Many of the cars are unmarked...the only help you get is that the French police always use French cars, so if it's a Mercedes following you, you're safe for the time being! The French police bikes are BMWs and their uniforms are blue with white helmets, so you know.

Answer 2

My understanding is that it is illegal in France. I do not know about Spain.

Answer 3

my answer is only for France .

it s not legal to interfer with speed detecting . if you use a navigator that warns you if you're near a probable "radar" that is not illegal .

( if you search "detecteur de radar" or "avertisseur de radar" with a search engine you'll find web pages that confirms you what i just  told)