Observe the speed limit or you're nicked, monsieur.

France has cracked down drivers in what appears to be an attempt to raise revenue rather than improve safety. 

The authorities have banned the use of SATNAV systems that warn motorists of speed cameras; and it is strictly enforcing the existing regulation for vehicles to show speed stickers.  If caught vehicle operators are likely to face punitive fines.

SATNAV

The new decree in France makes it is illegal to use speed trap sensors that operate through SATNAV systems. It has been illegal to use these for some time not strictly enforced. The decree prohibits the possession and use of any device to alert drivers to the presence of roadside checks, and supposedly includes all devices that indicate the presence of radars.

TomTom said that it is adjusting its product to just advises the driver of ‘danger zones’ in France rather than individual cameras.  “If your TomTom navigation device has the Speed Camera service and you continue to use the service, you risk a fine of up to euro 1,500,” the company said. Garmin said that it has already made this change. “All Garmin devices sold to French customers are 100% legal. UK customers who are travelling in France should disable their French safety camera database.”

The French Ministry of the Interior said: “The warning radars allowed some road users not to respect the speed limits.”

Speed stickers

The requirement for maximum speed stickers has been in place in France for many years but has rarely been enforced.  It now appears that the authorities are taking a very hard line with vehicles being fined up to Euro290 for not displaying the stickers.  Spain and Italy seem to be doing the same thing.  Not having these stickers has become one of the French police’s favourite ‘reasons for stop and fine’. Once stopped they take the opportunity to look to see if there’s anything else wrong.

Editor’s Note

A recent European Parliament resolution calls for a Europe-wide ban on the manufacture, import and distribution of systems that warn drivers of traffic checks.