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I have read a posting on another site which indicated that in Spain it is illegal for the driver to be able to see a Sat Nav. screen.

Can anyone confirm that this is true as we are heading that way in two weeks time.

 Its Illegal for your sat nav to warn you of speed cameras

See your in Valencia Hogan, where my wife is from coming over to see the outlaws intwo weeks time

What happens if your car has a built-in satnav. How would the French police confiscate it.   

What is illegal is a speed camera detector, not the sort of thing you would find in a satnav.

Quote: Originally posted by Nimrodphil on 02/2/2008

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What happens if your car has a built-in satnav. How would the French police confiscate it.   

What is illegal is a speed camera detector, not the sort of thing you would find in a satnav.

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and even if your GPS gives alerts of Speed Cameras, you can buy books in any Supermarket giving the locations of speed cameras. The radar detectors are illegal though and you can face a heavy fine for even having one in your possession.

What does seem to be illegal is if you can see the screen. This is why the devices always have a "voice only" option.

Free Download of French Camera POIs may bew of interest

Quote"I think you will have to register (free) and log in to download the camera locations.

I have used it fairly frequently in France and they seem to be accurate.

Getting to be more mobile cameras around. Quite often handheld and late at night too.

Remember, GPS based warnings OK in France. Radar detectors NOT. They will confiscate it and fine as well.

I have had my stuff gone over by the gendarmes to ensure it is not a radar one during a routine roadside check" end Quote

Both my car and my wife's car have built in sat nag's, the screens of which are clearly visible to the driver.  I can not believe that Volkswagen and Volvo would sell cars in the EEC that do not meet regulations.

Have these nanny states gone as mad as ours. I can see my wife in the passenger seat when I drive. Should she be thrown out in case she distracts me ?

Now there is a thought.

Michael

Thanks Romany

I read it, but I still do not believe that major car manufacturers would sell cars that do not conform to the law,  That site may be some one's interpretation of the law.  Don't forget that a while ago many people had radar detectors confiscated by the police in the UK, till they tried on with a barrister, who went to court any won. The police said that it was illegal, but it was not.

I am not suggesting that anyone should use a radar detector in their car abroad. I only quote the above as an example of how laws can be (wrongly) interpreted.  I do not know what the position is in Spain, but still find it hard to believe that all manufacturers are breaking Spanish law every time they sell a car with a built in sat nag - cos all can be seen by the driver.

Michael

I am led to believe from my spanish relatives that is why car manufacturers fitted sat navs have a voice only option whether they would prosecute you for a fixed one probably would depend on the officer stopping you, One thing is definate if it is a windscreen one or being used in the windscreen your going to get done and should it have the facility of showing speed cameras then say hello to at least a few hours in the local Spanish nick.

 I have asked the outlaws to check their facts as they don't believe cars sold in spain actually have sat navs, only an option when buying new to have it installed hence hire cars having them with a warning to use voice mode only 

Of course the bottom line is do you really want to argue the toss with a local Spanish copper they do tend to be very intransigent with foreigners and don't like their actions being questioned by anyone English or Spanish

You may think Spanish law is over the top but the Spanish accident death rate is terrible and the goverment is trying to do something about it

Just one other small point for those of you with the old Paper licence you still need to apply for an aa  international license because our old paper ones do not have a photo

Quote: Originally posted by Michael Bird on 04/2/2008

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Both my car and my wife's car have built in sat nag's, the screens of which are clearly visible to the driver.  I can not believe that Volkswagen and Volvo would sell cars in the EEC that do not meet regulations.

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as I said "That's why all these devices have a voice only option" Its the same as if you were trying to watch a TV and drive.

 do you really want to argue the toss with a local Spanish copper they do tend to be very intransigent with foreigners and don't like their actions being questioned by anyone English or Spanish

That's because the Traffic police are the Guardia Civille (spelling?) They only have responsibility for Drugs and Traffic now. When France was alive, they had enormous powers but with the return of Democracy to Spain they lost their control - and they haven't forgotten. They were nasty B-ds years ago and they are still the same. Nothing easier than a Tourist to take it out on...

If you have a look on POCKETGPS you will find all the Countries and the restrictions that apply. Far better than trying to second guess what the answer might be.