Update your satnav to stay within law
DRIVERS with satellite navigation devices installed in their vehicle must update the software when driving in France, after a new law was introduced in January making it illegal to use radar warning equipment.
Most of the major sat nav manufacturers have brought out updates that can be installed from their websites, or from a CD if you do not have internet access.
The positions of individual speed cameras are removed from the map. Gradually they are being replaced by new data warning drivers about larger “danger zones” such as accident blackspots or zones where temporary radars might be installed.
Foreign drivers travelling to France on holiday must check their device is compliant before arriving. You must at least disable speed camera alerts, but for extra certainty, check the device manufacturer’s website or log in to your account there to download any software updates.
The penalties for using speed camera warning equipment include a fine of up to €1,500 and the loss of up to six French licence points.
The government is also busy installing about 400 new fixed speed cameras and is taking down road signs indicating the location of existing fixed speed camera sites.
Useful links
* TomTom www.tomtom.com/5565
* Garmin www.garmin.com/fr/ 100pourcentlegal
* Mio/Navman www.mio.com/conformitegps
* Coyote Updates are automatic and a “certificate of conformity” can be printed from www.moncoyote.com
