Radar detectors legal in France?

[Boxbrownie]

Hi,



Got back from France at the weekend and as usual they don't seem to have gone the GATSO route as yet, but they do use many roadside police operated radar speed traps as well as "radar detector" detectors!!!!!

If they do find you in posession of a detector as stated above there is an instant heavy fine and confiscation or destruction of your equipment.



Most traps seem to be operated just before the end of Autoroute toll sections (they like to just walk up at the toll booth and ask you to pull across to the service area for a chat!!)



Best regards David

[Darren]

I think you'd be OK with a Road Angel as this is not a radar detector (unless you have the laser attachments which I would definitely leave behind!). if you're stopped and asked just demonstrate it hooked up to the PocketPC?



FWIW I was in France laste year and was approached by a Gendarme patrol whilst parked in a rest place outside Reims and they were interested in how good the maps were on a PocketPC device
_________________
Darren Griffin

[Talkingbollox]

That's what I was thinking, Darren. I'll just remove the laser alert when I reach the continent.

[Privateer]

Folks,



I've heard of people getting "done" for having a Morpheous Geodesy (without Radar or Laser) on the dash. As the Road Angel is a similar device I'd be careful.



I've heard that the French traffic cops lookout for foreign registered vehicles and check them for signs of radar detectors (i.e. round suction cup marks on the windscreen). If they find those they might do a major search of your car.



Best clean the inside of your windscreen before you visit France.



Regards,
_________________
Robert.
iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 14.0.1: iOS CamerAlert v2.0.7
TomTom GO Mobile iOS 2.3.1; TomTom (UK & ROI and Europe) iOS apps v1.29
Garmin Camper 770 LMT-D

[iancjc]

Of on holiday in August wondered if it can sit on the dash out in the open or must be hidden from view.



Using a Bel 550 - is it ok just to select France and let it get on with it?



Cheers



Ian

[Privateer]

Hi Ian,



From the information I've seen on other forums on the web - it'd be best to leave the Bel (and other stuff) at home and try not to speed.



If you're caught with a radar detector or a GPS unit (Road Angel, Morpheous Geodesy, etc.) then you will be given a large on-the-spot fine and made to run over the equipment.





Regards,
_________________
Robert.
iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 14.0.1: iOS CamerAlert v2.0.7
TomTom GO Mobile iOS 2.3.1; TomTom (UK & ROI and Europe) iOS apps v1.29
Garmin Camper 770 LMT-D

[Talkingbollox]

Can anyone help me with this please. I'll be driving in France using a Road Angel as a GPS source for PPC SatNav.



Other the the laser alert attachment, it won't have speed camera detection functionality as the database does not extend to France.



In light of the above advice, do you think I should risk it?



Cheers



   

[BoPeep]

Hi Talkingbollox,



I too have read messages on the forums mentioned by Privateer (Robert) and agree wholeheartedly with him that, going by other people's experiences, it would be an unwise decision to use any such equipment in France.



IMHO it is not worth the risk, but ultimately it is your decision, so whatever you choose to do I hope that you have a pleasant trip, preferably one free from fines!



Bo Peep.
_________________
TomTom 730
HTC Desire - Co Pilot Live Premium (Europe)

[iancjc]

Thanks guys I guess I'll leave it at home - I've taken it for the past 2 years without really thinking about it - not that I've ever seen a Gatso in France.



Cheers



Ian

[Philip]

When people talk about a large fine, you can easily be looking at £500 or more, in addition to destruction of the detector.



One of the journalists at evo magazine got caught recently and it was a £500 fine in cash, on the spot. If you don't have cash, the French police will escort you to a cash machine. If you can't withdraw enough money, they will confiscate your car until you pay up.



Leave your detector at home if you're going to France.

--

Philip
_________________
Philip

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