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GPS CAMERA LOCATORS PROHIBITED IN SOME EU COUNTRIES
Mon, 28 Jul 2008
The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) is this month warning motorists to dismantle or remove their speed camera detectors when driving abroad to avoid serious penalties. In some countries, in-car GPS systems that show where speed cameras are located are also banned.
A survey of motoring clubs across Europe in 23 countries found that only two - the UK and Hungary - permit the use of both camera detectors and POI (points of interest) GPS systems.
Thirteen countries, including Austria, France and Italy allow POI systems but not radar/laser detection equipment. The IAM Trust has always supported the banning of such equipment because its main use is to allow drivers to speed without fear of detection.
Seven countries prohibit POI systems, including popular tourist destinations such as Ireland, Germany and Switzerland. The POI function is built into many GPS units and shows the location of fixed cameras from information in the unit's CD-ROM database, which can usually be updated. POI systems normally feature information about garages, car parks, shops and other facilities. In most modern units this information can be turned off.
Neil Greig, Director of the IAM Motoring Trust said: "There have been incidents when camera detectors have been literally ripped out by local police. The best thing to do is check if detectors are permitted in the country you plan to visit or simply don't take one with you."
Punishment for using prohibited equipment varies widely from country to country. In Germany a fine of EUR75 is levied if the sat nav POI function is not switched off. In Switzerland and Ireland your sat nav could be confiscated.
Mr Greig added: "Driving abroad can be an unnerving experience. While away take extra care to observe speed limits in unfamiliar countries. If you planned to rely on your sat nav to give you directions, take a local map as well and plan a route before travelling."
The table below shows which countries allow detectors and which do not.
Country Point of Interest systems Camera detection equipment
Austria Permitted Prohibited
Belgium Permitted Prohibited
Bosnia-Herz. Prohibited Prohibited
Bulgaria Prohibited Prohibited
Cyprus Prohibited Prohibited
Czech Rep. Prohibited Prohibited
Denmark Permitted Prohibited
Finland Permitted Prohibited
France Permitted Prohibited
Germany Prohibited Prohibited
Hungary Permitted Permitted
Ireland Prohibited Prohibited
Italy Permitted Prohibited
Luxembourg Permitted Prohibited
Macedonia Prohibited Prohibited
Netherlands Permitted Prohibited
Norway Permitted Prohibited
Portugal Permitted Prohibited
Russia Permitted some types permitted
Slovakia Permitted Prohibited
Sweden Permitted Prohibited
Switzerland Prohibited Prohibited
UK Permitted legislation in preparation
A survey of motoring clubs across Europe in 23 countries found that only two - the UK and Hungary - permit the use of both camera detectors and POI (points of interest) GPS systems.
Thirteen countries, including Austria, France and Italy allow POI systems but not radar/laser detection equipment. The IAM Trust has always supported the banning of such equipment because its main use is to allow drivers to speed without fear of detection.
Seven countries prohibit POI systems, including popular tourist destinations such as Ireland, Germany and Switzerland. The POI function is built into many GPS units and shows the location of fixed cameras from information in the unit's CD-ROM database, which can usually be updated. POI systems normally feature information about garages, car parks, shops and other facilities. In most modern units this information can be turned off.
Neil Greig, Director of the IAM Motoring Trust said: "There have been incidents when camera detectors have been literally ripped out by local police. The best thing to do is check if detectors are permitted in the country you plan to visit or simply don't take one with you."
Punishment for using prohibited equipment varies widely from country to country. In Germany a fine of EUR75 is levied if the sat nav POI function is not switched off. In Switzerland and Ireland your sat nav could be confiscated.
Mr Greig added: "Driving abroad can be an unnerving experience. While away take extra care to observe speed limits in unfamiliar countries. If you planned to rely on your sat nav to give you directions, take a local map as well and plan a route before travelling."
The table below shows which countries allow detectors and which do not.
Country Point of Interest systems Camera detection equipment
Austria Permitted Prohibited
Belgium Permitted Prohibited
Bosnia-Herz. Prohibited Prohibited
Bulgaria Prohibited Prohibited
Cyprus Prohibited Prohibited
Czech Rep. Prohibited Prohibited
Denmark Permitted Prohibited
Finland Permitted Prohibited
France Permitted Prohibited
Germany Prohibited Prohibited
Hungary Permitted Permitted
Ireland Prohibited Prohibited
Italy Permitted Prohibited
Luxembourg Permitted Prohibited
Macedonia Prohibited Prohibited
Netherlands Permitted Prohibited
Norway Permitted Prohibited
Portugal Permitted Prohibited
Russia Permitted some types permitted
Slovakia Permitted Prohibited
Sweden Permitted Prohibited
Switzerland Prohibited Prohibited
UK Permitted legislation in preparation
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