French crackdown on speed camera detector use

Speed camera detectors are currently legal in the UK but an amendment to French laws in early 2012 made it illegal to possess sat nav or GPS systems capable of detecting speed camera sites. Penalties can include fines of up to €1,500, confiscation of the device, and of the vehicle.

For many years the French Highway Code, or ‘Code de la Route’, has prohibited the use of speed camera detectors regardless of whether or not they are being used. In 2012 this legislation was changed to apply to satellite navigation and other GPS systems capable of locating cameras. It is this change to the law that is catching increasing numbers of British drivers out as they travel through France.
The French police apply speeding restrictions particularly strictly and those who exceed limits face heavy on the spot fines. Any British drivers caught can have their licenses confiscated and their cars impounded if another driver with a valid license is not available.

Speaking on behalf of sat nav and GPS supplier Snooper, Steven Ballard commented: “British drivers need to be more aware of French road laws before they drive over there. The French government has made an effort to prevent people from detecting cameras, removing road signs and installing new cameras. If you have a sat nav capable of displaying French camera locations the best thing to do is disable camera alerts before travelling to France.”

“It is important for drivers to contact the manufacturer of their sat nav to see if software updates that remove French camera information are available. For those with built in devices it is best to contact your manufacturer for advice. Although it may inconvenience some drivers, French laws must be respected and you can save yourself a lot of trouble by taking steps to disable camera detecting devices.”

Snooper is a leading supplier of GPS satellite navigation systems for, trucks, golfers and leisure travelers. Visit their website at www.snooper.co.uk

Contact Information

Steven Ballard

Managing Director

Snooper UK

(44) +44 (0) 1928 579579

sales@snooper.eu